A vice chancellor upheld the firing of Melissa McCoul, seen in a viral video being confronted by a student on her gender identity teachings, saying the termination was done with “good cause.”
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
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Environment
Trump administration weighing new South Texas land exchange with Elon Musk’s SpaceX
Federal officials are considering swapping 775 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge with the aerospace company, according to The New York Times.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas comptroller GOP primary attracts big money from donors with business before the agency
One candidate received about $1 million within an eight-day span from the head of a Dallas tax firm — and 72 of his employees — that helps corporations secure tax breaks under comptroller-run programs.
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Courts
Texas National Guard’s deployment in Illinois blocked by U.S. Supreme Court
Around 200 Texas National Guard troops were deployed to the Chicago area in early October, despite opposition from local and state governments in Illinois.
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Congress
Another exodus in Congress means Texas will need to start rebuilding its clout in 2027
At least 10 Texas incumbents will not be returning to Congress next term, a high-water mark for turnover in the delegation.
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Politics
Texas comptroller questions whether some Islamic schools can be excluded from voucher program
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock suggested schools that hosted events for the Council on American-Islamic Relations or are linked to China could be disqualified from the new program.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas’ next top lawyer: What does the attorney general do and how has Paxton remade the office?
Texans will elect a new attorney general next year for the first time in over a decade. The office handles legal matters impacting everyday life and, currently, plays a leading role in the conservative movement.
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Courts
Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case are unsealed
The documents show that the Paxtons have entered mediation, and their blind trust had doled out $20,000 to each of them to pay for their attorneys.
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State Government
Texas lawmakers from both parties oppose Trump’s order targeting state AI laws
Texas’ new law regulating AI is set to take effect Jan. 1, two months after Trump’s executive order threatening to cut off some federal money if states pass “onerous” AI laws.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Democratic candidates unite in the Rio Grande Valley to court Latino voters
State Rep. James Talarico faces an uphill battle in his U.S. Senate bid while 15th Congressional hopeful Bobby Pulido aims to flip the district, but he must first win his primary.