Last Christmas: An East Texas Christmas tree farm closes after 40 years, despite booming sales
Read full article: Last Christmas: An East Texas Christmas tree farm closes after 40 years, despite booming salesChristmas tree sales are up in the Lone Star State, even as many tree farmers are aging out of the business with no successors.
Houston woman credits Lone Star Legal Aid with preventing eviction as nonprofit faces major federal funding cuts
Read full article: Houston woman credits Lone Star Legal Aid with preventing eviction as nonprofit faces major federal funding cutsA Houston woman who says she was wrongfully evicted during the pandemic is speaking out about how Lone Star Legal Aid helped her win her case โ as the nonprofit now faces the possibility of losing nearly half of its federal funding.
Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Hereโs why it didnโt.
Read full article: Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Hereโs why it didnโt.Increased costs in food and payroll at child care centers effectively wiped out the one-time investment state lawmakers approved earlier this year, a new report found.
Texas is getting far less in federal money for broadband expansion than expected
Read full article: Texas is getting far less in federal money for broadband expansion than expectedRural leaders who have worked years to improve broadband access said they were disappointed by the sharp decrease in federal dollars.
Beliefs clash among students, parents and teachers as the Ten Commandments go up in Texas classrooms
Read full article: Beliefs clash among students, parents and teachers as the Ten Commandments go up in Texas classroomsA new Texas law says every public school classroom must display a poster listing the Ten Commandments.
Cash-strapped Texas city defies AG warning not to raise taxes
Read full article: Cash-strapped Texas city defies AG warning not to raise taxesCiting a new state law, Attorney General Ken Paxton told four cities to cancel planned tax hikes. But La Marque leaders say their tax increase is critical to keeping the city afloat financially.
Will Texas actually run out of water? Your questions about the stateโs water supply answered.
Read full article: Will Texas actually run out of water? Your questions about the stateโs water supply answered.You asked our AI chatbot about Texasโ water supply. We answered some of the questions that it couldnโt.
Texas set to make $20 billion investment in water after voters approve Proposition 4
Read full article: Texas set to make $20 billion investment in water after voters approve Proposition 4Texas will use $1 billion in sales tax a year for the next two decades to help secure the stateโs water supply.
Texas sent $223 million to rural communities to fix water infrastructure after 2023 election
Read full article: Texas sent $223 million to rural communities to fix water infrastructure after 2023 electionTexas voters will decide Tuesday whether the state should continue spending $1 billion a year to secure the stateโs water supply. Part of that investment will be spent to find new water supply.
Texas lawsuit against companies behind Tylenol asserts unproven claims of autism risk
Read full article: Texas lawsuit against companies behind Tylenol asserts unproven claims of autism riskTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton is accusing the companies behind Tylenol of deceptively marketing the pain reliever to pregnant mothers.
An East Texas landowner fenced off a communityโs favorite fishing spot, igniting multiple legal battles
Read full article: An East Texas landowner fenced off a communityโs favorite fishing spot, igniting multiple legal battlesPhillip Surls, a local businessman who owns much of the property around the Cutoff, has argued he blocked access to the stream to protect his cattle and that the waterway is not public.
Plan to pump billions of gallons of water from East Texas appears on hold
Read full article: Plan to pump billions of gallons of water from East Texas appears on holdAn East Texas farm sued the local groundwater conservation district that has authority over the aquifer that would be pumped. As part of a settlement, the district has voided its original permits.
Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitions
Read full article: Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitionsOnce considered a safe haven to explore identity, Texas campuses are invalidating and alienating trans people, students say.
A new generation of industries emerges in Texas as feds push to mine more rare minerals
Read full article: A new generation of industries emerges in Texas as feds push to mine more rare mineralsThe U.S. doesnโt produce the minerals and metals needed for renewable energy, microchips or military technology. Companies are rushing to open new mines in Texas.
Texas appeals court again pauses execution of Robert Roberson in shaken baby case
Read full article: Texas appeals court again pauses execution of Robert Roberson in shaken baby caseTexasโ top criminal court has again paused the execution of Robert Roberson, just days before he had been set to become the first person in the U.S. put to death in a shaken baby case.
Faculty, advocacy groups fear Texas A&M firing threatens academic freedom
Read full article: Faculty, advocacy groups fear Texas A&M firing threatens academic freedomThe firing happened over two years after Texas A&M stressed its support for academic freedom and amid a changing higher education landscape.
Lawmakers fail to pass a bill to end massive water exports from East Texas
Read full article: Lawmakers fail to pass a bill to end massive water exports from East TexasThe House refused Senate changes allowing exports to continue while the state studies its underground water supply. Lawmakers left the Capitol without reaching a compromise.
โAudriiโs Lawโ - named in honor of the late Audrii Cunningham - takes effect on Sept. 1
Read full article: โAudriiโs Lawโ - named in honor of the late Audrii Cunningham - takes effect on Sept. 1Audriiโs Law is now in effect and will help protect children across Texas from child predators.
Texas lawmakers to consider restoring limits on late voter registration changes
Read full article: Texas lawmakers to consider restoring limits on late voter registration changesLegislation pushed by Gov. Greg Abbott would bar voters at the polls from immediately casting a ballot based on a last-minute update to their address.
Livingston man charged for impersonating FBI agent in nearly $100K scheme
Read full article: Livingston man charged for impersonating FBI agent in nearly $100K schemeA 35-year-old East Texas man appeared in federal court Monday on charges of attempting to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and impersonating an officer or employee of the United States, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced.
Texas House approves bill that would limit water exports from East Texas โ for now
Read full article: Texas House approves bill that would limit water exports from East Texas โ for nowA Dallas businessman has proposed studying the aquifer to see if he can pump millions of gallons out of East Texas, a plan that residents distrust.
Only one restaurant in Texas sells lab-grown meat. Lawmakers banned it anyway.
Read full article: Only one restaurant in Texas sells lab-grown meat. Lawmakers banned it anyway.Starting Sept. 1, cultured meat sales will be banned for the next two years even though the product isnโt ready to be sold at a large scale.
East Texas lawmaker, with governorโs blessing, wants to stop proposed water deal
Read full article: East Texas lawmaker, with governorโs blessing, wants to stop proposed water dealDallas businessman Kyle Bass has proposed exporting millions of gallons of water from East Texas to other parts of the state.
Gov. Greg Abbott asks for new penalties for lawmakers who flee to halt legislative sessions
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott asks for new penalties for lawmakers who flee to halt legislative sessionsThe governor announced he was expanding his special session agenda shortly after the Texas House passed a congressional map that Democrats had delayed by leaving the state.
From Fort Worth to McAllen, Texans could lose clout in Washington if GOP changes political lines
Read full article: From Fort Worth to McAllen, Texans could lose clout in Washington if GOP changes political linesThe GOP push to redraw the stateโs congressional maps isnโt just a partisan move but one that deeply affects how Texans are represented in Congress.
โItโs a Celebration of Legacy:โ Houston woman revives family land with first vineyard in a historic freedmenโs community
Read full article: โItโs a Celebration of Legacy:โ Houston woman revives family land with first vineyard in a historic freedmenโs communityAfter losing her job during the pandemic, a Houston woman turned to her roots โ literally. She launched a wine label on her familyโs historic land in Shankleville, Texas, with a bigger mission: to revitalize the rural economy, celebrate Black agricultural legacy, and empower women in wine and farming.
New execution date set for Texas man in shaken baby syndrome case
Read full article: New execution date set for Texas man in shaken baby syndrome caseA judge has set a new execution date for a Texas man who had been set last year to become the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.
Meet the Texas comedian whose Southern-style humor took social media by storm
Read full article: Meet the Texas comedian whose Southern-style humor took social media by stormJerry Wayne Longmire is becoming a viral sensation on social media for this unique comedy style that's relatable to many Texans. Get to know him and where you can catch his performance.
How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in Texas
Read full article: How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in TexasTexas is poised to lead the country in an initiative to inform denizens of whatโs in their food. Food industry experts say itโs going too far.
An East Texas community grapples with school closures as education options shift
Read full article: An East Texas community grapples with school closures as education options shiftThe schools were closed last week after years of declining enrollment. The school communities said increased choices were to blame.
โAudriiโs Lawโ officially signed by Governor Abbott, set to take effect this fall
Read full article: โAudriiโs Lawโ officially signed by Governor Abbott, set to take effect this fallGovernor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2000, known as Audriiโs Law, which mandates sex offender registration for child grooming offenses in Texas.
Texas could learn a lot from Billy Bob Thornton. Hereโs what I learned
Read full article: Texas could learn a lot from Billy Bob Thornton. Hereโs what I learnedYou may remember Billy Bob Thornton from any of the numerous movies and TV shows he's done or the music he's released with his band "The Boxmasters," but you may not know about his unconditional love for Texas, even though he doesn't consider himself a "pure blood Texan."
East Texas woman arrested after son calls law enforcement saying she was burning family dogs
Read full article: East Texas woman arrested after son calls law enforcement saying she was burning family dogsA woman from a city in East Texas has been arrested after law enforcement found the burned remains of dogs in front of her home.
โAudriiโs Lawโ unanimously passes Texas Senate, now heads to Governor Abbottโs desk for signature
Read full article: โAudriiโs Lawโ unanimously passes Texas Senate, now heads to Governor Abbottโs desk for signatureTexas lawmakers have unanimously voted to send H.B. 2000 - better known as Audriiโs Law - to Governor Greg Abbottโs desk to be signed into law.
Texas farmers could have greater access to low-interest loans under a bill the Senate is considering
Read full article: Texas farmers could have greater access to low-interest loans under a bill the Senate is consideringIf approved, the legislation would expand one of the state's most popular loan programs with even lower interest rates.
Requiring voters to prove citizenship spurs concern that eligible Texans wonโt be able to cast ballots
Read full article: Requiring voters to prove citizenship spurs concern that eligible Texans wonโt be able to cast ballotsDemocrats and other critics say Texas legislation threatens to keep citizens who canโt easily access the right documents from voting.
โItโs whatโs best for a very select fewโ: Some Texans are skeptical about vouchers as they near the finish line
Read full article: โItโs whatโs best for a very select fewโ: Some Texans are skeptical about vouchers as they near the finish lineTexas Republican lawmakers in regions known for support of public schools defended voting for vouchers, saying they gained leverage to seek concessions.
East Texans united to stop a water sale to Dallas suburbs โ for now
Read full article: East Texans united to stop a water sale to Dallas suburbs โ for nowAfter a deal to pipe water from Lake Oโ the Pines to North Texas came to light, residents voiced opposition everywhere they could to block it.
Despite Texas defendantโs death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockups
Read full article: Despite Texas defendantโs death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockupsLawmakers are pursuing legislative changes that would keep more people locked up in overcrowded county jails while awaiting resolution to their cases.
Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texasโ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics say
Read full article: Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texasโ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics saySenate Bill 31 supporters say it would clarify when doctors should intervene to save a pregnant womanโs life, but critics say its vagueness and a measure to resurrect pre-Roe laws hamper it.
Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community colleges
Read full article: Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community collegesMore than a year after Texasโ House Bill 8 took effect, some schools have offered free tuition, grown dual credit programs or helped studentsโ credits transfer when they move on to four-year schools.
Texas lawmaker files bill to rename part of Central Texas highway after President Donald Trump
Read full article: Texas lawmaker files bill to rename part of Central Texas highway after President Donald TrumpA Texas House Representative has filed a bill to rename a part of a busy Central Texas highway after President Donald Trump.
East Texas family to be reunited with missing dog found in Galveston animal cruelty case
Read full article: East Texas family to be reunited with missing dog found in Galveston animal cruelty caseOn Monday, 71 dogs, cats and puppies were rescued after being found in deplorable conditions on a school bus in Galveston Island State Park. On Tuesday, the Galveston Island Humane Society said they found three of the dogs had microchips and one dog had a rabies tag. They were able to identify all four dogs, Aโrhx, Bentley, Pyros and Cheyenne.
โWeโre in competitionโ: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options grow
Read full article: โWeโre in competitionโ: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options growThe Lufkin school district says it must do a better job of promoting itself amid growing competition from charter schools and homeschooling.
With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this session
Read full article: With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this sessionFrom teacher pay and preparation to special education and DEI, here are issues Texas lawmakers are prioritizing this legislative session.
Man caught hunting on private property without permission in converted port-a-potty deer stand
Read full article: Man caught hunting on private property without permission in converted port-a-potty deer standEvery so often, they come across some unusual things while in the process of doing their jobs. This past deer season was no exception.
Texas universities could face funding cuts for health care research under new Trump administration policy
Read full article: Texas universities could face funding cuts for health care research under new Trump administration policyA federal judge blocked a new National Institutes of Health policy from going into effect in 22 states that sued the agency, but Texas wasnโt part of the suit.
Illegal deer transport uncovered in Montgomery County traffic stop
Read full article: Illegal deer transport uncovered in Montgomery County traffic stopTexas Game Wardens concluded an investigation in Montgomery County that led to the arrest and conviction of two men for illegally transporting seven deer, including a captive white-tailed deer.
Texas knife shop owner goes viral after rejecting customerโs request: โNo Nazi bulls--tโ
Read full article: Texas knife shop owner goes viral after rejecting customerโs request: โNo Nazi bulls--tโAn East Texas knife shop owner is going viral on TikTok after refusing to transfer an emblem onto Hitler Youth knives, sparking widespread support online.
Officers sic K9 on wanted man they already shot at Houston-area McDonaldโs
Read full article: Officers sic K9 on wanted man they already shot at Houston-area McDonaldโsThe U.S. Marshals said Robert Johnson, who was wanted for sexually assaulting a child, was caught at a McDonaldโs in Clear Lake, where they said he frequented often, but Johnson didnโt go down easy.
An East Texas town debates where to place EV charging stations as Trump threatens subsidies
Read full article: An East Texas town debates where to place EV charging stations as Trump threatens subsidiesSome residents see the charging stations as an economic boom to the town, while others find it an assault on the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Longtime Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards dies after battle with brain cancer
Read full article: Longtime Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards dies after battle with brain cancerRichards, the eldest daughter of Gov. Ann Richards, forged her own path as a tireless advocate for women across Texas and the United States.
Texas lawmakers eye sharing health care workers with other states to address provider shortages
Read full article: Texas lawmakers eye sharing health care workers with other states to address provider shortagesAdvocates say interstate compacts, which allow professionals to use their work licenses in multiple states, can solve Texasโ workforce shortage. Skeptics fear Texas would send more workers than it would receive.
LIVE RADAR: Wintry mess hits north Texas, heavy rain causes soggy afternoon for Houston
Read full article: LIVE RADAR: Wintry mess hits north Texas, heavy rain causes soggy afternoon for HoustonA storm system which is bringing winter precipitation to parts of North and East Texas will bring the potential of heavy rainfall to parts of the Houston area Thursday.
Here are the biggest stories from our data visuals team in 2024
Read full article: Here are the biggest stories from our data visuals team in 2024The Tribuneโs data journalists helped visualize everything from voter participation and extreme weather to gaps in the stateโs border wall. Here are some of the highlights.
Advocates say there arenโt enough of them in Texas long-term care facilities
Read full article: Advocates say there arenโt enough of them in Texas long-term care facilitiesOfficials hope state lawmakers will boost the budget of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman office, an independent state agency, which can often be an elderly Texanโs only lifeline to the outside world.
Farm Bill gets extension as Congress passes spending package and averts shutdown
Read full article: Farm Bill gets extension as Congress passes spending package and averts shutdownThe legislation includes financial aid and money for recent natural disasters, but farmers still will be relying on outdated provisions from the 2018 bill.
Texas Republicans want voters to provide proof of citizenship. Arizonaโs law holds lessons.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want voters to provide proof of citizenship. Arizonaโs law holds lessons.A Votebeat analysis shows how such requirements risk disenfranchising key voter groups, including Native Americans and college students.
A school voucher program in Texas is more likely than ever. Can lawmakers craft a bill they agree on?
Read full article: A school voucher program in Texas is more likely than ever. Can lawmakers craft a bill they agree on?Some voucher opponents are ready to compromise; others are hoping supporters will fumble over the program's size, eligibility and accountability.
Expanding college financial aid will help Texas meet workforce needs, new higher ed chief says
Read full article: Expanding college financial aid will help Texas meet workforce needs, new higher ed chief saysIn his new role, Rosser will be responsible for helping Texas meet its goal to increase the number of Texans ages 25 to 34 with a postsecondary credential to 60%by 2030.
Texas has billions pledged to expand broadband. Spending it is taking a while.
Read full article: Texas has billions pledged to expand broadband. Spending it is taking a while.Despite the efforts of local governments and others, the move to provide internet access to millions of Texans has been slow and faces new challenges.
Inside the only college class in Texas to help prepare inmates for life after prison
Read full article: Inside the only college class in Texas to help prepare inmates for life after prisonMore than 250 Texas prisoners are on the waitlist to join the Lee College reentry class. Programs like these prepare students to find jobs and help lower recidivism.
What put a Texas death row inmateโs case back in the spotlight?
Read full article: What put a Texas death row inmateโs case back in the spotlight?Robert Roberson was set to be the first person in the U.S. to be executed on a โshaken baby syndromeโ diagnosis after getting convicted for killing his 2-year-old daughter. He maintained his innocence and in October 2024, his sentence was put on a temporary pause.
Will Robert Roberson have a chance to testify? Death row inmateโs next moves lie with Texas Supreme Court
Read full article: Will Robert Roberson have a chance to testify? Death row inmateโs next moves lie with Texas Supreme CourtRobert Roberson may have had his execution date postponed, but time is running out for whether he will get to testify.
Paxtonโs picks cement Republicansโ hold on Texasโ highest criminal court
Read full article: Paxtonโs picks cement Republicansโ hold on Texasโ highest criminal courtThree new faces will join the bench, but the political balance of power will remain the same on the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Amarillo voters reject abortion โtravel ban,โ a rare rebuke of anti-abortion movement in Texas
Read full article: Amarillo voters reject abortion โtravel ban,โ a rare rebuke of anti-abortion movement in TexasTuesdayโs vote was a rare chance for Texans to vote directly on abortion restrictions. The state already has a near-total abortion ban.
Texas is slashing $607 million in Medicaid funding from program for students with disabilities
Read full article: Texas is slashing $607 million in Medicaid funding from program for students with disabilitiesSchool officials says the state decision to cut federal money likely will hurt their ability to recruit and retain critical staff for students with disabilities.
How a boom in East Texas high schoolers taking college classes is transforming Kilgore College
Read full article: How a boom in East Texas high schoolers taking college classes is transforming Kilgore CollegeHigh school students that are getting a jump on college through dual credit now make up the majority of students at one East Texas community college.
As Robert Robersonโs execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silence
Read full article: As Robert Robersonโs execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silenceItโs rare for governors to step in to halt executions. In the case of Robert Roberson, it ended up being state lawmakers who took extraordinary steps.
After Roberson ruling, upcoming Court of Criminal Appeals election in the spotlight
Read full article: After Roberson ruling, upcoming Court of Criminal Appeals election in the spotlightThree of the five judges who allowed Robert Robersonโs execution to proceed will be leaving the court after Paxton-backed primary challenges.
Texas was about to execute Robert Roberson. Then a last-ditch tactic bought him more time
Read full article: Texas was about to execute Robert Roberson. Then a last-ditch tactic bought him more timeRobert Roberson, who had been set to be the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, had his execution delayed after a dramatic few hours of legal wrangling among three different Texas courts.
A Texas board rejects clemency plea from a man facing execution in shaken baby syndrome case
Read full article: A Texas board rejects clemency plea from a man facing execution in shaken baby syndrome caseThe Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied a request for clemency for a man who this week could be the first person in the U.S. executed for a murder conviction tied to the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.
Bipartisan Texas House majority urges clemency for man facing execution in shaken baby case
Read full article: Bipartisan Texas House majority urges clemency for man facing execution in shaken baby caseLawmakers cite new scientific evidence that they say proves Robert Roberson, who is set for execution on Oct. 17, did not kill his daughter.
Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hours
Read full article: Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hoursTexas isnโt expected to take a direct hit when the storm makes landfall as a hurricane. But storm surge and dangerous winds are possible.
Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural Texas
Read full article: Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural TexasWhen disaster strikes, Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy takes command of her countyโs emergency communication channels, including a text service and Facebook page.
In Texas, violating campaign ethics laws rarely yields repercussions. The attorney generalโs office is to blame.
Read full article: In Texas, violating campaign ethics laws rarely yields repercussions. The attorney generalโs office is to blame.The number of fines for breaking state campaign ethics laws has exploded in recent years as Ken Paxtonโs office rarely pursues stricter enforcement.
Whatโs the value of planting trees? Conservation groups say a new formula can tell them.
Read full article: Whatโs the value of planting trees? Conservation groups say a new formula can tell them.Donors are increasingly asking conservation groups to produce data on the value of their environmental work. A groupโs new method helps them show their impact.