The state said EMPOWER needed more time to improve conditions after two children died under the contractor’s care over the years.
Courts
Stay up to date on Texas courts with in-depth coverage of major rulings, judicial elections, criminal justice, and the judges shaping state law from The Texas Tribune.
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Health care
Hours after statewide ban is reinstated, smokeable hemp is temporarily back on Texas shelves, court rules
After a dizzying string of court actions on smokeable hemp this week, Texas 15th Court of Appeals agreed to allow the sale of the drug until May 14.
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Courts
Former Texas lottery director was indicted by grand jury before case got dismissed
The indictment accused Gary Grief of misusing his position to defraud the state in a highly scrutinized $95 million 2023 Lotto Texas drawing.
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Courts
UT-Austin defends its handling of pro-Palestinian protest in federal trial
Student Ammer Qaddumi is suing the university after he was suspended for his involvement in the 2024 demonstrations, calling it a violation of his free speech rights.
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Courts
Paxton investigating Texas schools to ensure posting of Ten Commandments
Texas can enforce the state’s law requiring Ten Commandments posters in public schools. Here’s what to know about the latest legal challenges.
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Immigration
Civil rights groups sue to stop Texas immigration law
Senate Bill 4, scheduled to take effect next week, lets Texas police arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
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Health care
Rule that lets Texans obtain out-of-state abortion pills can continue for now, Supreme Court says
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mifepristone must be obtained in person, a decision the country’s highest court has temporarily blocked.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
How the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texas’ electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of color
The Supreme Court weakened Section 2, the linchpin of the 1965 civil rights legislation that prohibits diluting the electoral power of voters of color. But the statute’s fingerprints can be seen all over Texas’ maps.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Republican runoff: Who is running for Place 3 and what to know
The criminal court decides death penalty case appeals and rules on petitions for those who believe they’ve been wrongfully detained. Alison Fox and Thomas Smith are in the runoff for Place 3’s Republican nominee.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Supreme Court voting rights ruling empowers Texas Republicans to redraw more partisan maps
Texas lawmakers will be able to draw more aggressively partisan maps for the state House, Senate and education board when they return in 2027.