The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
A Waller County judge who helped choose grand jurors to consider the evidence in the death of Sandra Bland is not happy about the state's new grand jury selection process, saying it unfairly puts too much of the selection process on judges. Full Story
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A Texas Rangers investigation released Tuesday found that the staff of state Rep. Jonathan Stickland, R-Bedford, filled out witness registration forms for people who were not in the Capitol but that no one committed any prosecutable offenses. Full Story
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In the coming days, the deaths of Sandra Bland and Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth will continue to jolt statewide conversations about how the Texas criminal justice system deals with — or fails to deal with — mental health issues. Full Story
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A new standard, used by crime labs in Texas and nationwide when analyzing multiple sets of DNA taken from evidence, has prompted questions and a review of court cases dating back to 1999. Full Story
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Revisit our Paid to Prosecute project, a six-month Texas Tribune/Austin American-Statesman investigation that revealed a chummy and unusual financial arrangement between Texas Mutual Insurance and the Travis County DA's office. Full Story
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An exclusive funding deal between Texas Mutual and the Travis County DA was forged amid crisis, one that has long-since passed. While the company used to be subject to government audits and transparency laws, lobbyists have worked to lift such rules. Full Story
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A six-month Texas Tribune/Austin American-Statesman investigation reveals a chummy and unusual financial arrangement between Texas Mutual Insurance and the Travis County district attorney's office. Full Story
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From almost the very beginning, the controversial relationship between a giant Texas insurance company and the Travis County DA's office has been overseen by a fiery prosecutor with a tendency to share her liberal politics and social views on social media. Full Story
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A six-month Texas Tribune/Austin American-Statesman investigation into a chummy and unusual financial arrangement between Texas Mutual Insurance and the Travis County DA's office reveals a series of troubling issues. Full Story
At our 9/4 conversation, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor talked about the importance of early childhood education — and who should fund it. Full Story
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At our 9/4 conversation, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor talked about the expected impact of open carry on their cities and the importance of their police officers wearing body cameras. Full Story
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Full video of my 9/4 conversation with Austin Mayor Steve Adler and San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott will travel to Mexico City next week to meet with Mexican officials to discuss the economic ties between Texas and Mexico. The visit marks Abbott's first international trip as governor. Full Story
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The Texas Tribune held its first trivia night Sunday, and the top contestant scored an inimitable 90 percent in our current events round. Think you can beat that? Now's your chance to try. Full Story
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The Texas Racing Commission ceased operations Tuesday and directed racetracks to stop all live and broadcast racing, according to the agency. Full Story
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Throughout August, The Texas Tribune featured 31 ways Texans' lives will change because of new laws that take effect Sept. 1. Take a look at what's in store. Full Story
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A newspaper editorial prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to have aides research the finances of a Houston health insurance plan to see if some hospitals caring for poor and uninsured Texans are "rolling in dough," emails obtained by The Texas Tribune show. Full Story
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The state is refueling a grant program that helps the state's 15 military installations pay for facility upgrades. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Starting Sept. 1, a new Texas law will allow people with felony drug convictions to qualify for food assistance, ending the lifetime ban they currently face. Supporters hope the change will reduce recidivism as it helps felons get back on their feet. Full Story
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Responding to undercover videos of Planned Parenthood officials, Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday endorsed new laws to further tighten restrictions on Texas abortion providers, and possibly bar fetal tissue donation. Full Story
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