Katherine Wells was celebrated early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then public health became a political litmus test.
Lubbock’s public health director fights to stop measles and build public trust
Posted in
Ken Paxton Impeachment
Justice Department declined to prosecute Ken Paxton in final weeks of Biden’s term, AP sources say
The federal investigation had been the most serious inquiry still facing Paxton, who settled a securities fraud case and was acquitted of corruption charges in the Texas Senate in 2023 following a historic impeachment.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
The Dan Patrick Show: How to build an audience — and political power
In an interview, the lieutenant governor talks about his recent pop-up investigations and how he uses storytelling to make a political point.
Posted in
Environment
Texas’ Rio Grande Valley didn’t see last week’s historic storms coming
The region is still cleaning up after last week’s storms in which at least six people died.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Officer previously accused of excessive force confirmed for state board by Texas Senate
One Senate Democrat joined Republicans, providing the margin needed to approve Justin Berry to the state law-enforcement board.
Posted in
Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
From desalination to water treatment: Bill that prioritizes creating new water supplies get Texas Senate OK
Senate Bill 7, which won unanimous approval, is among legislation that seeks to avert a looming water crisis as the state’s population booms.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
How couriers changed the playing field of the Texas Lottery
Lottery couriers have gained newfound scrutiny in Texas after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick raised questions about the use of a courier to sell an $83.5 million jackpot ticket.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
More than 40 people arrested at Texas home amid Tren de Aragua investigation
Authorities did not say how the individuals arrested in Hays County may be tied to the Venezuelan gang. It was also unclear what criminal charges people may face, though drugs were seized.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M can’t ban “Draggieland” drag show, federal judge rules
Judge Lee H. Rosenthal said the student group that organizes Draggieland, the Queer Empowerment Council, was likely to succeed in showing the ban violates the First Amendment.
Posted in
Investigations
A Texas school leader says material about diversity in state-approved textbooks violated the law.
The decision to strip chapters from books that had already won the approval of the state’s Republican-controlled board of education represents an escalation in how local school boards run by ideological conservatives influence what children learn.
