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.
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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
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.
Posted in
Energy
Low-producing oil wells linger for years, causing headaches for Texas landowners
Jackie Chesnutt, who lives outside San Angelo, is tired of pollution from nearly inactive wells. Experts say Texas rules allow companies to defer plugging wells for far too long.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Cryptocurrency industry is on track to surpass 2024 spending on Texas midterm races
So far this year, cryptocurrency PACs have spent more than $2.5 million on Texas congressional candidates, up from $1 million in 2024.
Posted in
Health care
Texas will launch its own clinical trials into ibogaine psychedelic after failing to find a drug company to help
The state’s effort will get a boost from the federal government thanks to a new executive order from President Donald Trump.
Posted in
Health care
Trump taps Texas’ top public health official as CDC chief medical officer
Jennifer Shuford, an infectious disease physician who oversaw the country’s largest measles outbreak in 30 years, is among a slate of CDC nominations with no apparent ties to the anti-vaccine movement.
