Members from both chambers left the U.S. Capitol Friday evening, kicking the negotiations into the weekend. Dozens of agencies will be impacted by the shut down, potentially leaving border patrol agents to work without pay.
2018
U.S. Supreme Court denies Trump administration request to immediately enforce new asylum rules
President Donald Trump’s Nov. 9 proclamation barred asylum for anyone who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border between official ports of entry. It came in reaction to recent caravans of migrants from Central America.
Texas Ethics Commission fines Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller $500 over 2015 rodeo trip
The fine comes nearly four years after Miller, a champion calf roper, used taxpayer money for a trip to the National Dixie Rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi.
Death in the oilfields: Fossil fuel boom brings mounting risk of death, injuries
From 2008 through 2017, 1,566 workers perished trying to extract oil and gas in America. About as many U.S. troops died fighting in Afghanistan during that period.
Analysis: More questions after #MeToo investigation of Texas Sen. Charles Schwertner
An investigation of a state senator accused of sending lewd texts to a college student ended without proving his guilt or his innocence, leaving some tough questions unresolved as the Texas Legislature starts its 2019 regular session.
What does race have to do with the death penalty in Texas?
More than 72 percent of those on death row in Texas are people of color. Studies show race plays a role in the state’s harshest punishment.
Report: Feds investigating Southwest Key, migrant shelter operator for thousands of kids in Texas
The Austin-based non-profit has received $1.1 billion in federal funds since the start of 2016 and currently houses 3,644 migrant children at shelters across the state.
UT-Austin reaches deal for new $338 million basketball arena
A corporation, Oak View Group LLC, will pay to construct the arena in exchange for future revenue generated at the venue.
Former state Sen. Kevin Eltife named new chair of the UT System board
Appointed to the University of Texas System’s Board of Regents in 2017, the Republican has been an outspoken critic of system-level spending.
Criminal justice overhaul passes U.S. House, heads to Trump for signature
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, pushed the bill, which was inspired in part by reforms made in the Lone Star State.



