Starting April 1, Texans will no longer be allowed to use food stamps to buy sweetened beverages and candy.
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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State Government
Former Texas Tribune board member killed in Laredo plane crash
The plane carrying Joshua Baer, who was also the CEO of Austin-based startup accelerator Capital Factory, was on its way to Austin from San José del Cabo in Mexico.
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Energy
As data centers seek to tap Texas’ energy, grid regulators are close to approving a new way of vetting requests
The Public Utility Commission of Texas on Thursday will weigh and vote on ERCOT’s proposal to streamline the power approval process for data centers.
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2026 Texas Elections
Former Lt. Gov. nominee Mike Collier sues over Texas’ onerous rules for independent candidates
Collier’s lawsuit calls the time limit and number of petition signatures required to get on the ballot “so burdensome” that no independent candidate for statewide office has ever qualified.
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Screwworm in Texas
USDA has new partners in the fight against screwworm — drones, dogs and fungi
The USDA awarded a combined $105 million to 40 different projects aimed at stopping the spread of New World Screwworm.
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Graphics and data reporting
Texas students saw slight gains in math, stalled progress in reading, STAAR results show
Elementary and middle school students attending Texas public schools showed small gains on state math exams but remained relatively flat in reading.
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Higher Education
UT fires public radio station leader who challenged university statements about festival security
KUT’s Debbie Hiott believes University of Texas officials terminated her because she publicly pushed back against administration claims that the station’s security plans for an inaugural festival were insufficient.
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Economy
No fat to trim: Texas beef industry profits eaten away by new threat — the screwworm
Drought, wildfire, tariffs and now screwworm are straining the beef industry in Texas as the U.S. herd reaches its smallest point in 75 years.
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Energy
Texas Railroad Commission race pits oil field engineer against energy trader running on culture wars
Republican Bo French is keeping Islam, immigration and LGBTQ+ issues at the fore of his campaign for Texas’ oil regulatory agency. Democratic foe Jon Rosenthal is betting on his technical expertise.
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Politics
Texas Tech QB who placed bets will not play amid Big 12 lawsuit, legal threat from Paxton
A Lubbock judge blocked the NCAA from banning quarterback Brendan Sorsby despite an acknowledged gambling addiction.
