The growing backlash surrounding 765 kv lines, as well as data centers, was tackled at a nine-hour House hearing that included testimony and recommendations but no definitive answers.
August 2026
Texas Parks and Wildlife commissioners inundated with border wall concerns during annual meeting
After bulldozers entered Big Bend National Park, hundreds of Texans came to Wednesday’s meeting to ask the agency to keep federal border barriers out of state parks.
A surrogate’s fight for parental rights in Dallas could discourage surrogacy use in Texas, lawyers say
A surrogate’s fight for custody over the baby she birthed last week could lead to more restrictions on the rights of biological parents and on abortion clauses in surrogacy agreements.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes penalties for schools that keep “vulgar” books on library shelves
“We’re coming for the books,” the lieutenant governor said in announcing plans to lower the performance rating of Texas schools that violate a recent law targeting obscene titles in school libraries.
Gov. Abbott proposes ban on H-1B visa use for Texas public schools during campaign stop
Some districts use the temporary work permits to fill critical teacher shortages in roles such as bilingual education.
TribCast: Should we believe the polls about Paxton and Talarico?
In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin about the polls showing a tight race for U.S. Senate. Are they reliable? Is Talarico really in the lead?
Texas Tribune Festival 2026: Our full lineup is here
Raphael Warnock, Kevin Stitt, Dolores Huerta, Maggie Haberman and other prominent voices in American political and civic life join us in Austin next month
Colorado school district rejects controversial reading curriculum because of errors, Texas focus
The Colorado district scrapped plans to use Bluebonnet materials just days into the school year.
Protecting Texas university research from foreign adversaries focus of House hearing
As Texas examines foreign influence, UT-Austin is among 30 institutions ordered to provide federal authorities a security audit of certain international ties.
Rio Grande Valley residents are feeling more negative about their lives. That could spill into the voting booth.
Rio Grande Valley residents are unhappy with the economy, salaries, and other factors. That could sway their political views, according to political watchdogs.

