The higher fee, meant to combat catalytic converter theft, provided millions to expand the Flock network across Texas. Some lawmakers say that wasn’t the intent.
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.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
With costs up, healthcare a defining issue in South Texas’ battleground House races
In the state’s most competitive districts, Democrats are building their case around lapsed insurance subsidies and Republican-backed Medicaid cuts.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
John Cornyn is raising money for competitive Senate races — just not in Texas
The GOP senator said he plans to use his considerable fundraising prowess to help colleagues in New Hampshire, Michigan, Alaska and elsewhere.
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Health care
Moms who had children via surrogacy urge Texas to preserve the only way they could have families
Texas moms and surrogates say lawmakers can sharpen protections for both parties in contracts and regulate surrogacy agencies, but caution against severely limiting the practice.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Trump visits Texas to fundraise for Ken Paxton’s Senate bid
The president’s trip, which includes a GOP event and a NASA ceremony, comes as the Texas attorney general trails his U.S. Senate challenger James Talarico in the polls and fundraising.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Who’s leading in Texas’ U.S. Senate race? We’re tracking poll results between Ken Paxton and James Talarico.
The latest survey has Talarico leading by six points. Most polls show Talarico with a slight advantage over Paxton.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas should establish three-year bachelor’s degree options, Gov. Greg Abbott says
Abbott, who is seeking reelection, wants recommendations on how to implement shortened programs to ease student costs and meet workforce needs.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
GOP nominee for San Antonio House seat apologizes for “crude and immature” social media posts
Jorge Borrego said he has matured since the years when he used homophobic slurs and racist tropes, and referenced cocaine use, in a series of social media posts that bubbled up this week.
Posted in
Health care
California couple confront their surrogate in a Texas court as dispute over newborn escalates
The attorney for the couple’s surrogate McKenna West said in court she should be the mother of the newborn. The biological parents have a restraining order against West.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Talarico campaign asks court to unseal Paxton’s depositions in energy investing dispute
The petition, to be filed in Collin County, seeks the transcripts from two rounds of testimony Paxton gave as part of a legal clash that entangled his financial adviser and former business associates.
