Democrats hope anti-voucher campaign will help win back South Texas House seat
The first-term Republican defending her seat said a private school voucher program will help her community, especially students from low-income families.
Judge tosses Ken Paxtonโs lawsuit targeting Bexar Countyโs voter registration effort
The county told a state district court judge that the applications were already mailed out and any ruling would be moot.
Texas GOP investing in South Texas races as some Republicans worry about party's performance in November
Several local party officials have signed an open letter warning that โgrave and deterioratingโ fundraising and voter outreach efforts could leave some candidates vulnerable.
Texas governor visiting Houston to make announcement on border security
Details on the announcement are unclear, but a press release from the governorโs office says the efforts are a response โto the Biden-Harris Administrationโs reckless open border policies that have allowed dangerous criminals to enter our country illegally.โ
Texas officials say theyโve scrubbed the voter rolls. Hereโs how to check if youโre still on them.
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7. The Texas Tribune, ProPublica and Votebeat want to hear from people removed from voter rolls.
Florida hospitals ask immigrants about their legal status. Texas will try it next
Texas hospitals who are enrolled in state health plans, Medicaid and the Childrenโs Health Insurance Program will start asking patients' immigration status in November.
At this West Texas church, โthe Lordโs workโ is helping the poor, not rewriting state law
Led by co-pastors Joe and Dawn Weaks, Connection Christian Church, a 118-year-old congregation in Odessa, has transformed while keeping true to its legacy of helping the community.
Ex-HPD Chief Acevedo silent on video showing he ordered body cam shutdown after botched Harding Street raid
Former Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo has decided not to immediately comment on the bombshell video evidence and testimony that played inside the courtroom during the murder trial of former HPD Officer Gerald Goines.
Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hours
Texas isnโt expected to take a direct hit when the storm makes landfall as a hurricane. But storm surge and dangerous winds are possible.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activates emergency response resources in preparation of potential tropical system
Coastal communities in Texas may be impacted by heavy rainfall and flash flooding from the system.
Tropical system expected to strengthen near Mexico and Texas and bring heavy rains, forecasters say
The National Weather Service says a tropical system in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico was expected to strengthen this week into a tropical storm and dump heavy rains onto Mexico and Texas before reaching the U.S. as a potential hurricane.
Mayorkas: Texasโ immigration policies have wreaked havoc and disorder
The U.S. Homeland Security Secretary specifically called out the stateโs policy of busing migrants to cities in other parts of the country.
Person in custody, being questioned in connection to murder of 90-year-old Houston Navy veteran
The shooting happened on Saturday at the Lonestar Senior Living Apartments along Westbrae Parkway near Rainer Drive when a carjacker shot and killed Nelson Beckett.
What Texans need to know about helping people register to vote or cast ballots
Texas officials have launched investigations into voting fraud allegations, but assisting other voters isnโt automatically illegal.
Gov. Abbott announces $10,000 reward for information leading to arrest of killer of 90-year-old Navy veteran in Houston
Nelson Beckett was shot and killed by a carjacker at the Lonestar Senior Living Apartments along Westbrae Parkway near Rainer Drive on Saturday.
Data indicates voting by noncitizens is rare. Republicans are pressing measures to make sure of it
Federal law already allows only U.S. citizens to vote in elections for president and Congress.
1 million Texans have been removed from voting rolls ahead of Nov. 5 elections
In a significant move to ensure election integrity, Texas has removed over one million people from its voter rolls, Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday.
Harris County voter outreach proposal sparks another fight with Texas Republicans
The county plans to ID eligible voters and send them registration forms. GOP officials say itโs an end-run around state law.
Election experts cautious as Abbott touts voter roll purge
Federal and state law already required voter roll maintenance. Experts warn the governorโs framing of this routine process could be used to undermine trust in elections.
Texas must build hundreds of thousands of homes to lower housing costs, says state comptroller
Texas needs hundreds of thousands more homes than it has, per one estimate. That shortage has driven up home prices and rents.
Nonprofit FIRE files complaint attempting to block Texasโ social media law that takes effect Sept. 1
The law Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment Act (SCOPE) was passed last year and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. The SCOPE Act limits online access for minors. It takes effect on September 1 and requires age verification for โharmful material.โ
LULAC condemns Paxtonโs election fraud raids as โintimidationโ
The group said that searches the attorney generalโs office carried out this week targeted at least six Latinos, including a Democrat running for the Texas House.
Judge rejects Attorney General Ken Paxtonโs attempt to shut down Houston immigrant rights group
Paxtonโs office claimed the group broke rules prohibiting political activity by nonprofits, but the judge rejected the case outright.
Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw retiring after 15 years as stateโs top law enforcement officer
The longtime head of the Department of Public Safety will step down at the end of the year.
Houston man named to โ40 Under 40โฒ arrested in Virginia over violent threats against Texas governor, local attorneys
Federal agents arrested a Houston man in Alexandria, Virginia, on Friday after heโs accused of making violent threats for weeks against a state governor, deputy U.S. Marshal, Houston attorneys and their family members, according to a newly unsealed federal criminal complaint.
Hot and hard work: A day in the life of a lineworker in Houston
The saying โIt takes an army to build something greatโ couldnโt be a better fit for the work being done to strengthen the CenterPoint Energy infrastructure.
Gov. Abbott extends SNAP Hot Foods, adds 7 additional counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl to eligibility list
Governor Greg Abbott announced Thursday that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission received federal approval extending the time that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients impacted by Hurricane Beryl can purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals with their benefits until Sept. 15.
State leaders address Gov. Abbottโs order to require Texas hospitals to collect patientsโ immigration status
Congressman Al Green and other leaders addressed Gov. Greg Abbottโs executive order that requires hospitals in Texas to collect information on the immigration status of patients so that the hospitals can then track costs incurred for the care of undocumented migrants.
Texas launches new investigation into Houston's power utility following deadly outages after Beryl
Texas has opened an investigation into a Houston area utility provider over allegations of fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars during its botched response to Hurricane Beryl.
Abbott order will require Texas hospitals to collect patientsโ immigration status
The executive order from the Texas governor will require hospitals to track the cost of care for undocumented migrants, in order for the state to push for federal reimbursement.
Rising costs and stagnant state funds pushed this West Texas school district to the financial brink
The Ector County school district boosted student learning but now faces financial uncertainty. It closed schools and cut costs to stay afloat, but it wonโt slash teacher jobs.
Gov. Abbott deploys firefighting resources across Texas to combat wildfire threats
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he is sending state-issued firefighting resources across Texas to combat increased wildfire threats. The announcement was made in a media release Wednesday.
Judge dismisses most claims in federal lawsuit filed by Black high school student punished over hairstyle
A federal judge has dismissed most of the claims in a lawsuit filed by a Black high school student who was punished by a Texas school district for refusing to change his hairstyle.
โWe are taking action nowโ: CenterPoint Energy launches new initiative to bring about immediate resiliency
โWe have heard the calls for change, and we are taking action now," CenterPoint Energy President and CEO Jason Wells said in a statement.
Gov. Greg Abbott tells CenterPoint to make new preparedness proposal after initial โinadequateโ one
Abbott met with CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells and the Executive Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs, Jason Ryan, on Thursday to discuss their proposal to better respond to future severe weather events.
Gov. Abbott calls out Vice President Kamala Harris over border crisis after catching wind of Houston visit
Touching down in Houston for the third time, Vice President Kamala Harris campaigning for presidency. Gov. Greg Abbott has taken notice and issued a statement ahead of her visit highlighting that she has refused to address the border crisis.
Texas' floating Rio Grande barrier can stay for now, court rules as larger legal battle persists
A floating barrier in the Rio Grande meant to discourage migrants from trying to cross from Mexico into Texas can stay for now, a full federal appeals court has ruled.
Texasโ floating barrier in the Rio Grande can stay for now, appeals court says
After Texas deployed the barrier, a panel ordered it removed. The full appeals court says it can stay while a lower court hears a case on the merits.
5 things to know about CenterPointโs actions ahead of Texas governorโs deadline to respond
CenterPoint Energyโs executives have been at the front center by Texans after millions in the Houston area were left without power for more than a week -- even two weeks for some -- after Hurricane Beryl.
CenterPoint intends to ask Texas PUC for rate increase to recoup losses from Hurricane Beryl response
โCenterPoint intends to increase their rates to recoup the cost of recovering from Hurricane Beryl, passing the cost on to the customer,โ Senator Carol Alvarado said in a social media post. โThat dog wonโt hunt.โ
โI take accountabilityโ: CenterPoint Energy CEO testifies before Texas committee on Hurricane Beryl response
Centerpointโs CEO Jason Wellsโ testimony comes a week after he met with the Texas Public Utility Committee (PUC) where he apologized to Houstonians. Today, we can expect Wells to double-down on initial action plans to increase resiliency.
State lawmakers to question CenterPoint for response in aftermath of Hurricane Beryl
Lawmakers in Austin are planning to question leaders of CenterPoint Energy on the companyโs performance in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in a hearing scheduled for Monday.
Texas to deploy hundreds of firefighters to California to assist in wildfire response
Texas emergency officials have already prepared more than 100 firefighters, emergency personnel, and over 25 fire engines, command vehicles, and equipment to send as the state battles ongoing wildfires in northern California.
How Houstonians can voice concerns to CenterPoint for โchaos and frustrationโ during Hurricane Beryl
On Monday, lawmakers in Austin are planning to question leaders for CenterPoint Energy on the companyโs performance in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
Texas deaths from Hurricane Beryl climb to at least 36, including more who lost power in heat
A rising number of heat-related deaths in Texas among residents who lost power during Hurricane Beryl has pushed the number of storm fatalities to at least 36.
โNo excusesโ: CenterPoint Energy president apologizes for Houstoniansโ experience during Hurricane Beryl at PUC hearing
CenterPoint Energy executives are being questioned by the stateโs Public Utility Commission after widespread criticism of the way they responded to historic power outages after Hurricane Beryl.
El Paso County officials say itโs time the state pays for Operation Lone Star arrests
County officials issued a disaster declaration Tuesday, saying the stateโs mass arrests at the border have cost the county millions of dollars and overwhelmed its criminal justice system.
Attorney general investigating CenterPoint Energy after Hurricane Berylโs long-lasting power outages
The companyโs power outages in July have drawn the ire of state leaders. Hereโs what you need to know.
FEMA approves Texas request for Transitional Housing Assistance for 17 counties following Hurricane Beryl
Governor Greg Abbott announced FEMA has approved the stateโs request for Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for 17 counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl.
Governor Abbott bashes Biden over border battle with story of Houston murder victim Jocelyn Nungaray during RNC speech
The governor accused the president of fighting tooth and nail to stop Texas and other Republican states from securing their borders.
Jeff Yass, billionaire school voucher advocate, gives Greg Abbott another $4 million
The donation follows another $6 million Yass gave Abbott in January, which the governorโs campaign said was the largest single donation in Texas history.
Another Texas migrant aid group asks a judge to push back on investigation by Republican AG
A prominent aid group along the U.S.-Mexico border is asking a Texas judge to push back on a widening Republican-led investigation into nonprofits that help migrants.
CenterPoint says power restored to 96% of impacted customers, responds to Texas governorโs letter
The company says it is on track to restore power to 98% of customers by Wednesday and all remaining customers who can receive power by Friday.
CenterPoint being held accountable? A look at Gov. Abbottโs demands from the energy company
After Hurricane Beryl, frustrations and angers grew in Texans as millions went without power for several days -- and tens of thousands are still out.
Texas PUC launches investigation into CenterPointโs Hurricane Beryl response
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has launched an investigation into CenterPoint Energy's handling of Hurricane Beryl. Gov. Greg Abbott criticized the company's repeated failures, despite their claim of restoring power to 92% of affected customers. Houston residents continue to struggle with power outages, leading to heat-related illnesses and carbon monoxide poisoning. Mayor Whitmire has extended the disaster declaration, and a crucial meeting with CenterPoint is set for July 25.
Texas PUC launches investigation into CenterPointโs Hurricane Beryl response
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has launched an investigation into CenterPoint Energy's handling of Hurricane Beryl. Gov. Greg Abbott criticized the company's repeated failures, despite their claim of restoring power to 92% of affected customers. Houston residents continue to struggle with power outages, leading to heat-related illnesses and carbon monoxide poisoning. Mayor Whitmire has extended the disaster declaration, and a crucial meeting with CenterPoint is set for July 25.
WHOA! ๐ณ Satellite images show sobering view of power outages in Texas caused by Hurricane Beryl
As conversations over accountability with local, and state leadership as well as with CenterPoint Energy continue, new satellite images are giving a sobering look at the massive power outages, caused by Beryl.
โOur system did not failโ: CenterPoint VP claims to KPRC 2 Investigates
On Monday, for the second time in a week, CenterPoint put up its Vice President of Regulatory Policy, Brad Tutunjian, for interviews.
Texas governor criticizes Houston energy as utility says power will be mostly restored by Wednesday
The Houston areaโs main utility company says it expects to have power restored to most residents by Wednesday.
โI will be issuing an executive orderโ: Gov. Abbott examines CenterPointโs future in Texas after Beryl response
Texas Governor Greg Abbott did not pull any punches Sunday afternoon in going after CenterPoint for their failures in getting the lights back on for Houstonians as well as hundreds of thousands of others in the area.
GOP-led states have pledged hundreds of troops and spent millions of dollars to help Texas secure the border this year
The federal government has deployed National Guard to the border for years, but more than a dozen states have dug into their own budgets to send even more personnel
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott demands answers as customers remain without power after Beryl
With around 270,000 homes and businesses still without power in the Houston area almost a week after Hurricane Beryl hit Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott says heโs demanding an investigation into the response of the utility that serves the Houston area.
Abbott reprimands CenterPoint and calls for an investigation into the utilityโs response to Beryl blackouts
Abbott demanded that the utility company produce a plan by the end of July outlining how it will improve power reliability ahead of future storms.
โWe are better than this:โ Officials call for end to violence, threats against linemen working to restore power
Linemen in Houston, working to restore power after Hurricane Beryl, are facing verbal and physical attacks from frustrated residents, which endangers their safety and delays restoration efforts.
โCompletely unacceptable:โ Gov. Abbott sets timetable for immediate action from CenterPoint after post-Beryl failures
Texas Governor Greg Abbott did not pull any punches Sunday afternoon in going after CenterPoint for their failures in getting the lights back on for Houstonians as well as hundreds of thousands of others in the area.
Millions still have no power days after Beryl struck Texas. Hereโs how it happened
Hundreds of thousands of people in the Houston area likely won't have power restored until next week, as the city swelters in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
Biden says Texas officials delayed request for Beryl federal aid
Gov. Greg Abbott has spent the duration of the hurricane on a pre-scheduled trip to meet with foreign diplomats in Asia, leaving Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick as acting governor.
Frustrations mount in the Houston heat after Beryl moves on and leaves millions without power
Frustration is mounting that Houston appeared to buckle under a storm not as powerful as previous ones.
Stateโs move to bump federal judge from longtime foster care lawsuit caps years of battles
A federal judge has taken the Texasโ foster care system to task for 13 years. Reforms have been made. Now armed with private legal fire power, the state wants the judge off the case.
Texas residents told to expect power outages, flooding as Beryl moves closer to landfall
Texas officials are telling coastal residents to expect power outages and flooding as Beryl was forecast to regain hurricane strength before making landfall.
As Beryl approaches Texas, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is acting governor as Greg Abbott leads Asia tour
Tropical Storm Beryl is approaching the Texas coast and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is the acting governor during this time.
Texas coast braces for looming hit by Beryl, which is expected to regain hurricane strength
Texas officials are urging coastal residents to brace for a looming hit by Beryl as the storm is expected to regain hurricane strength.
How Texas is still investigating migrant aid groups on the border after a judge's scathing order
Texas is widening investigations into aid organizations along the U.S.-Mexico border over claims that nonprofits are helping migrants illegally enter the country.
At half a mile a week, Gov. Greg Abbottโs border wall will take around 30 years and $20 billion to build
The state has built about 34 miles of wall spread out across at least six counties on Texasโ 1,254-mile border with Mexico.
U.S. Supreme Court will hear challenge to Texasโ age verification requirement for porn sites
A state law passed last year requires pornographic websites to adopt age-verification measures, leading sites like Pornhub to block user access in Texas.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal to upend Texasโ age verification law for porn websites
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from the adult entertainment industry seeking to upend a Texas law that requires pornographic websites to verify the age of their users.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal to upend Texas' age verification law for porn websites
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from the adult entertainment industry seeking to upend a Texas law that requires pornographic websites to verify the age of their users.
The Supreme Court casts doubt on Florida and Texas laws to regulate social media platforms
The Supreme Court is keeping a hold on efforts in Texas and Florida to limit how Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube and other social media platforms regulate content posted by their users.
Travis County Attorney drops charges against 79 more UT-Austin protesters
The arrests were the result of the second police crackdown on pro-Palestine demonstrations at UT-Austin. The first protest, on April 24, resulted in 57 arrests, which were also dismissed.
South Texas needs rain. Tropical Storm Alberto didnโt deliver enough.
The two major reservoirs in South Texas remain near or at record lows, which poses a threat to the regionโs agricultural industry and residential users alike.
South Texas needs rain. Tropical Storm Alberto didnโt deliver enough.
The region's two major reservoirs are at record-low levels and agriculture leaders are worried the citrus industry could be devastated this summer.
Texas firefighting teams, equipment sent to New Mexico as wildfires continue
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for Wildfire Search and Rescue Support units to go to New Mexico as the area deals with wildfires that have claimed two lives.
Texas to begin construction this year on seven new psychiatric hospital projects
The construction begins after lawmakers have allocated $2.5 billion to modernize and increase access to inpatient psychiatric care in Texas.
Texas electricity demand could nearly double in six years, grid operator predicts
The main electric grid operator in Texas has sharply increased its prediction for how much power demand will increase in coming years.
Democrats think they can flip Texas House seats by going after GOPโs education funding and school voucher policies
Much of the House battlefield is centered in districts with struggling schools, where Democrats hope public education will resonate at the ballot box.
Abbott appoints first judges to new appeals court for cases involving state government, businesses
The Texas Legislature created the court last year, with proponents saying it would increase efficiency and opponents arguing that it was an effort by Republicans to circumvent Democrat-dominated courts.