Power outages are a possibility during any severe weather event. But a local power outage is different from a larger power grid problem.
2022
Posted in
Guides
How Texas counts ballots and keeps elections secure
From election equipment to ballot counting and storage, Texas elections officials follow a long list of laws and procedures to ensure free and fair elections.
Posted in
Marijuana in Texas
Is marijuana legal in Texas? What you need to know about the state’s pot laws.
A proposed change in how the federal government classifies the drug won’t change state laws.
Posted in
Texas Abortion Restrictions
How to get birth control and emergency contraception in Texas
Contraception options are available through most health insurance plans and government-funded clinics.
Posted in
Immigration
Here’s what you need to know about Title 42, the pandemic-era policy that quickly sends migrants to Mexico
The public health order that quickly expels migrants to Mexico was launched early in the pandemic. The Biden administration plans to end its use May 11.
Posted in
State Government
No, Texas can’t legally secede from the U.S., despite popular myth
The theme of independence has recurred throughout the history of Texas, which was a republic from 1836–45. But the Civil War established that a state cannot secede.
Posted in
Graphics and data reporting
Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke broke fundraising records in their race for Texas governor. Here’s how much.
Final fundraising figures show that both gubernatorial candidates raised a combined $160 million in the November midterm election.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
Almost two months after Election Day, Harris County still doesn’t know if polling site problems kept people from voting
Some sites opened late and reportedly ran out of paper in November, but the county says its investigation into the issues “has not yet revealed” whether anyone was turned away.
Posted in
TribCast
TribCast: Evan Smith reflects on a career of watching Texas politics and media
In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with outgoing Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith about the state of politics in Texas.
Posted in
State Government
Texas Supreme Court says it can’t force the state to process deluge of applications for tax break expiring this year
The program, known as Chapter 313, provides companies with billions of dollars in property tax breaks. The court said it is up to the Legislature to make the call on what to do as the program is set to expire and the state is swamped with applications.