JudicialStatewide NewsTexas Solicitor General Resigns and Former Scalia Clerk Appointed to Replace, Says Paxton
Hayden SparksJanuary 13, 2021
Judd Stone will succeed Kyle Hawkins, who recently argued against Obamacare at the U.S. Supreme Court.
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87th LegislatureStatewide NewsTexas Legislature Convenes, Set to Adjourn for Two Weeks
Daniel FriendJanuary 12, 2021
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Texas state legislature will finalize its rules this week and adjourn until January 26.
FederalStatewide NewsRep. Dan Crenshaw Criticizes Renewed Lockdown, Calls on Gov. Abbott to Rescind Order
Daniel FriendJanuary 5, 2021
Rep. Dan Crenshaw criticized the renewed lockdown in the Houston area under Gov. Abbott’s executive order, encouraging business owners to take a stand against it.
87th LegislatureStatewide NewsA Preview of Emergency Powers-Related Bills Filed Ahead of the 87th Texas Legislature
Brad JohnsonJanuary 4, 2021
Here's a look at legislation taking aim at Texas' emergency powers for this upcoming session.
Elections 2020IssuesStatewide NewsLockdowns, Ballots, and Protests: Top Texas Political Stories of 2020
Daniel FriendDecember 31, 2020
From the lockdowns to the George Floyd protests to criminal allegations against the attorney general, here’s a look at the top stories in Lone Star politics from 2020.
JudicialStatewide NewsGovernor Abbott Appoints McClure to Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Kim RobertsDecember 30, 2020
Judge Jesse Foster McClure III has been tapped to replace retiring Judge Michael Keasler on Texas' highest criminal court.
86th LegislatureJudicialHigher Court Sides With Churches Targeted by City’s Hiked Water Rates
Isaiah MitchellDecember 25, 2020
The appeals court agreed that the churches, which pay more for water than regular businesses, deserve another trial.
87th LegislatureElections 2020State HouseStatewide NewsFissure Within the Texas GOP Widens After General Election Successes, Ahead of Legislative Session
Brad JohnsonDecember 24, 2020
Stances taken by Republican Party of Texas Chairman Allen West have spurred irritation among some of the party faithful, but the conflict is emblematic of a broader intra-party dispute.
Statewide NewsParents of Drake Pardo Removed from State Child Abuse Registry
Daniel FriendDecember 23, 2020
CPS dropped their accusations against Drake Pardo’s parents over a year ago and has now formally removed them from the state’s child abuse registry.
Immigration & BorderStatewide NewsTexas Challenges the Legality of DACA in Federal Court
Daniel FriendDecember 23, 2020
The eight-year-old DACA program is back in a federal court with the State of Texas challenging its legality.
Civil SocietyStatewide NewsHome for Christmas: Nursing Home Residents May Leave for Holiday
Kim RobertsDecember 22, 2020
A long and lonely year may end more happily for many families as elderly loved ones come home for a visit on Christmas.
87th LegislatureStatewide NewsThe Texas Capitol Will Reopen on January 4, State Leaders Announce
Isaiah MitchellDecember 21, 2020
Quelling some fears of a completely virtual or closed session, state leaders announced that the capitol will open eight days before session begins.
Elections 2020Statewide NewsDrew Springer Wins Special Election for Texas Senate Seat Against Shelley Luther
Daniel FriendDecember 19, 2020
Drew Springer won the special election for Senate District 30 by double digits on Saturday night, securing his spot in the Senate ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
EducationStatewide NewsState Public Education Reports Highlight Student Underperformance, Teacher Strain
Isaiah MitchellDecember 18, 2020
STAAR test scores and other academic measurements have not been updated due to COVID-19, but national scores and teacher quality data remain.
IssuesStatewide NewsTexas Unemployment Rate Rises Above 8% in November Despite Addition of 65,800 Private Sector Jobs
Brad JohnsonDecember 18, 2020
Job growth slowed slightly in November from its improvement in October, but the Leisure & Hospitality industry was a bright spot.
Civil SocietyFederalStatewide News95,000 Doses of Pfizer Vaccine Delivered in Texas with More on the Way, Announces Gov. Abbott
Isaiah MitchellDecember 17, 2020
The vaccines have come first to doctors and nurses. Abbott also reiterated his promise to authorize no new shutdowns.
Local NewsStatewide NewsHouston Mayor Moves Forward with Vision Zero Plan Aiming to End Traffic Fatalities
Isaiah MitchellDecember 16, 2020
Houston's ambitious goal has roots in Swedish environmentalism, with the goal of ending all traffic deaths. So far, no city has succeeded.
Local NewsStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingTexas Among Top in Nation with $12,500 Local Government Debt Per Citizen
Brad JohnsonDecember 16, 2020
Houston ranks first among Texas localities with the most outstanding debts, but school districts collectively account for the highest share.
JudicialStatewide NewsTransportationControversy Over Eminent Domain for High-Speed Rail Continues
Kim RobertsDecember 15, 2020
A Leon County landowner is hoping to take his fight to protect his 100 acres from being bisected by the Texas Central high-speed rail project to the Supreme Court of Texas.
Local NewsStatewide NewsTaxes & Spending$22.6 Billion in Outstanding Debt Adds to Fiscal Strain on Texas Localities, Taxpayers
Brad JohnsonDecember 14, 2020
Intended to finance emergency needs that cannot wait for a ratifying election, political subdivisions in Texas have racked up billions in certificate of obligation debt.