The Trump administration has said the remote West Texas region needs measures to stop illegal immigration. But a bipartisan group of elected officials is pushing to halt that plan, especially in the national park.
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
Immigration
Texas officials are cracking down on “illegal birth tourism.” Here’s what that means.
Texas officials have sued a Houston area postpartum center as well as investigated Rio Grande Valley hospitals over allegations of soliciting foreigners to have babies on U.S. soil.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas land commissioner 2026: Who is running and what you need to know
The General Land Office oversees investments that earn billions of dollars for public education, manages state lands, operates the Alamo and administers disaster recovery funds and benefits to Texas veterans. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 race and where they stand.
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Energy
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls on ERCOT to reverse 30% pay raise for board members
Patrick has also rebuked ERCOT’s board for approving and then backtracking on a contract that would allow ERCOT’s CEO to earn $6.4 million in 2027.
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Health care
$12 billion in Medicaid funds restored to Texas hospitals, ending impasse with the feds
The announcement ends a nearly year-long dispute with the Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services over the funding to Texas hospitals, which were slated to lose $27 million a day.
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Energy
ERCOT quickly backtracks after approving contract that would let CEO earn $6.4 million in 2027
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick balked at the contract two boards approved for Pablo Vegas. The ERCOT chief said officials then decided not to execute the deal.
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Health care
Lawsuit blames Texas abortion ban for San Antonio woman’s death
Tierra Walker, who was 20 weeks pregnant, died of a serious complication known as preeclampsia in December 2024.
Posted in
Environment
Fire crews fully contains North Texas wildfire, which continues to burn three weeks later
The fire has burned 90,000 acres, making it the second largest fire in the region’s history.
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Data Centers in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas water agency to penalize data centers that don’t report their water usage
Last year, less than 30% of data centers responded to a state-mandated water usage survey conducted by the Texas Water Development Board.
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Public Education
Mike Morath wanted Texas to reach No. 1 in education. Test scores show there’s more work to do.
Appointed a decade ago, the education commissioner insists that when he has direct oversight, academic gains follow. His critics await better student outcomes.
