The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
Despite a major victory in federal court last month, advocates for reforms to Texas’ long-term foster care system are steeling themselves for a lengthy battle to force Texas officials to follow through on changes ordered by a federal judge. Full Story
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While placing bets in fantasy sports leagues may involve skill, there is still an element of chance that would equate such leagues with illegal gambling in Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a nonbinding opinion released Tuesday. Full Story
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At our 1/19 conversation, Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, explained why the border isn't secure, who's responsible, and what can be done about it. Full Story
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At our 1/19 conversation, Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, explained why racial profiling is only a "perception" problem in Texas and how the agency is handling traffic stops these days. Full Story
At our 1/19 conversation, Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, talked about the Sandra Bland case and his decision to begin termination proceedings against Trooper Brian Encinia. Full Story
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Full video of our 1/19 conversation with Steve McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Topics discussed: guns, Sandra Bland, race and policing, and border security. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the Texas-Israel relationship and reiterate Abbott's opposition to Iran, according to the governor's office. Full Story
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The first significant campaign finance disclosures of this primary election season were due at midnight Friday, and candidate reports trickled into the Texas Ethics Commission’s online system over the weekend. Here’s a first look at some significant reports. Full Story
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Texas universities are racing to build new medical schools, but without enough slots for post-graduate residents, some worry they're building a pipeline that will funnel new doctors out of state. Full Story
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Full video of my 1/14 conversation with three Austin state representatives: Democrats Celia Israel and Eddie Rodriguez and Republican Paul Workman. Full Story
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The Texas Tech University System has named one of its own top administrators, John Opperman, to lead the flagship campus while it searches for a permanent president. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott has to get his proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution through his own statehouse, and then through 33 others, a task that will require persuasive abilities he hasn’t exhibited in his first year as governor. Full Story
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The University of Texas System expects its 14 schools to submit rules for concealed handguns on their campuses by mid-February to comply with the state's new campus-carry law. Full Story
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Alleging that Texas has dramatically eroded its safeguards against air and water pollution, two environmental groups are asking the federal government to step in. Full Story
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Three days after Gov. Greg Abbott called for a convention of states to dramatically amend the U.S. Constitution, few high-ranking Republicans in Texas have backed his proposal. Full Story
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The state's 38 private colleges can opt out of a new state law that will allow concealed handgun license owners to carry guns in buildings on college campuses. No private college has announced plans to allow guns on its grounds. Here is a look at where things stand with each campus. Full Story
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Texas professors are still fighting to keep their classrooms gun free. But the state's top universities appear to be reaching a consensus that banning guns in classes will soon be illegal. Full Story
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The Texas governor unveiled Fed Up! 2.0 on Friday — calling on his fellow provincial leaders to assemble for a constitutional convention that would empower the state governments and constrain the federal government. Full Story
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In a fresh — but long shot — assertion of states’ rights, Gov. Greg Abbott is calling for a convention of U.S. states to pass nine new amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Full Story
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A group of racehorse owners sued the state Friday to block legislative efforts to shut down the Texas Racing Commission — and with it, the state’s racetracks. Full Story
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