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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.
In a pandemic and an election year, Texas Democrats look for the right tone
The party, which has high hopes in the state in 2020, is looking to offer contrast without politicizing a crisis.
Texas tax breaks help in disasters — just not public health disasters
Property tax exemptions and sales tax holidays only offer savings for events like hurricanes or floods.
Federal appeals court allows medication abortions in Texas during coronavirus pandemic
The appeals court’s latest ruling comes after abortion providers and state officials have battled over what access to the procedure should be allowed during the public health crisis.
Limited seating and pajama bottoms: How Texas churches are preparing for a socially distant Easter
Gov. Greg Abbott has given his blessing for churches to hold services during the pandemic. Some are gathering their flocks for Easter. Others are sticking with livestreamed services.
Texas banned abortion during the pandemic, but she got one anyway. How the legal battle is creating confusion for clinics
The courts volleyed back and forth this week, siding in turns with the state and then with abortion providers. But clinics across the state are responding inconsistently, with some shutting down altogether while they await a final answer.
Houston-area lawmakers urge DA to investigate possible “non-existent” March primary candidate
“We are concerned that more than 2500 Harris County voters may have been duped,” the Democratic lawmakers wrote.
Citing social responsibility, many churches and businesses deemed essential are closing anyway
“This is the only way to be sure that we’re not making everybody sicker,” said one restaurant general manager. “We wanted to be able to be an example.”
Texas can enforce abortion ban during coronavirus pandemic, federal appeals court rules
Republican state officials have said barring the procedure in almost all cases is essential for preserving hospital resources during the pandemic. Abortion providers call it political opportunism — and unconstitutional.
Texas Democrats again sue to ease vote-by-mail rules during coronavirus pandemic
The Texas Democratic Party is asking both federal and state courts to rule on whether any voter in upcoming elections should be able to ask for an absentee ballot to mail in and avoid possible infection at polling places.



