The latest Greg Abbott news from The Texas Tribune.
On this week’s TribCast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Jolie and Emma about the governor’s decision to opt out of the federal refugee resettlement program, the state’s hemp legalization fiasco and the latest in the Texas vs. Planned Parenthood fight. Full Story
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A new commission had barely begun to study Texas' partisan judicial election system when the leader of the Texas Senate signaled skepticism of reform. Full Story
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The decision comes just days after the Texas governor became the first state leader to opt out of the program. The move drew a harsh rebuke from Texas' Catholic bishops. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to opt out of the federal refugee program is unpopular with Catholic bishops, but might find more favor among Republicans in Catholic congregations. Full Story
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The governor's decision to opt out of the federal refugee resettlement program marks a shift in the state's Republican establishment over the last two decades. Full Story
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It’s not the first time Abbott has disagreed with the religious groups over state policy. He was also criticized after he made 2017's Senate Bill 4, an omnibus, state-based immigration enforcement bill, a legislative priority. Full Story
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The decision comes after more than 40 other governors said they would opt in to the federal program. Full Story
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A fatal stabbing near downtown Austin on Friday has reignited a social media squabble between Abbott and Austin leaders over the city's decision to overhaul its homeless policies. Full Story
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Elected officials have bickered over how to respond to Texans experiencing homelessness, and President Donald Trump tapped a man who founded a San Antonio shelter to coordinate the federal government's approach. Meanwhile, homeless Texans say they're often misunderstood. Full Story
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The Texas billionaire wanted U.S. courts to throw out a hefty judgment won against him in Morocco. The law wasn’t on DeJoria’s side. So Texas legislators changed it. Full Story
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Dianne Hensley, who received a warning last month from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, will be represented by First Liberty Institute, a high-profile religious liberty law firm with close ties to the Texas Attorney General's Office. Full Story
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Abbott responded to criticism about his language by pointing to a decade's old Pace salsa ad. He told a critic to "lighten up." Full Story
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Republicans and Democrats are ready for the 2020 battle over the Texas House, with roughly 30 of the 150 seats seen as competitive for both parties. Full Story
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Robert Marbut Jr. helped develop the Haven for Hope homeless shelter in San Antonio, which Gov. Greg Abbott praised as "probably the best template" for addressing homelessness. But aspects of Marbut's approach have been criticized as harsh and patronizing. Full Story
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When state Rep. Rick Miller said two of his opponents were running because they're Asian, the real news was in the result, not in the gaffe. Top Texas Republicans reacted, publicly and quickly. Full Story
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After those two appointees left the commission, it handed down just a warning to the judge, Dianne Hensley. Full Story
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The Sugar Land Republican faced fast and fierce backlash after he accused his opponents of running against him because they are Asian in a district with a sizable Asian population. Full Story
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Austin Mayor Steve Adler has become Pete Buttigieg’s most notable supporter in Texas, and one of the most prominent elected officials in America supporting the South Bend mayor. Full Story
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Two University of Texas/Texas Tribune pollsters say top state officials edging into slightly tighter gun control laws are taking their cues from the changing electoral climate — not from changing attitudes among voters. Full Story
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Abbott has set a Dec. 1 deadline for agencies to tell his office how they plan to limit regulations, reduce fees and, "where appropriate," remove licensing barriers for people with criminal records. Full Story
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