Analysis: Texas issues that play on the national stage
The issues getting attention from Gov. Greg Abbott are doing double-duty: They're attractive to Republican voters in Texas — and beyond. Full Story
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With jobless Texans losing access to federal unemployment benefits, some in rural areas can’t find jobs
Gov. Greg Abbott opted Texans out of all additional federal unemployment aid starting June 26. But finding a job hasn't been easy for everyone. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for Texas Legislature and its staff as punishment for Democrats’ walkout on elections bill
The governor’s move comes after Democrats walked out of the House in the final days of the regular legislative session to block passage of Senate Bill 7, Abbott’s priority elections bill that would have overhauled voting rights in the state. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott signs Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 3 at the Texas Capitol on June 8, 2021. The omnibus power grid bills will change the state’s power grid and the people who oversee it.]()
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Business leaders on Texas-Mexico border say state politicians ignore community needs while calling for a wall
Many local officials and business leaders along the border say that the rhetoric is misplaced and that the broader needs of their communities can often get lost. Full Story
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![The site of a proposed development off of US Highway 83 and Pine Street in Rio Grande City. June 17, 2021.]()
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick waffles over whether he still supports stronger gun background checks
In September 2019, he said he was "willing to take an arrow" and go against the National Rifle Association by pushing for Texas to extend background checks to gun sales between strangers. On Thursday, he sat next to NRA leader Wayne LaPierre as an expansion of gun rights became law. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks at a press conference concerning the recently passed Election & Ballot Security Bill, also known as Senate Bill 7, at the Texas Capitol on April 7, 2021. "Senate Bill 7 is about voter security, not about voter suppression, and I'm tired of the lies and the nest of liars who continue to repeat them," said Patrick.]()
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TribCast: Assessing Texas' power grid and its plans to build a border wall
On this week's TribCast, Matthew speaks with James, Alexa and Erin about Gov. Greg Abbott's border wall plans, the state power grid and Democrats pushing for voting legislation in Washington. Full Story
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Critics denounce Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick’s “invasion” rhetoric on immigration, saying it will incite violence
“If people die again, blood will be on your hands,” U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, wrote in a tweet. Full Story
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Analysis: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott feels the heat
The governor wants to talk about the border. But it’s hot, and recent history has Texans worried about electricity as temperatures climb and regulators call for conservation. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to target critical race theory in a special session, but is so far mum on details
The governor said Wednesday he would add the issue to the agenda for an anticipated special session. Full Story
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![Fifth graders at Jacob’s Well Elementary School in Wimberley lineup at the door as they prepare to walk back to their classroom from the science lab on Sept. 4, 2020.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott says power grid better than ever as Texans asked to cut back electricity use
A number of power plants were inexplicably offline at the same time that Texas was experiencing record June demand for electricity. ERCOT officials are still working to determine why. Full Story
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![Details of electrical transformers at the Austin Energy/Sand Hill Energy Center
in Del Valle on March 24, 2020.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill that would outlaw abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned
The law would almost immediately outlaw abortions in Texas if a court ruling or constitutional amendment gave states the authority to prohibit the procedure. The governor’s signature comes after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could pave the way for more state restrictions on abortion access. Full Story
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Texans can carry handguns without a license or training starting Sept. 1, after Gov. Greg Abbott signs permitless carry bill into law
Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republicans who were initially noncommittal about the bill were under immense political pressure this session from conservatives and gun rights advocates, who have long lobbied the Texas Legislature for permitless carry. Full Story
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![A M&P Shield handgun, small enough to be ideal for conceal carry, in Austin on April 23, 2021.]()
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Las Vegas Sands went all in on legalizing casinos in Texas. Here's why the multimillion-dollar effort did not make it far this session.
The legislation — which required voter approval — would have brought a monumental expansion of gambling to Texas, which has some of the most restrictive gaming laws in the country. Full Story
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![Gamblers play slot machines during the reopening of The D hotel-casino, closed by the state since March 18, 2020, as part of steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 4, 2020.]()
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Texas “critical race theory” bill limiting teaching of current events signed into law
Texas is one of a handful of states that have approved legislation that prescribes how teachers discuss current events and prohibits students from receiving credit for participating in civic activities. Full Story
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![Computer station at the library in Wheatley High School on Nov. 14, 2019.]()
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Donald Trump to tour border wall with Gov. Greg Abbott on June 30
Abbott announced last Thursday that Texas would build its own border wall to stem the flow of migrants from Mexico. Full Story
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![Former President Donald Trump walks from his flight at Valley International Airport in Harlingen on Jan. 12, 2021.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll use crowdfunding for his plan to build a border wall
Abbott made national headlines with his announcement Thursday in Del Rio that Texas would build its own wall at the Mexico border, though he provided no further details and said he would lay out the plan this week. Full Story
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![The border fence and levee passes through the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Hidalgo, Texas on Feb. 7, 2017.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas lawmakers would prioritize workers in 2021. But advocates say the working class was largely left behind.
After Texas workers were praised during the pandemic, many thought lawmakers would increase protections or benefits. But advocacy groups say they spent a lot of time playing defense on bills that could hurt workers. Full Story
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![Construction in downtown Austin's warehouse district on May 2, 2017.]()
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Analysis: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott heads for the border
The Texas Legislature has left Austin, and Gov. Greg Abbott has turned his attentions to the state's border with Mexico, where the policy issues are difficult and the politics are rewarding. Full Story
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![Ordered under the George W. Bush administration, a controversial incomplete border wall along the Rio Grande River in South Texas has had environmental and cultural impacts.]()
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In a period of conflicts and crises, Gov. Greg Abbott goes all in on the border
The governor's announcement Thursday that Texas would build its own border wall was Abbott's boldest move yet in an intensifying focus on the region. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott addresses the media about border security at a press conference at Anzalduas Park in Mission on March 9, 2021.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott wants to build a border wall, but does Texas have the ability — or money — to do so?
Critics have denounced Abbott's proposal as "political theater" that won't pass legal muster. But the two-term Republican governor says it's time to secure the border. Full Story
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![A segment of the border fence in the Rio Grande Valley.]()
Credit: Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune
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