After a deadly downtown shooting, Texas Muslims report fear and backlash as political rhetoric intensifies and Austin’s first Muslim city council member responds.
Anti-Muslim backlash shadows Austin after downtown shooting
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State Government
Business owners sue comptroller after their removal from state minority business program
Women- and minority-owned businesses were removed from the Historically Underutilized Business Program in December by acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who argued he was ending a DEI program.
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Immigration
Texas House Republicans ask Congress to halt all immigration after Austin shooting
More than 70 GOP House members signed a letter asking Congress to stop legal immigration until “proper vetting protocols” are in place.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas primary election results for U.S. Senate, attorney general and more
Follow The Texas Tribune’s coverage of election results for the 2026 primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the Texas Legislature and more.
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Public Education
Muslim parent sues Texas over exclusion of Islamic private schools in voucher program
The federal lawsuit argues Texas officials are engaging in religious discrimination by preventing Islamic private schools from accessing state voucher money.
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2026 Texas Elections
Republican meddling roils Senate Democratic primary in final days
A super PAC supporting James Talarico is running ads online warning that the GOP is “boosting” Jasmine Crockett. Her spokesperson said Republicans “who underestimate her do so at their own peril.”
Posted in
Environment
Dow asks Texas to legalize plastic pollution from its Seadrift complex
Facing multiple lawsuits, North America’s largest chemical manufacturer requests an “unprecedented” permit amendment to authorize its discharge of polyethylene pellets into coastal waters.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Turnover in East Texas politics may jeopardize regional sway at the Legislature
Some advocates for the region worry freshmen lawmakers will start deal-making at a deficit, while other voters see a chance for new blood.
Posted in
Public Education
School districts can set aside prayer time under a new Texas law. Few have done so.
School boards had until March 1 to decide whether to establish a daily period for students and staff to pray or read religious texts.
Posted in
Politics
Political fighting pervades Texas politicians’ responses to Austin shooting
Days out from the March primary, Republicans called for changes to immigration law. Democrats repeated their calls for stricter gun laws.
