INSIDER
Ken Paxton sues Dallas pediatrician over providing hormone treatments to teens
Read full article: Ken Paxton sues Dallas pediatrician over providing hormone treatments to teensIn the first test of Senate Bill 14, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has accused Dr. May Lau of providing testosterone to at least 21 teens.
Texas man drops lawsuit against women he accused of helping his wife get abortion pills
Read full article: Texas man drops lawsuit against women he accused of helping his wife get abortion pillsA Texas man who sued his ex-wife’s friends for helping her obtain an abortion informed the court that the two sides reached a settlement, forgoing the need for a trial that would have tested his argument that their actions amounted to assisting in a wrongful death.
Texas is a young state with older elected officials. Some young leaders are trying to change that.
Read full article: Texas is a young state with older elected officials. Some young leaders are trying to change that.The average age of Texans last year was 37, while the Legislature’s average age was 55. Hurdles to voting and the unique challenges young candidates encounter fuel the mismatch.
Houston-area school districts warn of continued severe cuts if voucher fight keeps funds tied up in state legislature
Read full article: Houston-area school districts warn of continued severe cuts if voucher fight keeps funds tied up in state legislature“It’s not mismanagement by schools,” Alief ISD Deputy Superintendent Charles Woods explained. “We’re all in the same boat that the general public is; we’ve got high inflation, high costs, we have hurricanes coming through, we have all the things we’ve always had, and then we have had six years, three legislative sessions without additional funding just for the basic costs of education.”
Texas Supreme Court upholds ban on youth gender transitions. It’s the largest state with such a law
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court upholds ban on youth gender transitions. It’s the largest state with such a lawThe Texas Supreme Court has upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youths and rejected pleas from parents that it violates their right to decide on and seek care for their children.
How a Texas man is testing out-of-state abortions by asking a court to subpoena his ex-partner
Read full article: How a Texas man is testing out-of-state abortions by asking a court to subpoena his ex-partnerA Texas man is petitioning a court for information over his former partner's alleged out-of-state abortion, setting up a first-of-its-kind legal test to the limits of statewide abortion bans.
Enforcing Texas’ new immigration law may be challenging, even for authorities that support it
Read full article: Enforcing Texas’ new immigration law may be challenging, even for authorities that support itA new law allowing local authorities to deport migrants remains tied up in court. Even if it goes back into effect, logistical challenges could complicate enforcement.
Texas Supreme Court refuses to hear ethics lawsuit brought by conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court refuses to hear ethics lawsuit brought by conservative activist Michael Quinn SullivanIn 2014, and following a two-year investigation, the Texas Ethics Commission fined Sullivan $10,000 for failing to register as a lobbyist.
Appeals court rules lawsuit seeking Jan. 6 emails from Texas governor, attorney general can move forward
Read full article: Appeals court rules lawsuit seeking Jan. 6 emails from Texas governor, attorney general can move forwardOn Jan. 6, 2021, Ken Paxton spoke at a rally that preceded a mob of Donald Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol.
Texas teachers grapple with their raises caught up in voucher fight
Read full article: Texas teachers grapple with their raises caught up in voucher fightAs a special session starts with a focus on “school choice” but no mention of public school funding, some teachers said they are even considering leaving the profession.
Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial escalates Texas Republican civil war
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial escalates Texas Republican civil warPaxton’s far-right supporters doubled down on their promises for swift retribution against fellow Republicans who supported his removal from office.
Captivated by the historic trial, Texans respond to Paxton acquittal with delight, disappointment
Read full article: Captivated by the historic trial, Texans respond to Paxton acquittal with delight, disappointmentThose disappointed by the Senate vote, blame political polarization. Those pleased with the acquittal say the evidence fell short.
Ken Paxton was acquitted. See how each Senator voted.
Read full article: Ken Paxton was acquitted. See how each Senator voted.After spending two weeks listening to both sides make their case, Texas Senators voted to acquit Paxton on all 16 articles of impeachment. Because of this vote, Paxton will remain in office.
Texas high court allows law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors to take effect
Read full article: Texas high court allows law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors to take effectThe Texas Supreme Court will allow the new state law banning gender-affirming care for minors to take effect on Friday, setting up Texas to be the most populous state with such restrictions on transgender children.
Texas high court allows law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors to take effect
Read full article: Texas high court allows law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors to take effectThe Texas Supreme Court will allow the new state law banning gender-affirming care for minors to take effect on Friday, setting up Texas to be the most populous state with such restrictions on transgender children.
Texas heat wave has inmates' families worried about lack of air conditioning in state's prisons
Read full article: Texas heat wave has inmates' families worried about lack of air conditioning in state's prisonsAs a summer heat wave continues to bake most of Texas, family members of inmates are calling for all of the state’s prisons to be fully air conditioned.
Families and doctors sue Texas over its new ban on transgender care for minors
Read full article: Families and doctors sue Texas over its new ban on transgender care for minorsA group of Texas families and doctors have sued in state court seeking to block the state’s new law that bans gender-affirming care for minors.
Gov. Greg Abbott sends more state police to patrol Austin after city leaders call for end to partnership
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sends more state police to patrol Austin after city leaders call for end to partnershipAustin Mayor Kirk Watson had said that troopers pulling a gun on a 10-year-old prompted the end of the agreement. A video of that encounter shows troopers with guns pointed at the ground, not the child.
New Texas laws favor parents in child abuse investigations as legislators try to limit number of kids in foster care
Read full article: New Texas laws favor parents in child abuse investigations as legislators try to limit number of kids in foster careLegislators also passed bills that will provide foster kids entering the troubled system with duffel bags or backpacks and those aging out of the system with help setting up bank accounts.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes bill that would give people with disabilities new option to vote by mail
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes bill that would give people with disabilities new option to vote by mailThe bipartisan legislation was long sought by advocates for disabled voters, including some of the governor’s own allies.
Gov. Abbott signs parent empowerment bill at Texas Capitol
Read full article: Gov. Abbott signs parent empowerment bill at Texas CapitolGov. Greg Abbott will hold a bill signing for key parent empowerment legislation passed during the 88th regular legislative session Monday, according to a news release.
Republican priorities on school choice, border fail, but late-night compromises resurrect others
Read full article: Republican priorities on school choice, border fail, but late-night compromises resurrect othersRushed agreements and suspended rules rescue legislation on the electric grid and economic incentives for companies, and work is still being done on a property tax proposal.
How Houston-area representatives voted during Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment hearing
Read full article: How Houston-area representatives voted during Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment hearingHow did Houston area representatives vote during the impeachment hearing? We broke down the representatives by their district, party, vote, and city.
Austin doctors who treated trans kids leaving Dell Children’s clinic after AG Paxton announces investigation
Read full article: Austin doctors who treated trans kids leaving Dell Children’s clinic after AG Paxton announces investigationAttorney General Ken Paxton previously announced an investigation into “potentially illegal” activity. Parents are scrambling to find transition-related care for their kids as the Legislature appears poised to ban it altogether.
Rare momentum on a Texas gun bill stalls in the state's Republican-controlled legislature
Read full article: Rare momentum on a Texas gun bill stalls in the state's Republican-controlled legislatureRare momentum in the Texas Capitol for a tougher gun law has flickered out, days after a mass shooting near Dallas left eight people dead.
Democrats again delay Texas House debate on banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans kids
Read full article: Democrats again delay Texas House debate on banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans kidsSenate Bill 14 spurred protests that led to altercations with state police earlier this week. Bill supporters and opponents again showed up at the Capitol for an expected vote Friday.
Rep. Bryan Slaton declines to discuss attendance at closed investigative hearing
Read full article: Rep. Bryan Slaton declines to discuss attendance at closed investigative hearingThe Royse City Republican, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with an employee, emerged from a room where a House investigative panel was meeting.
Protesters evicted from Texas Capitol as clash between LGBTQ residents and GOP leaders escalates
Read full article: Protesters evicted from Texas Capitol as clash between LGBTQ residents and GOP leaders escalatesTexas state police detained and handcuffed people protesting legislation that would prohibit transgender kids from getting puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The House separately delayed a vote on Senate Bill 14 until later this week.
Senate OKs bill to allow construction of anti-abortion monument on state Capitol grounds
Read full article: Senate OKs bill to allow construction of anti-abortion monument on state Capitol groundsThe original sculpture was installed in the Church of San Marcello al Corso in Rome last year and is often interpreted as a depiction of Mary and Jesus.
As the legislative clock ticks, Houston language advocates angle for a committee hearing
Read full article: As the legislative clock ticks, Houston language advocates angle for a committee hearingThe window is closing for Woori Juntos in its pursuit of legislation to improve language access to state health programs.
In overnight testimony, Uvalde victims’ family members call on Texas lawmakers to raise age to buy semi-automatic guns
Read full article: In overnight testimony, Uvalde victims’ family members call on Texas lawmakers to raise age to buy semi-automatic gunsThe families of Uvalde shooting victims waited hours to testify at a House committee hearing in support of House Bill 2744, which would raise the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic guns from 18 to 21.
No vote after Uvalde parents plead for tougher gun laws
Read full article: No vote after Uvalde parents plead for tougher gun lawsLawmakers in the Texas Capitol have set aside a slate of proposed new gun restrictions without a vote after hours of emotional appeals from Uvalde families whose children were killed last year at Robb Elementary School.
After years of little progress, Texas gun control and safety advocates see some small openings for dialogue at the Capitol
Read full article: After years of little progress, Texas gun control and safety advocates see some small openings for dialogue at the CapitolMany bills that would limit access to firearms or ammunition likely won’t become law anytime soon. But people who advocate at the Texas Capitol see emerging signs that there’s appetite for finding some middle ground.
Law enforcement says no explosives detected after bomb threat called in to state Capitol
Read full article: Law enforcement says no explosives detected after bomb threat called in to state CapitolThe Texas Department of Public Safety did a sweep of Capitol grounds with K-9 dogs and found no explosive devices.
Terrified and angry, LGBTQ Texans and allies rally at Capitol to protest bills targeting queer community
Read full article: Terrified and angry, LGBTQ Texans and allies rally at Capitol to protest bills targeting queer communityWith six weeks remaining in the legislative session, advocates implored Texans to join the “resistance” against fast-moving efforts to curb health care, drag queens, education, trans athletes and more.
The eyes of LGBTQ Texans are upon Dade Phelan and the House
Read full article: The eyes of LGBTQ Texans are upon Dade Phelan and the HouseSpurred by a groundswell of far-right support, the Texas Senate has passed all of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s priority LGBTQ bills — and then some. What the House does next will impact queer Texans’ lives and could determine Speaker Phelan’s future.
Complaint alleges Rep. Bryan Slaton had “inappropriate relationship” with an intern
Read full article: Complaint alleges Rep. Bryan Slaton had “inappropriate relationship” with an internThe complaint came after an incident in which Slaton and the staffer allegedly met up at his Austin apartment last weekend. A separate staffer told The Texas Tribune that Slaton drank alcohol with an intern under 21 years old.
Sen. Kelly Hancock opens up about rare kidney disease, as he advocates for Texas bill to increase living organ donors
Read full article: Sen. Kelly Hancock opens up about rare kidney disease, as he advocates for Texas bill to increase living organ donorsHancock, a North Richland Hills Republican, was diagnosed at age 27 with a rare genetic kidney disease that occurs when the immunoglobulin A antibody builds up in the kidneys.
Quran taken from Texas Capitol chapel recovered by state police. They aren’t saying who removed it.
Read full article: Quran taken from Texas Capitol chapel recovered by state police. They aren’t saying who removed it.Days after it went missing, DPS identified the person who removed a family Quran Rep. Salman Bhojani had placed in the chapel. The state has since provided its own copy.
Staff of Houston state Rep. Jolanda Jones resigns, citing hostile work environment
Read full article: Staff of Houston state Rep. Jolanda Jones resigns, citing hostile work environmentJones said in a new statement that she was outraged at the allegations the former employees made about her son, who works in the office, which she said are false.
Here’s what to know about transition-related health care, which Texas has banned for children
Read full article: Here’s what to know about transition-related health care, which Texas has banned for childrenSenate Bill 14 prohibits trans kids from receiving puberty blockers and hormone treatments. Here’s what medical experts and trans Texans say about such care.
Houston language advocates race to keep their one small request from disappearing in Capitol bedlam
Read full article: Houston language advocates race to keep their one small request from disappearing in Capitol bedlamWoori Juntos began the legislative session hoping to win over a majority of legislators to their cause — making it easier for Texans who speak no or limited English to communicate with state agencies and access crucial services. First, they needed a lawmaker to file their bill.
A Texas lawmaker wants voters to decide whether legislators deserve a raise
Read full article: A Texas lawmaker wants voters to decide whether legislators deserve a raiseState Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, has proposed an amendment to the state constitution to raise legislator pay and tie it to teachers’ pay, saying it would give lawmakers a living wage and allow a broader range of Texans to serve.
Uvalde’s state lawmakers face an uphill battle raising the age limit for semi-automatic guns. They’re trying anyway.
Read full article: Uvalde’s state lawmakers face an uphill battle raising the age limit for semi-automatic guns. They’re trying anyway.Many relatives of Uvalde victims back bills that state Rep. Tracy King and Sen. Roland Gutierrez are pushing in the Legislature. But limits on gun access don’t fare well at the Capitol.
Two years after Texas’ voting rights showdown gripped the nation, lawmakers again push dozens of elections bills
Read full article: Two years after Texas’ voting rights showdown gripped the nation, lawmakers again push dozens of elections billsState policymakers have mapped out familiar territory early in the legislative session, with Democrats seeking to expand voting access and Republicans pledging to make elections more secure.
Help us identify what matters most to Texans during the 2023 legislative session
Read full article: Help us identify what matters most to Texans during the 2023 legislative sessionWe would like to know more about what you’re seeing in your community to help guide our reporting during the 88th legislative session.
Oaths, M&Ms and a historic Quran: Texas’ freshman lawmakers begin their inaugural legislative session
Read full article: Oaths, M&Ms and a historic Quran: Texas’ freshman lawmakers begin their inaugural legislative sessionNew Texas House members were sworn into office Tuesday, including some who have already made history.
Birth control ruling to see fresh scrutiny at Texas Capitol
Read full article: Birth control ruling to see fresh scrutiny at Texas CapitolTexas lawmakers are returning to the Capitol for the first legislative session since a statewide abortion ban took effect, and access to birth control for minors is likely to command fresh attention.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick prioritizes property tax relief, electric grid fixes and border security for 2023 legislative session
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick prioritizes property tax relief, electric grid fixes and border security for 2023 legislative sessionPatrick, who presides over the Senate and wields tremendous power over legislation, said lawmakers have an “extraordinary opportunity” to shape the future of Texas at the start of the next legislative session, which begins Jan. 10.
Same-sex marriage bill heads for Senate passage over opposition from Cornyn and Cruz
Read full article: Same-sex marriage bill heads for Senate passage over opposition from Cornyn and CruzThe bill would provide federal recognition and interstate portability of same-sex marriages, but it stops short of guaranteeing a right to such marriages.
Appeals court allows Texas to withhold list of people it thinks are noncitizens and can’t vote
Read full article: Appeals court allows Texas to withhold list of people it thinks are noncitizens and can’t voteThe appellate court reversed a previous ruling that found that Texas violated federal law by refusing to release the list. The suit was brought by five civil rights groups that sought to hold Texas accountable if it disenfranchised naturalized citizens.
Texas’ child welfare agency blocked from investigating many more parents of trans teens
Read full article: Texas’ child welfare agency blocked from investigating many more parents of trans teensFriday’s injunction applies to all members of PFLAG, an LGBTQ advocacy group with more than 600 members in Texas.
A conservative school district and Texas lawmaker try to outmaneuver efforts to subvert ‘In God We Trust’ law
Read full article: A conservative school district and Texas lawmaker try to outmaneuver efforts to subvert ‘In God We Trust’ lawAfter protesters solicited donations to distribute posters to schools across the state in Arabic, state Sen. Bryan Hughes sent a letter to the Texas Education Agency clarifying his legislation requiring schools to display signs with the national motto.
Families of the Uvalde shooting victims denounce Gov. Greg Abbott’s inaction on gun reform
Read full article: Families of the Uvalde shooting victims denounce Gov. Greg Abbott’s inaction on gun reformThe governor has made a vocal enemy in the families of Robb Elementary shooting victims. They are demanding a special legislative session to reach a compromise on the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic rifles.
Federal judge strikes down Texas handgun age restriction
Read full article: Federal judge strikes down Texas handgun age restrictionA federal judge has struck down one of Texas’ few remaining firearm restrictions, finding a law that barred adults under the age of 21 from carrying a handgun was unconstitutional.
Not 1925: Texas’ law banning abortion dates to before the Civil War
Read full article: Not 1925: Texas’ law banning abortion dates to before the Civil WarThe restriction, which was revived after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, was put in place amid concerns about declining white birth rates and as the medical profession formalized.
TribCast: A bill that would boost Texas’ semiconductor industry creates an unusual divide
Read full article: TribCast: A bill that would boost Texas’ semiconductor industry creates an unusual divideOn this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Eric about the CHIPS Act and Eleanor about how abortion might be prosecuted in Texas.
Abortion rights demonstrators take to the streets in Texas: ‘It’s just unbelievable’
Read full article: Abortion rights demonstrators take to the streets in Texas: ‘It’s just unbelievable’Through speeches, signs and chants, protesters across the state expressed their concerns Friday about the effects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Uvalde victim's sister pleads for tougher gun laws in Texas
Read full article: Uvalde victim's sister pleads for tougher gun laws in TexasThe sister of a 9-year-old girl killed in the Uvalde school shooting rampage has tearfully pleaded with Texas lawmakers to pass tougher gun laws and questioned why so many security measures failed.
Uvalde victim’s sister pleads for gun safety measures
Read full article: Uvalde victim’s sister pleads for gun safety measuresThe sister of a 9-year-old girl killed in the Uvalde school shooting rampage has tearfully pleaded with Texas lawmakers to pass tougher gun laws and questioned why so many security measures failed.
Texans tell environmental agency: Stop being reluctant to regulate industry
Read full article: Texans tell environmental agency: Stop being reluctant to regulate industryA report from the state Sunset Advisory Commission found that Texas Commission on Environmental Quality commissioners have become “reluctant” regulators and often encourage industry to “self police.”
ACLU of Texas files new lawsuit against state’s investigations into parents of transgender children
Read full article: ACLU of Texas files new lawsuit against state’s investigations into parents of transgender childrenThe American Civil Liberties Union of Texas has teamed up with Lambda Legal to file a new lawsuit, urging a court to block the state’s investigation into parents of transgender children.
Texas Republicans say if Roe falls, they’ll focus on adoptions and preventing women from seeking abortions elsewhere
Read full article: Texas Republicans say if Roe falls, they’ll focus on adoptions and preventing women from seeking abortions elsewhereState leaders say expanding a social safety net for children and prosecuting abortion funders are among their priorities. “We’ll continue to do our best to make abortion not just outlawed, but unthinkable,” said state Rep. Briscoe Cain.
Judge loses trust in Texas’ child abuse investigation of foster care facility and calls for federal inquiry
Read full article: Judge loses trust in Texas’ child abuse investigation of foster care facility and calls for federal inquiryU.S. District Judge Janis Jack said she is seeking a federal criminal investigation into allegations that children were sexually abused and trafficked at The Refuge, a state-licensed foster care shelter for victims of sex trafficking.
Apple, Google among dozens of corporations condemning Texas’ order to investigate families of trans kids
Read full article: Apple, Google among dozens of corporations condemning Texas’ order to investigate families of trans kidsThe letter, published as a full-page ad in The Dallas Morning News, was also signed by Salesforce, Johnson & Johnson, Dow and Capital One. The companies said they do business, create jobs and serve customers in Texas and are committed to creating safe communities for LGBTQ people.
Houston hospital pauses hormone therapy for transgender children as threats of child abuse investigations loom
Read full article: Houston hospital pauses hormone therapy for transgender children as threats of child abuse investigations loomCiting potential criminal penalties, Texas Children’s Hospital will no longer provide hormone therapy to transgender patients.
Texas investigates parents of transgender teen, prompting the ACLU to sue
Read full article: Texas investigates parents of transgender teen, prompting the ACLU to sueThe ACLU suit looks to block Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive that the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services investigate parents seeking gender-affirming care for their transgender children.
Gov. Greg Abbott sues Biden administration over vaccine mandate for National Guard
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sues Biden administration over vaccine mandate for National GuardThe state has already challenged the federal government’s vaccine orders for big businesses, health care workers and federal contractors.
A growing number of Texas Republicans want a fourth special session to pass COVID-19 vaccine mandate ban
Read full article: A growing number of Texas Republicans want a fourth special session to pass COVID-19 vaccine mandate banIt remains unclear whether Gov. Greg Abbott — the only official with the power to convene special sessions — will order state lawmakers back to Austin, or what issues he would include on the agenda.
Analysis: A swelling Texas treasury gives 2022 hopefuls room for big ideas
Read full article: Analysis: A swelling Texas treasury gives 2022 hopefuls room for big ideasAs the political season starts, the contestants got an unexpected bit of good news: The state comptroller says the next Legislature will start with almost $25 billion in the state treasury. Expensive campaign promises just got a lot easier to make.
TribCast: A federal judge temporarily blocks Texas’ near-total abortion ban
Read full article: TribCast: A federal judge temporarily blocks Texas’ near-total abortion banIn this week’s TribCast, Matthew speaks with Alexa and Reese about the ongoing court fights over Texas’ new abortion law and the redistricting process in Texas.
Texas has a constitutional amendments election this year. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 4.
Read full article: Texas has a constitutional amendments election this year. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 4.A statewide election on Nov. 2 will feature eight constitutional amendments that address topics ranging from religious freedom to taxes to judicial eligibility. Here’s what you need to know to vote.
Gov. Greg Abbott calls special legislative session for redistricting, other conservative priorities starting Sept. 20
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott calls special legislative session for redistricting, other conservative priorities starting Sept. 20On top of redistricting, Abbott wants lawmakers to take up bills on restrictions for transgender student athletes and the allocation of billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tests negative for COVID-19 four days after positive test
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tests negative for COVID-19 four days after positive testThe governor credited his vaccination for keeping his infection "brief and mild" and encouraged others to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID-19
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID-19The governor spoke Monday night at a GOP event in Collin County, later tweeting photos of him addressing a maskless crowd. Less than three hours before his diagnosis was announced Tuesday afternoon, he tweeted pictures of a meeting with guitarist Jimmie Vaughan.
NAACP: Justice must probe arrest threats against Texas Dems
Read full article: NAACP: Justice must probe arrest threats against Texas DemsThe NAACP is urging the Justice Department to investigate whether a federal crime was being committed when Texas Republicans threatened to have their Democratic colleagues arrested.