The state’s 38 private colleges can opt out of a new state law that will allow concealed handgun license owners to carry guns in buildings on college campuses. No private college has announced plans to allow guns on its grounds. Here is a look at where things stand with each campus.
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.
DPS, Trooper Move to Halt Lawsuit by Sandra Bland’s Family
The Texas Department of Public Safety and indicted trooper Brian Encinia want a federal judge to let the officer’s criminal case in Waller County play out before moving forward with a lawsuit filed by Sandra Bland’s mother.
Abbott Jumped Gun on Terror Suspect Arrest
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott discussed details about a terror suspect arrested in Texas Thursday while the case was still sealed, but a federal prosecutor downplayed the impact.
Trooper in Sandra Bland Case Plans to Appeal Firing
Department of Public Safety Trooper Brian Encinia will appeal his firing and disputes the allegation that he perjured himself in regards to his report on arresting Sandra Bland, his attorney told The Texas Tribune.
Notorious Drug Lord “El Chapo” has been Captured, Mexican President Says
Drug kingpin Joaquรญn โEl Chapoโ Guzmรกn, who escaped from a maximum-security prison in Mexico nearly six months ago, has been recaptured, President Enrique Peรฑa Nieto announced Friday.
Roundup: Gun Control, Sandra Bland Case, 2016
In the Roundup: State leaders react to President Obamaโs executive actions on gun control, a Waller County grand jury issues an indictment in the Sandra Bland case, and the presidential campaigns shift into high gear in the new year.
Iraqi Refugee Identified As Terror Suspect Arrested in Houston
Gov. Greg Abbott renewed his call for better vetting of refugees after an Iraqi man was arrested in Houston for alleged connections to the Islamic State.
Trooper Indicted in Sandra Bland Case
A grand jury did not believe Department of Public Safety trooper Brian Encinia was telling the truth about his actions during his arrest of Sandra Bland, who died three days later in a Waller County jail cell.
Grand Jury to Reconvene Over Sandra Bland Case
The grand jury decided in December not to indict anyone for Blandโs death. But the door remains open for other charges, special prosecutor Darrell Jordan said, though details of what the grand jury is examining are confidential.
Texas Officials Criticize Obama’s Executive Order on Gun Purchases
Texas’ elected leaders lashed out Tuesday at President Obama’s executive orders prompting more background checks during gun purchases. But those officials offered no specifics on how they planned to fight Obama’s actions.

