Amidst the threat of a filibuster from Democrats, U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz said Wednesday they are intent on finding a way for Republicans to confirm President Trump’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.
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.
Judge in Paxton case will rule on pretrial issues on Thursday
The judge in the securities fraud case against Attorney General Ken Paxton says he will rule by noon Thursday on a number of major pretrial issues.
Steve Stockman, former aide indicted on fraud charges
The case against Steve Stockman is growing.
Supreme Court says Texas canโt use old medical standards for death row inmates
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Texas death row inmate Tuesday, sending his case back to the appeals court and invalidating the state’s method of determining if a death-sentenced inmate is intellectually disabled and therefore ineligible for execution.
Texas death penalty juror hopes to change law as execution looms
As Paul Storey’s execution looms, one juror is asking the Texas Legislature to clarify the jury instructions in death penalty cases, claiming he didn’t know he alone could have stopped the sentence.
Stockman says he’ll be vindicated as lawyers brush off “deep state” blame
Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas, said Friday he will be vindicated in the conspiracy case against him while his lawyers brushed off the suggestion a “deep state” shadow government was behind his arrest.
Yet again, lawmakers poised to do little to help sex-trafficking victims
When it comes to child sex trafficking, Texas lawmakers are once again poised to focus on criminal enforcement this legislative session rather than providing resources to victims.
Senate panel OKs bill requiring schools to teach teens about interacting with police
The proposal, Senate Bill 30, is a bipartisan response to deadly encounters between law enforcement and civilians seen in recent years throughout the country.
House committee makes changes to anti-“sanctuary” bill
More than 600 people signed up on Wednesday to testify before the House State Affairs Committee on the lower chamber’s version of the controversial proposal to outlaw “sanctuary” jurisdictions.
Texas proposal would limit prosecutors in grand jury proceedings
Grand jury reform legislation would allow suspects’ attorneys to be present during questioning and would prevent prosecutors from going to another grand jury if the first one declines to indict โ unless there’s new evidence.


