The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Potential routes for a highway in El Paso’s Mission Valley run alongside a restored wetland called Rio Bosque. Environmental advocates are urging TxDOT to scrap the idea. Full Story
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A handful of Texas jails have issued electronic tablets to inmates. Counties can make money off their use. Full Story
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It’s the second time in two years Odessa has lost water. Officials expect restoration within hours but boil-water notice to remain in effect until Monday. Full Story
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The lecturer’s lawyer disputes the charges, and the university’s decision to fire him has raised concerns from faculty over free speech protections. Full Story
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Jonathan Mitchell has filed at least nine petitions seeking information from abortion activists, doctors and women. None have resulted in a deposition. Full Story
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Lawmakers created the program during last year’s legislative session. Full Story
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State regulators face a critical decision this week on whether to approve a permit for a new reservoir that the city of Wichita Falls says is vital for ensuring enough water for the region. But some locals are fighting the project. Full Story
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The Beaumont Republican issued his interim charges even as it remains unclear whether he’ll be reelected. Full Story
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Protesting students and staff want to draw attention to public university investments in companies supporting Israel, even if divestment is unlikely in Texas. Full Story
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The biggest recipient of campaign donations from the industry isn’t Donald Trump or President Joe Biden, it’s a Texas House member who represents part of the Permian Basin. Full Story
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Abbott confirmed three deaths from the storms, none were recorded from flooded areas. Full Story
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Alongside partners ProPublica and FRONTLINE, the Tribune was recognized in the explanatory reporting category for our investigative coverage of the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. Full Story
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East Texans tried to reach their homes by boat and kayaks Saturday. Others remained pessimistic that the water would recede soon. Full Story
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Cook will fill John Whitmire’s unexpired term — but will face Johnson again in a Democratic primary runoff for a full four-year term. Full Story
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Dozens of evacuees, including the elderly and barefoot children, crowded in an old school building Friday, praying for clear skies on Monday. Full Story
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Since Sunday, multiple rounds of rainfall have soaked the region, causing rivers and creeks to swell and rise out of their banks. Full Story
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The Texas Tribune hosted a panel conversation on the causes and challenges of the youth mental health crisis in the state. Full Story
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An American Civil Liberties Union of Texas attorney and a UT-Austin professor discussed how free speech has been protected and challenged in campus protests, and what we should all learn from the last few weeks. Full Story
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Despite several daily and systematic challenges, the Liberty County community is home to industrious entrepreneurs from across the Latin American diaspora. Full Story
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In the state’s larger counties, voters can now elect people to the agencies that appraise property values. Full Story
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