After bulldozers entered Big Bend National Park, hundreds of Texans came to Wednesday’s meeting to ask the agency to keep federal border barriers out of state parks.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
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Health care
A surrogate’s fight for parental rights in Dallas could discourage surrogacy use in Texas, lawyers say
A surrogate’s fight for custody over the baby she birthed last week could lead to more restrictions on the rights of biological parents and on abortion clauses in surrogacy agreements.
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State Government
Special election set to replace Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell, who resigned for Pentagon post
The longtime state legislator, who announced in June 2025 he wasn’t seeking reelection, vacated the seat to serve as a U.S. assistant secretary of defense.
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Immigration
What to know about possible border barriers in Big Bend
The Trump administration has said the remote West Texas region needs measures to stop illegal immigration. But a bipartisan group of elected officials is pushing to halt that plan, especially in the national park.
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Higher Education
Buyouts offered to nearly a quarter of UT Tyler employees amid budget shortfall
The university in East Texas is among other state colleges facing financial strains.
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T-Squared
Texas Tribune Festival 2026: Our full lineup is here
Raphael Warnock, Kevin Stitt, Dolores Huerta, Maggie Haberman and other prominent voices in American political and civic life join us in Austin next month
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Demographics
Rio Grande Valley residents are feeling more negative about their lives. That could spill into the voting booth.
Rio Grande Valley residents are unhappy with the economy, salaries, and other factors. That could sway their political views, according to political watchdogs.
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State Government
Texas cities eye property tax hikes, spending cuts amid yawning budget gaps
Rising costs, slowing tax revenue and a sluggish economy have saddled some of Texas’ biggest cities with multimillion-dollar deficits.
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Public Education
Texas’ school A-F grades relatively flat as Austin ISD inches closer to takeover
Austin ISD had two campuses failing state ratings for five consecutive years.
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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.
