The Trump administration declined to immediately appeal a ruling by a federal judge in Lubbock that invalidated parts of the 1934 National Firearms Act.
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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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.
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Health care
Surrogate asks Texas court to let her seek medical care on the baby she’s carrying, AG Paxton says
An Alaskan surrogate has traveled to Texas for legal protection after a California couple has refused treatment for a severe heart condition.
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Health care
Texas fights court ruling requiring that defendants get quicker access to psychiatric hospitals
A federal judge recently ruled that Texas must give defendants who are mentally incompetent to stand trial a state hospital bed within 21 days.
