An estimated 68,000 of the more than 99,000 guns submitted to U.S. authorities by Mexican law enforcement for tracing had origins here, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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.
Leppert Derides Opponents as “Empty Suits” in New Ad
In his latest television ad, U.S. Senate candidate Tom Leppert dismisses his Republican opponents as “empty suits” and compares them all to President Obama.
Making the Trip From the Bench to the Grass Roots
How do you get state judges to go to a weekday afternoon reception in rural West Texas? It depends on who else is there โ and what it could mean for their re-election bids.
ALEC Will End Work on Gun Laws, Plano Legislator Says
The American Legislative Exchange Council is eliminating its committee that developed policies on crime and elections. State Rep. Jerry Madden, chairman of the committee, said the group will no longer focus on gun laws.
Updated: Court Hears Challenge to Murder Conviction, Scent Lineups
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals heard from Megan Winfrey’s lawyer and the San Jacinto County district attorney Wednesday as Winfrey challenges her conviction for a 2004 murder.
Interactive: The Cost of Texas vs. the Feds
This interactive breaks down the costs of the lawsuits that Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has brought against the federal government.
Report: Youth Ringleaders Wield Control at State’s Largest Juvenile Lockup
A report from the independent ombudsman’s office raises concerns about a small group of youths who purchase control of weaker youths using drugs, cigarettes and money at the Giddings State School.
Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee to Consider Divorce Forms
A Texas Supreme Court advisory committee today will consider whether to approve divorce forms. But many family law attorneys argue that forms are insufficient.
Congressional Bid Could Impact State House Race
Domingo Garcia’s campaign for Congress may boost Hispanic turnout enough to unseat state Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, who is facing his first primary challenge in 16 years.
Updated: Former Death Row Inmate Can Get New DNA Tests
A judge today granted Kerry Max Cook’s request for more DNA testing in the 1977 murder of Linda Jo Edwards, but the former death row inmate will have to fight to prove his innocence in the same place where he was twice sentenced to death.



