Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans to expand on Texas’ controversial floating barrier during a Wednesday visit to the Rio Grande Valley.
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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Criminal Justice
Officer did nothing until it was too late during Uvalde school shooting, prosecutor says
During opening arguments Wednesday, attorneys for ex-officer Adrian Gonzales said he did what he could during a chaotic scene.
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TribCast
TribCast: 10 questions that will shape Texas politics in 2026
Matthew and Eleanor look ahead in the new year to Gov. Greg Abbott’s power, Democrats chances and the issues that will dominate election season.
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State Government
Texas teachers union sues state education agency for investigating social media posts about Charlie Kirk
The Texas Education Agency received hundreds of complaints about educators’ online reactions to the conservative activist’s death.
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2026 Texas Elections
Houston businessman Andrew White drops bid for Texas governor, endorses fellow Democrat Gina Hinojosa
The son of the late former Gov. Mark White had hoped to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott by running as a moderate, but failed to raise enough money to be competitive.
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Health care
Dallas County sues Trump administration over clawback of public health funds
Dallas is the second Texas county to sue over public health cuts after a judge ordered the Trump administration to return $20 million to Harris County last summer.
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State Government
From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026
Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year.
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2026 Texas Elections
Statewide battles, Latino voters and down-ballot contests: the biggest Texas political stories to watch in 2026
The Texas Tribune’s politics team has compiled five of the top stories we’re watching this year, when voters will have their first chance to make their opinions known on the events of 2025.
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Environment
Texas’ newest state park gives visitors a sneak peek ahead of planned 2026 opening
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park will be the first to open in North Texas in about 25 years.
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State Government
Trump says he’s dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA and Portland, Oregon, for now
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott previously sent the state’s National Guard to Chicago.