Texas earmarked $1.4 billion to help fund flood prevention projects. But after learning that so many communities turned down the money, two lawmakers who approved the program acknowledged it was flawed.
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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Hill Country floods
Camp Mystic announces enhanced safety plans after deaths of 25 girls, two counselors
Months after parents criticized plans for the camp to reopen next summer, Mystic’s owners said in a letter Tuesday that safety upgrades will exceed new state law.
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2026 Texas Elections
Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina launches run for Congress, seeking to flip South Texas district red
National GOP recruiters see Webb County’s top elected official as a promising candidate to unseat longtime U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in 2026.
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State Government
Texas removes women and minorities from Historically Underutilized Business program for state contracts
The program will now only be eligible for service-disabled veterans. It will be called Veteran Heroes United in Business.
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State Government
Texas will unveil its newest state park with a guided hike on New Year’s Day
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park in North Texas will open sometime next year. Visitors can reserve spots for a sneak peek on New Year’s Day.
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Texas Legislature 2025
As appeals court is poised to consider Texas’ Ten Commandments law, other legal challenges mount
The judges opting to hear the cases together marks a significant development in a saga that many believe will reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Public Education
How Texas’ law banning DEI, LGBTQ+ topics in K-12 schools could fare in court
Cases challenging Florida and federal policies provide a glimpse into the possible outcome for the Texas case. It is scheduled for a court hearing in Houston on Dec. 10.
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State Government
Hundreds of Texas voters flagged as potential noncitizens may have already proven their citizenship
The Secretary of State’s Office didn’t initially check with the Department of Public Safety, which collects proof of citizenship from people who register to vote through them.
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Health care
Even as SNAP resumes, new federal work rules threaten access for some Texans
Under new requirements, “able-bodied” recipients could lose access to benefits for three years if they go three months without documenting working hours.
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2025 Legislative Recap
As Texas’ “bathroom bill” becomes law, questions remain about how it will be enforced
Some trans Texans worry that the lack of specificity on how the law will be enforced will harm their safety and lives.