New rules from state health officials ban smokeable intoxicating hemp products, including pre-rolled joints and hemp flower.
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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Politics
More than 12,000 Dallas County voters showed up at wrong primary polling place
The county GOP forced the elimination of countywide polling sites on primary election day, creating confusion for voters of both parties.
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Health care
147 measles cases reported in Texas so far this year, most of them in federal detention centers
Local officials report that 108 of the cases originated in a contracted detention facility in Hudspeth County.
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Criminal Justice
Texas jails aren’t meeting deadlines to free inmates, costing some counties thousands in settlements
The state does not track the prevalence or provide guidance on the issue, leaving inmates to languish in jail and eventually sue counties for damages.
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Courts
Texas’ drag show restrictions take effect after years of court challenges
The law prohibits sexually explicit drag performances on public property or in front of children.
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Health care
What Texans need to know about upcoming SNAP restrictions
Starting April 1, Texans will no longer be allowed to use food stamps to buy sweetened beverages and candy.
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2026 Texas Elections
Here’s how to vote in Texas’ May 26 primary runoff elections
Voters will decide over 30 races, including a nationally watched battle between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. The registration deadline is April 27, and early voting is May 18–22.
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2026 Texas Elections
Cornyn, Paxton decline to withdraw from Texas Senate runoff ballot as deadline passes
The day after the March 3 primary, President Donald Trump pledged to endorse either John Cornyn or Ken Paxton “soon,” and call on the other to drop out. He has yet to make an endorsement.
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2026 Texas Elections
Dallas County GOP will agree to countywide voting sites after primary election chaos
Voters in the May 26 primary runoff will be allowed to again cast ballots at countywide voting sites on election day.
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2026 Texas Elections
Jace Yarbrough is GOP nominee in North Texas congressional district after second-place finisher bows out
After finishing a distant second in the March 3 primary, Ryan Binkley dropped out of the runoff. Yarbrough is favored to win the general election for the redrawn 32nd District.