Army veteran Alex Mealer and state Rep. Briscoe Cain are facing off for the Republican nomination in the newly drawn 9th District, anchored in east Harris County.
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.
Nearly 96,000 students receiving Texas school voucher award notices
Families have until July 15 to opt in to the education savings accounts, or ESAs, which launches next school year.
“Classic unfunded mandate”: San Antonio school districts reveal costs of new seat belt requirements
Texas wants all school buses to have 3-point seat belts by 2029-30. But the price tag is high for local districts also facing budget challenges.
Civil rights groups sue to stop Texas immigration law
Senate Bill 4, scheduled to take effect next week, lets Texas police arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Rule that lets Texans obtain out-of-state abortion pills can continue for now, Supreme Court says
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mifepristone must be obtained in person, a decision the country’s highest court has temporarily blocked.
Texas’ 18th Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
The Democratic runoff for the Houston-based seat — a longtime bastion of Black political power — pits the Texas delegation’s newest member, Christian Menefee, against one of its longest-tenured, Al Green.
UNT approves buyouts for professors, faculty as it tackles budget shortfalls
A drop in international student enrollment and state funding contributed to financial woes at the University of North Texas. Other state colleges face similar challenges.
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Dan Patrick eyes closing “gambling loophole” for prediction markets. The feds stand in Texas’ way.
A Trump administration agency has sued other states that sought to regulate Kalshi, Polymarket and other prediction operations under their gambling laws.
ICE warrants were central to Abbott’s immigration dispute with Texas cities. Here’s how they work.
Unlike criminal warrants, ICE administrative warrants don’t require approval from an independent judge. ICE defends the practice, but legal experts say they can have errors and risk wrongful detention.


