The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, on Monday blasted Democrats for threatening to shut down the federal government under the guise of helping undocumented immigrants. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold settled a sexual harassment complaint with $84,000 in taxpayer money. Now he's promising to pay the public back. Full Story
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During the next two fiscal years, Texas is set to spend roughly $200 per child per month through the Children's Health Insurance Program. Full Story
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The decision by two of the country’s top Democrats to back out of a meeting at the White House doesn’t mean legislation protecting young undocumented immigrants from deportation is off the table. It could signal even further delays, though. Full Story
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Days after a U.S. Border Patrol agent was killed and another seriously wounded, details about what happened to the agents, or even whether they were attacked, are still scarce. Full Story
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A state representative launched an anonymous Facebook page to lobby against a parks bond in his hometown of Fredericksburg. The bond lost by 100 votes. The city's mayor called the campaign "totally wrong." Full Story
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Late Thursday, transportation officials released a statement saying they were dropping several toll projects from long-term plans due to public response. Full Story
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Legislative leaders looking to create better training to prevent sexual harassment will likely face a roadblock if they want to get lawmakers in the room. Full Story
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Steve Mostyn, a top Democratic donor and prominent Houston trial lawyer, died Wednesday. He was 46. Full Story
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A state lawmaker has asked the attorney general to weigh in on whether the state's transportation agency can use voter-approved funds to rebuild or expand highways that will also include toll lanes alongside them. Full Story
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The newly established Texas House Select Committee on Economic Competitiveness held its first hearing on how to effectively enact policies that bring business to the state. Full Story
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Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett, a nominee of President Donald Trump to a federal court, defended past tweets about transgender people and same-sex marriage as jokes at a confirmation hearing Wednesday. Full Story
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Three Texas Republicans are at or near the top of a list of politicians who have spent the most in campaign-related funds at President Donald Trump’s privately-owned properties over the last year, according to a new Washington Post report. Full Story
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Jay Hulings, who has built early momentum in the Democratic primary for Texas' most competitive congressional district, suggested Monday that House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi should step aside for "new leadership." Full Story
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Interviews with more than two dozen current and former lawmakers and legislative aides indicate sexual harassment regularly goes unchecked at the Texas Capitol. And sexual harassment policies rely on officials with little incentive or authority to enforce them, particularly in cases of harassment by lawmakers. Full Story
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday endorsed a primary challenger to a sitting member of the Legislature, state Rep. Sarah Davis, a Houston-area Republican. Full Story
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Bruce Jacobson Jr., a Republican, might be running for the U.S. Senate against Ted Cruz. Also, he might not be running. You can read all of that on his campaign website. Full Story
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No dollar amount is going to secure a win when it comes to running for office. In fact, some of the most expensive campaigns were run by people you have probably never heard of. Full Story
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Hundreds of Texans across the state are organizing around policy issues they care about including education, immigration and guns. Based on reader input, we've added dozens of more groups to our directory of grassroots organizations. Full Story
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Sharon Keller, the longtime presiding judge of Texas' Court of Criminal Appeals, has tried to move on from several past ethical controversies — including blocking the last-minute appeal of a 2007 execution. A primary challenger hopes voters will reconsider them. Full Story
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