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.
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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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.
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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.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Railroad Commission 2026: What it does and who’s running in the race
The commission doesn’t have anything to do with railroads. It regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry. Here’s where 2026 candidates Bo French, Jon Rosenthal and Arthur DiBianca stand.
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State Government
Rep. Drew Darby tears into oil and gas commissioner for defying order to appear at Capitol
Wayne Christian said his agency’s meeting kept him from addressing lawmakers about eliminating some public comments at the Texas Railroad Commission.
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Texas Legislature 2027
Texas lawmaker vows to keep pushing for statewide emergency disaster response system
State Rep. Ken King, whose proposal to create a system failed twice, heard testimony about firefighters being forced to carry multiple radios in an emergency and how long it takes to coordinate agencies.
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Energy
After public pressure, Texas OKs more 765 lines, directing companies to work with landowners
The Public Utility Commission voted to greenlight some proposals to build first-of-their-kind transmission lines after approving two massive lines last month.
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Health care
Texas needs more foster care spending transparency, state report says
The Department of Family and Protective Services has been slowly moving foster services to contractors who aren’t giving enough details on costs, the Legislative Budget Board said.
