Rising costs, slowing tax revenue and a sluggish economy have saddled some of Texas’ biggest cities with multimillion-dollar deficits.
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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Energy
Texas will audit up to 300 projects, mostly data centers, after Gov. Greg Abbott’s order
The state’s power grid operator had already planned on auditing several data center proposals, but Abbott’s directive reworks the timeline and adds new requirements.
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Courts
Limits on certain firearms, silencers lifted for some in Texas after judge’s order takes effect
The Trump administration declined to immediately appeal a ruling by a federal judge in Lubbock that invalidated parts of the 1934 National Firearms Act.
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Courts
Lawsuit seeks to stop Big Bend border wall construction
A tribal nonprofit and an outdoor recreation company filed the federal lawsuit, arguing the work threatens archeological sites and sacred grounds.
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Economy
Data center audit lacks specifics even as Gov. Abbott, industry leaders tout it
Without key details on the audits but the eagerness to support them, policy watchers question how impactful these audits will be in curbing data center growth.
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Politics
Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters
Campaigning for the U.S. Senate, Paxton says he was “delivered by God” to protect Texas from leftists. Talarico’s focus: “You can’t love God and hate other people.”
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Courts
Texas’ mail ballot ID requirements restored by federal appeals court
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals rebuked the lower court’s 2025 ruling that struck down nine provisions of a sweeping election law related to voter assistance.
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Health care
Baby at center of surrogacy rights case is born in Dallas
The biological parents won a temporary restraining order against the surrogate, who tried to claim parental rights, and are with their baby, their attorneys say.
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2026 Texas Elections
Trial lawyers, once a force for Democrats, reclaim political clout in Texas GOP’s MAGA wing
Texas plaintiffs’ lawyers are bankrolling populist GOP insurgents. Tort reform groups like Texans for Lawsuit Reform are aghast.
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TribCast
TribCast: Could rural rage really swing a statewide election?
In this week’s episode, the TribCast crew is joined by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and economy reporter Paul Cobler. They discuss the anger in rural Texas over data centers and power lines, and ask Miller why he thinks it means Democrats could win a statewide race in November.
