Elon Musk's expansion into Texas continues to develop.
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Local NewsTaxes & SpendingBill to Curtail Non-Voter-Approved Local Spending Approved by Texas House, Eight Counties Exempted by Members
Brad JohnsonMay 5, 2021
The bill that was once an across-the-board restriction on localities' use of non-voter-approved spending became substantially neutered on the House floor after amendments.
JudicialLocal NewsTravis County Judge Upholds Austin Mask Mandate, Conflicting Governor Abbott’s Order
Isaiah MitchellMarch 26, 2021
The Austin mandate contradicts Abbott's order that lifted the statewide requirement, which says local authorities can't enforce mask rules.
IssuesAustin, Travis County Sued by Texas Attorney General for Refusing to Rescind Mask Mandate
Brad JohnsonMarch 11, 2021
The State of Texas and its capital city will once again go toe-to-toe in court, this time over the political subdivision's mask mandate.
Civil SocietyHealthcareJudicialTexas Judge Sides Against Planned Parenthood, Finalizing Cut From Medicaid Program
Isaiah MitchellMarch 11, 2021
Motivated by videos showing Planned Parenthood higher-ups discussing the sale of fetal remains, Texas decided to cut the group from the Medicaid program in October 2015.
JudicialDistrict Judge Extends Planned Parenthood’s Tenure on Texas’ Medicaid Program
Isaiah MitchellFebruary 24, 2021
The extension is a temporary restraining order against the state, though a more lasting ruling is expected in the coming week.
Elections 2020State Appeals Court Rules Against Gov. Abbott’s One-Location Limitation of Ballot Drop-Off Sites
Brad JohnsonOctober 23, 2020
The decision by a state appeals court will likely be taken to the Texas Supreme Court for a final decision.
Elections 2020Local NewsStatewide NewsPoll Workers Can Face Fines of $1,000 for Requiring Masks in Galveston County
Isaiah MitchellOctober 20, 2020
Poll workers in League City unwittingly told their own county judge he had to wear a mask. He signed an order giving teeth to Abbott's rule.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsTravis County Bars Cannot Reopen, Judge Sam Biscoe Says
Brad JohnsonOctober 14, 2020
After Gov. Abbott said bars could reopen at 50% capacity if allowed by the county, the Travis County judge opted out of the possibility.
Elections 2020IssuesLocal NewsTravis County Has Seen Huge Increase in Requests for Mail-in Ballots, Per County Clerk
Daniel FriendMay 29, 2020
Between the coronavirus pandemic and a special election for Senate District 14, Travis County has seen a huge increase in the number of applications for mail-in ballots.
EnergyIssuesStatewide NewsAdvocacy Groups Fuel Opposition to Permian Highway Pipeline
Mark LisheronMay 11, 2020
150 miles of construction have been completed on Kinder Morgan's planned 430-mile pipeline, but lawsuits from advocacy groups and local entities keep coming.
The City of Austin has had a shelter-in-place order instituted for 46 days and is now set for at least 22 more.
IssuesStatewide NewsAttorney General Ken Paxton Warns Against Expanded Adoption of Mail-In Ballots, May Constitute Election Fraud
Holly HansenMay 4, 2020
An advisory from Attorney General Ken Paxton says only those who have contracted coronavirus would be eligible to use mail-in ballots.
IssuesLocal NewsTravis County GOP Chair Criticizes Exemption of Homeless from Public Facial Coverings Requirement
Brad JohnsonApril 17, 2020
The new facial covering requirement, from which the homeless are currently exempted, extends through May 8.
Local NewsStatewide NewsDistrict Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Halting Prohibition on “Violent Felon” Release
Holly HansenApril 11, 2020
The next move will come from the Texas Supreme Court which could affirm or overturn the district court's temporary restraining order.
Civil SocietyStatewide NewsCoronavirus Update in Texas: Here’s What You Need to Know
Sarah McConnellMarch 9, 2020
As concerns over the coronavirus mount amid its continuing spread throughout the United States, here's the latest Texas news to know.
IssuesLocal NewsStatewide NewsAustin Health Officials Caution Public After Confirmed Case of Measles
Sarah McConnellDecember 30, 2019
Health officials in Austin are cautioning the public after a case of the measles was confirmed in the city for the first time in more than 20 years.
Local NewsStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingSpending Increases by $650 Million in Texas’ Most Populated Counties
Brad JohnsonNovember 21, 2019
Tarrant County tops the list of largest county government spending increases with a $97 million spending binge going into next year.