INSIDER
Could Texas do for Alzheimer’s research what it did for cancer?
Read full article: Could Texas do for Alzheimer’s research what it did for cancer?Modeled after the state’s $6 billion cancer research fund, the dementia fund — a legislative priority for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — could pump hundreds of millions of dollars into Texas researchers.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick names private school vouchers as his top legislative priority
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick names private school vouchers as his top legislative prioritySchool voucher supporters say they have the votes to get a bill across both the Texas Senate, led by Patrick, and the House, which has repeatedly blocked such proposals.
Adam Hinojosa flips Texas Senate seat, becomes first Republican to represent Rio Grande Valley district since Reconstruction
Read full article: Adam Hinojosa flips Texas Senate seat, becomes first Republican to represent Rio Grande Valley district since ReconstructionHinojosa won the only competitive seat in the Texas Senate this cycle, besting Sen. Morgan LaMantia two years after she narrowly defeated him.
Election Day updates: South Texas continues dramatic shift toward Donald Trump, GOP
Read full article: Election Day updates: South Texas continues dramatic shift toward Donald Trump, GOPTexas might not be a swing state, but many of its races will have major consequences to the national political landscape and on the lives of everyday Texans.
Robert Roberson’s case spotlights Texas’ GOP divide on criminal justice
Read full article: Robert Roberson’s case spotlights Texas’ GOP divide on criminal justiceTexas’ junk science statute has remained hamstrung for the last decade. So too have other criminal justice reforms, despite efforts from the Texas House.
Texas lawmakers signal push to require proof of citizenship from voters
Read full article: Texas lawmakers signal push to require proof of citizenship from votersGov. Greg Abbott gave an inflated number of noncitizens removed from the state’s voter rolls, officials acknowledged, confirming findings by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, and Votebeat.
Watch: Texas lawmakers discuss noncitizens on the voter rolls
Read full article: Watch: Texas lawmakers discuss noncitizens on the voter rollsHere’s what you need to know after a ProPublica, The Texas Tribune and Votebeat investigation found that Gov. Greg Abbott likely inflated the number of noncitizens on voter rolls.
Texas’ prison guard shortfall makes it harder for inmates to get reprieve from extreme indoor heat, critics say
Read full article: Texas’ prison guard shortfall makes it harder for inmates to get reprieve from extreme indoor heat, critics sayAbout 25% of Texas’ correctional officer positions are unfilled. Inmates say the shortages make it harder for them to get respite during hot summer months.
Dan Patrick asks Senate to consider bills to unmask protesters, change runoff elections
Read full article: Dan Patrick asks Senate to consider bills to unmask protesters, change runoff electionsThe new list includes many right-wing priorities, and would escalate Republicans’ wars against diversity, equity and inclusion programs and review laws to keep noncitizens off voter rolls.
1 million Texans have been removed from voting rolls ahead of Nov. 5 elections
Read full article: 1 million Texans have been removed from voting rolls ahead of Nov. 5 electionsIn a significant move to ensure election integrity, Texas has removed over one million people from its voter rolls, Governor Greg Abbott announced on Monday.
Texas voters will choose party nominees Tuesday in the primary runoff election
Read full article: Texas voters will choose party nominees Tuesday in the primary runoff electionGet The Texas Tribune’s coverage of election results for the 2024 primary runoff elections, which includes the Texas Legislature and more.
Under scrutiny from legislators, Texas university leaders attest to how they’re complying with the state’s DEI ban
Read full article: Under scrutiny from legislators, Texas university leaders attest to how they’re complying with the state’s DEI banTuesday’s Texas Senate hearing comes as lawmakers are expected to propose new laws next year to enforce the DEI ban and prevent antisemitism.
Molly Cook beats state Rep. Jarvis Johnson in special election to fill open Texas Senate seat until January
Read full article: Molly Cook beats state Rep. Jarvis Johnson in special election to fill open Texas Senate seat until JanuaryCook will fill John Whitmire’s unexpired term — but will face Johnson again in a Democratic primary runoff for a full four-year term.
Two Houston Democrats face off in back-to-back elections for John Whitmire’s open state Senate seat
Read full article: Two Houston Democrats face off in back-to-back elections for John Whitmire’s open state Senate seatState Rep. Jarvis Johnson and emergency room nurse Molly Cook are duking it out in a sleepy special election to briefly occupy the seat vacated when Whitmire was elected mayor.
North Texas Senate runoff creates strange bedfellows, divides usual allies within GOP
Read full article: North Texas Senate runoff creates strange bedfellows, divides usual allies within GOPThe battle to succeed retiring state Sen. Drew Springer has come down to a May 28 runoff between Brent Hagenbuch and Jace Yarbrough.
State Sen. Nathan Johnson victorious after surprise challenge from Rep. Victoria Neave Criado
Read full article: State Sen. Nathan Johnson victorious after surprise challenge from Rep. Victoria Neave CriadoJohnson is virtually assured to have won the seat, because there is no Republican challenger in November.
Houston-area Democrats line up in competitive primary to succeed John Whitmire in the Senate
Read full article: Houston-area Democrats line up in competitive primary to succeed John Whitmire in the SenateWhitmire held the Senate seat for four decades. Six Democrats are now competing for the seat in the upper chamber.
Republican senator who voted to acquit Paxton wants Senate to consider reopening impeachment proceedings
Read full article: Republican senator who voted to acquit Paxton wants Senate to consider reopening impeachment proceedingsThe bombshell request by retiring state Sen. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, comes after Paxton decided to stop fighting a whistleblower lawsuit whose claims factored into his impeachment trial.
Judge lets Texas Senate contender campaign amid residency doubts
Read full article: Judge lets Texas Senate contender campaign amid residency doubtsAt the same time, the judge denied a motion by Brent Hagenbuch to dismiss the case challenging his eligibility, letting it move forward ahead of the March primary.
Ken Paxton and aides ordered to answer questions under oath in whistleblower case
Read full article: Ken Paxton and aides ordered to answer questions under oath in whistleblower caseThe four whistleblowers asked the court last month to force the attorney general and his aides to sit for deposition, which would require them to answer questions under oath related to the allegations of bribery and corruption.
The field for the Texas primary election is set — here’s what to watch for
Read full article: The field for the Texas primary election is set — here’s what to watch forWith both Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton out for revenge, Republican members of the Texas House are the top target on the ballot.
State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado challenges fellow Dallas Democrat Sen. Nathan Johnson
Read full article: State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado challenges fellow Dallas Democrat Sen. Nathan JohnsonNeave Craido revealed her decision to the Dallas Morning News in an interview published Monday, saying Johnson has not fought hard enough to push back against the Republican agenda.
Texas claims in filings that challenges to 2023 election are invalid, results are final
Read full article: Texas claims in filings that challenges to 2023 election are invalid, results are finalIn court filings Tuesday, the secretary of state’s office argued that the plaintiffs in the election contests “never served a citation” properly. But there’s no guarantee it’ll work.
With GOP priorities unfinished, Texas House plans to wrap fourth special session Tuesday
Read full article: With GOP priorities unfinished, Texas House plans to wrap fourth special session TuesdayThe decision to end work Tuesday leaves long odds for bills to boost school safety funding and make sure that election challenges don’t delay the implementation of property tax cuts, teacher pension raises and infrastructure spending.
Texas Senate passes its own school safety funding bill, but little time remains to get it across the finish line
Read full article: Texas Senate passes its own school safety funding bill, but little time remains to get it across the finish lineSenate Bill 5 would send an extra $800 million to public schools for security upgrades over the next two years. But the measure is at risk of becoming the latest casualty of the rift between the Texas House and Senate.
U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon drops Texas Senate bid, will run again for Congress
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon drops Texas Senate bid, will run again for CongressFallon, who made the decision 24 hours after filing to run for his old Texas Senate seat, did not say why he changed his mind. His staff said the congressperson would provide more information later.
Republican Pat Fallon give up Congress seat and run for his old Texas Senate post
Read full article: Republican Pat Fallon give up Congress seat and run for his old Texas Senate postFallon served in the Texas Senate for two years before running for Congress. He won’t see reelection in the U.S. House.
Senate fast-tracks passage of vouchers and border security legislation
Read full article: Senate fast-tracks passage of vouchers and border security legislationThe Senate revved to life Thursday, holding committee hearings with little advance notice and advancing four bills that satisfy Abbott’s agenda.
State Sen. Drew Springer will not seek reelection in 2024
Read full article: State Sen. Drew Springer will not seek reelection in 2024The Republican, who represents a north Texas district, is the first member of the state Senate to announce ahead of the Nov. 11 start of the filing period that he won’t be running.
With time running out, Texas Senate punts on taking action on border bill
Read full article: With time running out, Texas Senate punts on taking action on border billThe Senate on Sunday afternoon failed to take action on a border security bill, leaving virtually no time to pass the bill before the special session ends on Tuesday.
The Texas House’s new priority education bill offers concessions to sway voucher skeptics
Read full article: The Texas House’s new priority education bill offers concessions to sway voucher skepticsThe revised bill promises a significant funding increase for public schools and academic accountability measures for students participating in the proposed voucher program, two of the biggest requests from voucher opponents.
Watch a Texas Tribune conversation on the state Legislature’s special session
Read full article: Watch a Texas Tribune conversation on the state Legislature’s special sessionJournalists covering the Texas Capitol discussed what came out of this year’s third special session and what is still to be resolved.
Private schools are ready to expand into smaller communities if Texas adopts voucher program
Read full article: Private schools are ready to expand into smaller communities if Texas adopts voucher programWith rural Texas relatively underserved by private schools, the potential for expansion could play a role in the debate over whether to let families use taxpayer money to pay for private education.
Texas House approves ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers
Read full article: Texas House approves ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employersViolations could bring a $50,000 fine under an amendment adopted Wednesday. The bill’s sponsor said the ban would be the strongest in the nation.
Texas voters split on House, Senate handling of Paxton impeachment, poll finds
Read full article: Texas voters split on House, Senate handling of Paxton impeachment, poll findsRepublicans showed a more clear divide, giving the Senate higher marks than the House for how the attorney general’s impeachment was handled.
House, Senate bills at odds over power to boost future funding for Texas school voucher program
Read full article: House, Senate bills at odds over power to boost future funding for Texas school voucher programThe Senate’s Republican bill would let state leaders grow the program by taking money from other agencies without the Legislature’s approval. The House bill would bar the practice.
Texas House priority bill increases education spending in exchange for creating voucher program
Read full article: Texas House priority bill increases education spending in exchange for creating voucher programHouse Bill 1 would make an educational savings account program available to 25,000 Texas students in its first year, with increased participation to follow. The governor’s office indicated that the proposal was lacking.
Two of Ken Paxton’s top deputies depart attorney general’s office
Read full article: Two of Ken Paxton’s top deputies depart attorney general’s officeEmails obtained by The Texas Tribune show the attorneys were expected to return to work after the impeachment trial ended and their extended absence raised concerns internally about the offices’ ability to function properly.
After fighting for Uvalde residents, Roland Gutierrez struggles to break through crowded field to challenge Ted Cruz
Read full article: After fighting for Uvalde residents, Roland Gutierrez struggles to break through crowded field to challenge Ted CruzThe Democrat has dedicated significant energy to probing law enforcement’s response to the Uvalde school shooting. But he faces a fundraising deficit against U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas.
Texas’ main voucher bill seeks to avoid other states’ mistakes but keeps ideas that attracted criticism
Read full article: Texas’ main voucher bill seeks to avoid other states’ mistakes but keeps ideas that attracted criticismLike in Texas, voucher programs in other states sparked vigorous debates, came with the same promises and faced similar concerns. Not all predictions came true.
Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll add teacher pay to the special session — but only if lawmakers pass school voucher bill
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll add teacher pay to the special session — but only if lawmakers pass school voucher billThough lawmakers have drafted a bill to increase public school funding and teacher salaries, it cannot pass during the special session unless Abbott adds those issues to his agenda.
School voucher bill gets initial approval in the Texas Senate, heads over to a more skeptical House
Read full article: School voucher bill gets initial approval in the Texas Senate, heads over to a more skeptical HouseThe Senate also approved Senate Bill 2, which would infuse $5.2 billion to school districts to help them with teacher raises and rising costs. Gov. Greg Abbott said he would add those items to the special session’s agenda once lawmakers approve a voucher program.
Texas lawmakers again try to prohibit private businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccines
Read full article: Texas lawmakers again try to prohibit private businesses from requiring COVID-19 vaccinesA Senate panel on Tuesday advanced such a measure. The debate centered largely around the safety of the vaccine and whether doctors’ offices and health care facilities should be exempt.
Body camera footage shows February drunk-driving arrest of Sen. Charles Schwertner
Read full article: Body camera footage shows February drunk-driving arrest of Sen. Charles SchwertnerNewly released body camera footage shows state Sen. Charles Schwertner’s February arrest for suspicion of drunk driving. Travis County prosecutors dropped the charge in July.
Lawsuit by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s accusers can continue, Texas Supreme Court rules
Read full article: Lawsuit by Attorney General Ken Paxton’s accusers can continue, Texas Supreme Court rulesThe whistleblower lawsuit, which argues that four senior staffers were improperly fired in retaliation for reporting Paxton to the FBI, returns to a Travis County trial court for action.
Paxton whistleblowers vow to continue legal fight in front of Texas Supreme Court
Read full article: Paxton whistleblowers vow to continue legal fight in front of Texas Supreme CourtOn Monday, the former state employees argued that Paxton has failed to uphold key parts of the settlement agreement, including a $3.3 million payment and a promise to apologize.
Dan Patrick defends taking $3 million from pro-Paxton group ahead of trial
Read full article: Dan Patrick defends taking $3 million from pro-Paxton group ahead of trialThe lieutenant governor said that he took just as much from “the other side,” including donors aligned with Texans for Lawsuit Reform, which Paxton has labeled a political enemy.
Ken Paxton blasts fellow Republicans and floats Cornyn challenge in post-impeachment interview
Read full article: Ken Paxton blasts fellow Republicans and floats Cornyn challenge in post-impeachment interviewIn his first remarks since being acquitted on 16 articles of impeachment, the suspended Texas attorney general blamed Democrats while also taking aim at a number of high-profile Republicans.
GOP senators, open to Paxton conviction, flipped when they realized they were still short the votes
Read full article: GOP senators, open to Paxton conviction, flipped when they realized they were still short the votes“I feel there were six senators who were ready to be the 21st vote,” said Sen. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas. “But they didn’t want to be the 20th vote.”
Ken Paxton verdict heightens political tension ahead of education special session
Read full article: Ken Paxton verdict heightens political tension ahead of education special sessionThe Texas House and Senate were already far apart on “school choice.” Anger over the impeachment trial might make it even harder to find common ground.
Ken Paxton’s wife, Angela Paxton, releases statement after husband acquitted in impeachment trial
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s wife, Angela Paxton, releases statement after husband acquitted in impeachment trialAngela Paxton, the wife of Attorney General Ken Paxton, released a written statement Monday after her husband was acquitted on all 20 articles of impeachment in the Texas Senate on Saturday in Austin.
Ken Paxton’s prosecutors stumbled at times. But did it matter in the GOP-dominated Senate?
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s prosecutors stumbled at times. But did it matter in the GOP-dominated Senate?The House impeachment managers faced a high bar: convincing enough Republican senators to vote against their own political self-interest.
These 2 senators were the only Republicans to vote for Paxton impeachment articles
Read full article: These 2 senators were the only Republicans to vote for Paxton impeachment articlesKelly Hancock and Robert Nichols broke from the rest of their party, but longtime observers said they weren’t surprised.
Paxton’s legal team, state politicians react to not guilty verdict in impeachment trial
Read full article: Paxton’s legal team, state politicians react to not guilty verdict in impeachment trialThe victory for Attorney General Paxton was not even close, it was overwhelming and it also was filled with much emotion especially afterwards from both sides with what took place in there.
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.
Senate Republicans say House managers failed to meet high burden of proof
Read full article: Senate Republicans say House managers failed to meet high burden of proofDemocrats, however, said their GOP colleagues “caved” to outside pressure in voting to acquit and return Ken Paxton to his job as attorney general.
Dan Patrick, Dade Phelan trade potshots after impeachment trial ends
Read full article: Dan Patrick, Dade Phelan trade potshots after impeachment trial endsThe lieutenant governor criticized the House for a secretive and rushed process that “wasted” taxpayer dollars. The House speaker fired back, saying Patrick confessed his bias and contempt.
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 Attorney General Ken Paxton acquitted on all 16 articles of impeachment
Read full article: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton acquitted on all 16 articles of impeachmentOnly two of 19 Republican Senators voted in favor of convicting for any article — a stark contrast to the more than 70% of House Republicans who impeached the attorney general in May.
Paxton defense calls charges ‘foolishness,’ House argues AG ‘betrayed us’ in closing impeachment arguments
Read full article: Paxton defense calls charges ‘foolishness,’ House argues AG ‘betrayed us’ in closing impeachment argumentsSenators begin deliberating in private after defense lawyers and impeachment managers make impassioned pleas after two weeks of trial.
Taxes, state parks, infrastructure: What you need to know about the Nov. 7 constitutional amendments election
Read full article: Taxes, state parks, infrastructure: What you need to know about the Nov. 7 constitutional amendments electionTexans will decide the fate of 14 constitutional amendments approved for the ballot by state lawmakers. Here’s a breakdown of each constitutional amendment and requirements to vote.
Ken Paxton isn’t the only Texan fighting impeachment this week. Meet Texas A&M’s student body president.
Read full article: Ken Paxton isn’t the only Texan fighting impeachment this week. Meet Texas A&M’s student body president.Impeachment at all levels of government are becoming more common, a political scientist said. It could make the political tool pointless.
Ken Paxton impeachment defense rests after calling 4 witnesses
Read full article: Ken Paxton impeachment defense rests after calling 4 witnessesSenators will hear closing arguments beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, after which they will deliberate in private before emerging to cast votes on whether the attorney general can remain in office.
The House has rested its case against Ken Paxton after a chaotic day for the prosecution
Read full article: The House has rested its case against Ken Paxton after a chaotic day for the prosecutionThe House prosecutors failed to call a star witness and battled with the defense attorneys over allegations the suspended attorney general had been bribed by Nate Paul.
Ken Paxton’s lawyer attacks allegation that home renovation was a bribe
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s lawyer attacks allegation that home renovation was a bribeDrew Wicker, Paxton’s former personal assistant, testified at Paxton’s impeachment trial that his boss used four cell phones and ditched his security to meet with Nate Paul. But Wicker also provided Paxton’s lawyer with a chance to attack a central bribery allegation.
Paxton trial, Sept. 13: Defense withdraws motion to dismiss impeachment articles before court adjourns for the day
Read full article: Paxton trial, Sept. 13: Defense withdraws motion to dismiss impeachment articles before court adjourns for the dayWatch a livestream of the attorney general’s impeachment trial and get the latest updates as senators weigh his political future.
Ken Paxton took a “corrupt” interest in lawsuit on Nate Paul’s behalf, whistleblower testifies
Read full article: Ken Paxton took a “corrupt” interest in lawsuit on Nate Paul’s behalf, whistleblower testifiesDarren McCarty said the attorney general, his former boss, approached the Mitte Foundation lawsuit with “urgency and anxiety” — and a focus on helping his friend and political donor.
“I did everything at his supervision”: Outside lawyer says Ken Paxton approved every step of Nate Paul investigation
Read full article: “I did everything at his supervision”: Outside lawyer says Ken Paxton approved every step of Nate Paul investigationHouston lawyer Brandon Cammack said he was excited to help the attorney general’s office with a criminal investigation. But after a whirlwind month, he was fired without payment and felt he’d “gotten the rug pulled out from me.”
Paxton trial, Sept. 12: Whistleblower says he feared Paxton had “turned over” his office to donor
Read full article: Paxton trial, Sept. 12: Whistleblower says he feared Paxton had “turned over” his office to donorA Paxton whistleblower testified that the attorney general took an unusual interest in Nate Paul’s litigation against a charity in 2020. Another said Paul benefited from an opinion on foreclosures.
Former chief of staff for AG’s office details alarm over Ken Paxton’s alleged affair
Read full article: Former chief of staff for AG’s office details alarm over Ken Paxton’s alleged affair“My heart broke for her,” Katherine “Missy” Cary said of Sen. Angela Paxton, Ken Paxton’s wife. Angela Paxton is disqualified from voting but has to attend the trial.
Paxton empathized with Nate Paul’s distrust of law enforcement because of his own indictment, whistleblower testifies
Read full article: Paxton empathized with Nate Paul’s distrust of law enforcement because of his own indictment, whistleblower testifiesMark Penley testified that Paxton made numerous negative comments about the Texas Department of Public Safety because of his 2015 securities fraud case. “He doesn’t trust the [DPS] director and he feels like they ran a corrupt investigation on him,” he said.
Paxton trial, Sept. 11: Whistleblower says political donor acted like he was the “real boss” of AG’s office
Read full article: Paxton trial, Sept. 11: Whistleblower says political donor acted like he was the “real boss” of AG’s officeOne whistleblower testified that Ken Paxton didn’t trust law enforcement after his own securities fraud indictment. Senators could begin deliberating the impeachment charges later this week.
Political warnings and accusations of misconduct: 6 main themes emerge in first week of Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial
Read full article: Political warnings and accusations of misconduct: 6 main themes emerge in first week of Ken Paxton’s impeachment trialThe suspended attorney general’s lawyers focused on disloyalty and attacked evidence, while impeachment managers accused Paxton of excessive and obsessive misconduct. Neither side ignored the politics behind the case.
A former Texas lawman says he warned AG Ken Paxton in 2020 that he was risking indictment
Read full article: A former Texas lawman says he warned AG Ken Paxton in 2020 that he was risking indictmentA former Texas lawman says he told Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2020 that he was risking indictment by by helping a donor under FBI investigation.
Paxton defense presses whistleblower on what evidence he brought to FBI
Read full article: Paxton defense presses whistleblower on what evidence he brought to FBIOn cross examination, Paxton’s defense attorney launched into whistleblower Ryan Vassar for bringing no physical evidence when he and others reported their boss to the FBI. Vassar said he was a witness and not an investigator.
DAY 4:Private texts, whistleblower memes revealed during AG Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial
Read full article: DAY 4:Private texts, whistleblower memes revealed during AG Ken Paxton’s impeachment trialThe historic impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton is underway in the Texas Senate. He faces 16 articles of impeachment that accuse him of misusing the powers of the attorney general’s office to help his friend and donor Nate Paul, an Austin real estate investor who was under federal investigation.
Paxton trial, Sept 8: AG’s former top cop says he warned Paxton about “criminal” Nate Paul
Read full article: Paxton trial, Sept 8: AG’s former top cop says he warned Paxton about “criminal” Nate PaulThe former top cop for the attorney general’s office testified that complying with real estate investor Nate Paul’s requests would have amounted to criminal activity. Defense attorneys also questioned whistleblowers about their group texts.