The Texas Supreme Court lifted temporary injunctions protecting three families and members of PFLAG, Inc., after CPS cases were dropped or trans kids aged into adults.
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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2026 Texas Elections
Texas lieutenant governor Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
The lieutenant governor’s office is one of the most powerful in Texas government, and the 2026 race features a Democratic runoff between Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Velez.
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Criminal Justice
Houston City Council approves gutting policy limiting ICE cooperation, civil rights groups say
In contrast to the civil rights groups’ assessment, Houston’s city attorney told council members that the amendment — crafted by the mayor’s staff and the governor’s office — brings no major changes.
Posted inState Government
Dallas police revise policy allowing more ICE cooperation after Abbott threatened to cut funding
This is the second Texas city to weaken restrictions on police officers’ cooperation with ICE since the governor threatened to pull state funding.
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Economy
The number of child care deserts in Texas is growing
While East Texas areas are struggling with a chronic lack of care, hope is being seen in the South and West.
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Health care
Texas’ foster care system is more likely to move children away from their communities
In 2025, one in three children placed in foster care was sent to a different region, sometimes hundreds of miles away, a Texas Tribune analysis of state data shows.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas school voucher award notices sent to first group of families
The Texas comptroller’s office will conduct a lottery the week of April 27 to determine which additional families can receive education savings accounts.
Posted in
Health care
Judge rules to temporarily block Texas’ smokeable hemp ban
People will be allowed to buy smokeable hemp THC products, such as flower buds and rolled joints, from Texas businesses until at least April 28.
Posted in
Health care
Michael and Susan Dell become UT Austin’s first $1 billion donors
The couple’s latest $750 million investment will help build a new Austin medical center that will provide specialized care, such as MD Anderson cancer treatment, and integrate AI into care.
Posted in
Environment
Testing finds toxic metals where Tesla lithium refinery discharges wastewater in South Texas
The drainage district that commissioned the testing has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the company, which says it is in compliance with all requirements for its state wastewater discharge permit.