Judge Elsa Alcala ended her tenure critical of the death penalty and often pleading for policy changes from the state Legislature.
2019
Posted in
Immigration
Shutdown over wall straining Border Patrol agents working overtime without pay
As the government shutdown approaches its fifth week, Border Patrol agents still roam the Rio Grande and the international bridges are still open. But some federal immigration proceedings have ground to a halt and thousands of hearings have been canceled.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: At the top of Texas government, three-part harmony
The state’s top leaders have been saying for weeks that they are in sync, and here’s the surprise: Their initial proposals look like they are actually in sync.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas House and Senate about $3 billion apart on public education spending
Two rival budget proposals offer a starting point for debate between the two chambers on public school funding and property tax relief.
Posted in
Immigration
Governor, top Texans in Congress ask Trump not to raid Harvey aid for border wall
Gov. Greg Abbott and 22 members of Congress from Texas sent a letter to President Trump stating their opposition to using Harvey aid for a border wall.
Posted in
Immigration
“The abuse was structural:” Report offers glimpse of life inside the now-empty Tornillo migrant camp
Kids were brought into the tent city and some were held for months after illegally crossing the border. For seven months, Tornillo was a symbol of the Trump administration’s scattershot immigration policies, CityLab writes.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
At inauguration, Gov. Greg Abbott promises “we are going to get this done” on school finance and property taxes
The two top statewide elected officials were sworn in Tuesday to second terms at the helm of Texas government.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas Senate proposes $3.7 billion for mandated teacher raises
Senate leaders say they will require districts to use the money to give $5,000 raises to each teacher.
Posted in
Politics
Why Julián Castro’s first trip in his 2020 campaign was to Puerto Rico, not Iowa
During his visit, the newly announced presidential candidate highlighted the much-criticized federal response to Hurricane Maria and aimed to distinguish himself as the candidate of an increasingly diverse Democratic Party.
Posted in
Demographics
Federal judge rules against Trump administration’s push for citizenship question on 2020 Census
The case is likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
