Students in Mesquite and El Paso schools were sent to truancy court despite a new state law stressing alternatives to criminal charges, several advocacy groups allege.
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
Dan Patrick offers faith-based plan to ease foster care crisis
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants faith-based communities to help find foster and adoptive homes for kids in need.
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Bordering on Insecurity
After a lull in 2015, border apprehensions surge
Apprehension of families and unaccompanied children surged again along the Texas-Mexico border in 2016, reflecting the new prevalence of illegal immigration from Central America.
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Politics
Clinton campaign buys Texas TV ad time in rare move for Democrats
Hillary Clinton’s campaign is going on the air in solid-red Texas, a remarkable move by a Democratic presidential nominee as her Republican rival, Donald Trump, struggles across the country.
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Politics
Analysis: A history lesson amid Texas Democrats’ hopes of a blue November
Texas Democrats have pined for years for a candidate who could turn their luck around. Now they’re hoping a Republican will answer their prayers.
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Politics
Hurd raises almost twice as much as Gallego in latest report
The incumbent entered the final stretch of the campaign with a large cash advantage in the hotly contested swing congressional district.
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Health care
Despite boasts, state has not blocked Planned Parenthood funds
Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials are largely silent on why they haven’t fulfilled their vow to cut off funds to women’s health programs offered to poor Texas women by Planned Parenthood.
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Politics
Amid turnout concerns, Cruz steps up travel for Texas Republicans
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is set to appear at a trio of events next week in support of his goal of making sure conservatives don’t sit out the November elections.
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Politics
Trump’s campaign spiral jolts Hurd-Gallego rematch
Most Texas Republican leaders have largely stood by Donald Trump, but one has fully distanced himself — U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, locked in a heated rematch with Pete Gallego.
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Politics
Analysis: A lavish benefit for Texas lawmakers could get even bigger
Regulators are deciding how much lobby wining and dining Texas lawmakers can accept without revealing their names. Hint: It’s a lot.