When state senators revive legislation on Saturday that could require voter approval of city and county property tax rates, lawmakers will also consider something new: limiting how much money local governments spend. Full Story
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Say hello to the "bathroom bill" for the third time this year. A Senate committee will hold a hearing on the controversial legislation this morning. Full Story
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A Texas governor can tell lawmakers what subjects to work on in a special session but can't tell them exactly what to do. The session that started this week is now in the hands of the Texas Legislature — not the governor. Full Story
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Donning an apron, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick offered senators dinner for coming back in the early morning hours Thursday to vote out two special session bills that would extend the life of five state agencies. Full Story
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If judges ultimately agree that Texas’ current political boundaries discriminate against minority voters, we could see new maps ahead of the 2018 elections. Judges could also impose a more consequential penalty. Full Story
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The Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood announced on Thursday they're suing over a provision in Texas' Senate Bill 8, which outlaws dilation and evacuation abortions. Full Story
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Former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas told a panel of Senate lawmakers on Thursday that she will take a hard line on Russia if she is confirmed as ambassador to NATO. She appears to be on track for confirmation. Full Story
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The national Episcopal Church is urging Texas House Speaker Joe Straus to remain "steadfast" in his opposition to legislation to restrict bathroom use for transgender Texans. Full Story
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Environmental groups are taking the EPA to court, alleging the federal agency isn't properly policing Texas air pollution permits they argue are too lax and complicated. Full Story
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In what seems to be an overture to the House, Gov. Greg Abbott added two new education-related issues to his special session call Thursday: school finance reform and increased benefits for retired teachers. Full Story
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By the time you read this, critical legislation keeping several key state agencies alive is out of the Texas Senate and on its way to the House — and Gov. Greg Abbott has officially green-lighted the Legislature to begin working on the other 19 items he wants passed during the special session. Full Story
In this week's edition of the Trib+Edu newsletter: Sacramento schools look for teachers in the Philippines, political dysfunction continues to hold up education dollars for Illinois schools and a push for music education in South Dakota. Full Story
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A fast-moving Senate gave approval to critical “sunset legislation” after midnight Thursday, using two bills to extend the life of five state agencies held political hostage at the end of the regular legislative session. Full Story
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Here’s a look at the state-vs.-local fight over bathroom regulations, the legislative debate on the issue and how some Texans feel about the proposed measures. Full Story
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Most Texas prisons remain un-air conditioned, but a federal judge's ruling Wednesday called conditions at one prison cruel and unusual and ordered temporary air conditioning for heat-sensitive inmates. Full Story
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Statewide officials, state lawmakers and the candidates who'd like to unseat them faced a Monday deadline to report their campaign finances for the first half of the year. Here are some highlights. Full Story
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The chair of a House oversight committee wants more information about potential "misconduct" that occurred at the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Full Story
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Sources say that Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax has hired Detroit Deputy Chief Ulysha Renee Hall, who'll be the first female to serve as police chief in Dallas. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Patrick about the kickoff of the special legislative session, what's at stake for the state's top leaders and what's in store for the bathroom bill. Full Story
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Watch video of our conversation in Austin previewing the special session with state Reps. Carol Alvarado, Drew Darby and Matt Schaefer. Full Story
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