WEATHER ALERT
โComplete shoddinessโ: Lawyers for Houston-area midwife accused of illegal abortions blast stateโs investigation
Read full article: โComplete shoddinessโ: Lawyers for Houston-area midwife accused of illegal abortions blast stateโs investigationMaria Rojasโ attorneys got their first chance to address the claims against her Thursday. She was released on bond but a judge ordered the clinics to remain closed.
Texas AG investigating insurance company accused of spying on lawmakers, journalists, other Texans
Read full article: Texas AG investigating insurance company accused of spying on lawmakers, journalists, other TexansSuperior HealthPlanโs CEO, whom lawmakers grilled about the companyโs alleged hiring of private investigators, was reportedly fired after the inquiry was announced.
Federal judge rules prison heat conditions are unconstitutional, but doesnโt require air conditioning
Read full article: Federal judge rules prison heat conditions are unconstitutional, but doesnโt require air conditioningAbout two-thirds of Texas prisons are not fully air conditioned, and dozens of inmates have died in the sweltering heat.
After four prosecutors and nearly six years, El Paso DA decides itโs time to stop pursuing the death penalty for mass shooter
Read full article: After four prosecutors and nearly six years, El Paso DA decides itโs time to stop pursuing the death penalty for mass shooterThe new DA campaigned on seeking the death penalty for the 2019 massacre, but said he offered the gunman a plea deal of life in prison to avoid dragging out the case for several more years.
Texas lawmakers are pushing harsher criminal penalties while prison and jail populations soar
Read full article: Texas lawmakers are pushing harsher criminal penalties while prison and jail populations soarProposed legislation includes increased penalties for retail theft, car burglaries and forgery, among others.
Federal appeals court reverses Texas death row inmateโs conviction
Read full article: Federal appeals court reverses Texas death row inmateโs convictionBrittany Marlowe Holberg was convicted in 1998 of robbing and murdering an 80-year-old man in his Amarillo home. The appeals court said critical evidence was withheld.
Following Trumpโs lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end telework
Read full article: Following Trumpโs lead, Gov. Abbott pushes state agencies to end teleworkThe directive comes as some state agencies have downsized their office spaces after the pandemic forced many employees to work remotely.
A shortage of criminal defense attorneys threatens indigent right to counsel in rural Texas
Read full article: A shortage of criminal defense attorneys threatens indigent right to counsel in rural TexasTexasโ indigent defense commission wants lawmakers to spend $35 million on public defender offices in rural areas, but some say that isnโt nearly enough to ensure compliance with the U.S. Constitution.
U.S. Supreme Court hears Texas death row inmateโs appeal for DNA test of evidence
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court hears Texas death row inmateโs appeal for DNA test of evidenceRuben Gutierrez wants to be able to sue prosecutors to compel them to test evidence that he says will prove he did not kill a Brownsville woman in 1998.
Feds target โcriminals and illegal immigrantsโ in Houston-area development, Abbott says
Read full article: Feds target โcriminals and illegal immigrantsโ in Houston-area development, Abbott saysThe Colony Ridge development has long been under scrutiny from conservative lawmakers, think tanks and influencers who cast it as a hotbed for undocumented immigrants and cartel crime.
Texas Senate votes in favor of proposals to deny bail to certain accused violent criminals
Read full article: Texas Senate votes in favor of proposals to deny bail to certain accused violent criminalsThe package was fast-tracked after Gov. Greg Abbott declared โbail reformโ an emergency item. The bills now head to the House for consideration.
Robert Roberson files first new appeal since his execution was delayed
Read full article: Robert Roberson files first new appeal since his execution was delayedThe appeal includes new testimony from experts who say Robersonโs daughter died of natural causes, and cites the courtโs exoneration of a man in another shaken baby syndrome case out of Dallas County.
Certain criminal suspects would be denied bail under changes OK'd by Texas Senate panel
Read full article: Certain criminal suspects would be denied bail under changes OK'd by Texas Senate panelThe package of bills would tighten the state's bail laws to keep more people in jail โ including undocumented immigrants โ while their criminal cases are pending.
Texas foster home linked to boyโs death had history of fight clubs and sexual misconduct, report says
Read full article: Texas foster home linked to boyโs death had history of fight clubs and sexual misconduct, report saysThe death of an 11-year-old at a Greenville residential treatment center is among 16 deaths reported in the Texas foster care system in the last 15 months.
Inmates in this Texas program are leaving prison with jobs โ and lower chances of reincarceration
Read full article: Inmates in this Texas program are leaving prison with jobs โ and lower chances of reincarcerationFaced with more immediate funding needs, state officials havenโt asked for more money for rehabilitation programs, such as STRIVE, next budget cycle.
Texas executes man convicted of killing Arlington pastor in 2011
Read full article: Texas executes man convicted of killing Arlington pastor in 2011Steven Lawayne Nelson maintained that he unknowingly participated in the violent church robbery but didnโt harm anyone. His execution was the stateโs first for 2025.
Two more state employees fired after accessing Texansโ private information
Read full article: Two more state employees fired after accessing Texansโ private informationSo far, nine HHSC employees have been fired for accessing without a โbusinessโ purpose the private information of Texans seeking public assistance that includes Medicaid and food stamps.
Immigration crackdown in Texas: What you need to know about your rights
Read full article: Immigration crackdown in Texas: What you need to know about your rightsRecent enforcement operations across Texas have raised concerns among undocumented immigrants. Hereโs what immigration attorneys want you to know about your rights and resources.
Texas legislators seek more protections for death penalty defendants in wake of Trump executive order
Read full article: Texas legislators seek more protections for death penalty defendants in wake of Trump executive orderTrumpโs new directive that aims to increase death sentences clashes with some Texas lawmakersโ efforts to add guardrails to capital punishment.
An immigrant faces deportation after a routine traffic stop in Texas, sparking more fear
Read full article: An immigrant faces deportation after a routine traffic stop in Texas, sparking more fearAdvocates worry that rapidly shifting federal and state immigration initiatives will prompt more city police to funnel migrants without criminal records to federal agents.
Texas Republicans in Congress propose bills to codify Trump executive orders
Read full article: Texas Republicans in Congress propose bills to codify Trump executive ordersEnding birthright citizenship, increasing oil drilling, and leaving WHO are just a few bills the stateโs Republicans pushed in Congress this month.
Fewer Texans sentenced to death, executed amid โevolving standards of decencyโ
Read full article: Fewer Texans sentenced to death, executed amid โevolving standards of decencyโTexas continues to lead other states on capital punishment. But the decline in new death sentences and executions reached a record low.
State employees suspected of stealing from low-income Texans' public assistance accounts
Read full article: State employees suspected of stealing from low-income Texans' public assistance accountsSeven human services employees were fired after a string of fraud and theft โ and the largest data breach in agency history.
Texas should close prisons and jails with staffing challenges, state oversight panel says
Read full article: Texas should close prisons and jails with staffing challenges, state oversight panel saysA report found up to 70% of guard positions were unfilled at some prisons. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has a 26% staff turnover rate.
Ken Paxton sues NCAA over transgender athletesโ participation in womenโs college sports
Read full article: Ken Paxton sues NCAA over transgender athletesโ participation in womenโs college sportsThe attorney general is accusing the organization of misleading fans by allowing transgender college athletes in womenโs sports.
Texas House panel may never hear Robert Robersonโs testimony after new legal move
Read full article: Texas House panel may never hear Robert Robersonโs testimony after new legal moveAttorney General Ken Paxton sought to delay legal proceedings until Jan. 13 โ the day before the committee disbands โ even as lawmakers vowed to continue fighting to hear from Roberson.
Cartels turn to social media to lure Americans into human smuggling as Texas enforces stricter laws
Read full article: Cartels turn to social media to lure Americans into human smuggling as Texas enforces stricter lawsThousands of people have been arrested under Texasโ human smuggling law. Now they face at least a decade in prison under sentencing guidelines that took effect this year.
Attorney General Ken Paxton files motion to block death row inmate Robert Roberson from testifying
Read full article: Attorney General Ken Paxton files motion to block death row inmate Robert Roberson from testifyingThe motion escalates a tense standoff between Paxton and a bipartisan Texas House committee, which had subpoenaed Roberson to testify at the Capitol on Friday.
Texas House panel subpoenas death row inmate Robert Roberson a second time
Read full article: Texas House panel subpoenas death row inmate Robert Roberson a second timeThe new subpoena comes after lawmakers say Ken Paxtonโs office stalled a previous effort to get Robersonโs legislative testimony about his conviction in โshaken babyโ case.
โThe best time to prepareโ: Migrant rights group warns undocumented Texans to plan for deportations
Read full article: โThe best time to prepareโ: Migrant rights group warns undocumented Texans to plan for deportationsGroups are urging the stateโs estimated 1.6 million undocumented migrants to prepare financially and make plans for their loved ones if theyโre detained.
Handshakes, murals and ministry: A reopened Texas prison focuses on rehabilitation
Read full article: Handshakes, murals and ministry: A reopened Texas prison focuses on rehabilitationThe Bartlett Unit in Williamson County will house 1,049 male inmates who will participate in educational programs aimed to help them secure a job after theyโve served their time.
Trial judge in Robert Robersonโs death row case agrees to recusal
Read full article: Trial judge in Robert Robersonโs death row case agrees to recusalSenior District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans recused herself after a challenge to her impartiality over longtime relationships with case prosecutors and judges.
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.
Texas can schedule Robert Robersonโs execution โ but lawmakers still expect his testimony first
Read full article: Texas can schedule Robert Robersonโs execution โ but lawmakers still expect his testimony firstRoberson was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter in a โshaken babyโ case that many say led to an innocent manโs death sentence.
โActually innocentโ: Judge recommends overturning death row inmate Melissa Lucioโs conviction, sending case to Texas high court
Read full article: โActually innocentโ: Judge recommends overturning death row inmate Melissa Lucioโs conviction, sending case to Texas high courtThe Cameron County judge also found the state relied on false testimony during her capital murder trial, according to court documents.
A push to change a 2019 Texas law that bars certain felons from becoming social workers
Read full article: A push to change a 2019 Texas law that bars certain felons from becoming social workersTexas prohibits people with assault convictions, among other felonies, from becoming social workers. A new lawsuit says the ban is unconstitutional.
Texas Supreme Court removes temporary block to Robert Robersonโs execution
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court removes temporary block to Robert Robersonโs executionThe stateโs highest civil court ruled that legislators canโt use subpoenas to block death row inmatesโ executions, but suggested thereโs still time for Roberson to testify before a Texas House panel.
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.
In Texas, criminal charges and misdemeanor convictions donโt automatically take away peopleโs voting rights
Read full article: In Texas, criminal charges and misdemeanor convictions donโt automatically take away peopleโs voting rightsTexans serving time for misdemeanor offenses or who are in jail awaiting trial are eligible to vote but only two counties offer voting in jail.
There are warring depictions of Robert Robersonโs murder case. Hereโs what to know.
Read full article: There are warring depictions of Robert Robersonโs murder case. Hereโs what to know.Even before the Texas manโs death sentence became a political lightning rod, law enforcement and medical experts had differing opinions on the evidence that convicted him.
Ken Paxton calls on Rep. Jeff Leach to resign over texts to judge in Robert Roberson case
Read full article: Ken Paxton calls on Rep. Jeff Leach to resign over texts to judge in Robert Roberson caseThe AG also said heโd make a criminal referral against the lawmaker, who apologized for texting a Court of Criminal Appeals judge about a new trial for the death row inmate.
Hundreds illegally got Texas teacher licenses through cheating ring, Harris County prosecutors say
Read full article: Hundreds illegally got Texas teacher licenses through cheating ring, Harris County prosecutors sayFive people were charged in connection with the scheme. Investigators say aspiring teachers would pay for help cheating in the certification test.
State Rep. Jeff Leach asked Texas judge to consider a new Robert Roberson trial in apparent conduct violation
Read full article: State Rep. Jeff Leach asked Texas judge to consider a new Robert Roberson trial in apparent conduct violationLeach, one of the driving forces behind the effort to stop Robersonโs execution, later apologized to the judge, who told the lawmaker there were still pending matters before the court.
In Dallas, ballot propositions could drastically change police and city government
Read full article: In Dallas, ballot propositions could drastically change police and city governmentProposed amendments to the city charter would require the city to hire more police, tie the city managerโs pay to community reviews and let citizens sue the city more easily.
Ken Paxton and Texas House members accuse each other of mischaracterizing Robert Robersonโs case
Read full article: Ken Paxton and Texas House members accuse each other of mischaracterizing Robert Robersonโs caseAfter the attorney general insisted on the death row inmateโs guilt in a graphic press release, four lawmakers issued a point-by-point rebuttal.
Robert Robersonโs case spotlights Texasโ GOP divide on criminal justice
Read full article: Robert Robersonโs case spotlights Texasโ GOP divide on criminal justiceTexasโ junk science statute has remained hamstrung for the last decade. So too have other criminal justice reforms, despite efforts from the Texas House.
Former Eagle Pass detective sentenced to 10 years in prison for running migrant stash houses
Read full article: Former Eagle Pass detective sentenced to 10 years in prison for running migrant stash housesHazel Eileen Diaz received nearly $40,000 in cash and money transfers for letting human smugglers use her rental properties.
Robert Roberson juror says new evidence would have prevented his conviction in shaken baby case
Read full article: Robert Roberson juror says new evidence would have prevented his conviction in shaken baby caseThe death row inmate was expected to testify before a Texas House committee, but those plans were scrapped amid a dispute over whether he should appear in person or virtually.
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.
A legal battle spared Robert Robersonโs life, for now. Hereโs what happens next.
Read full article: A legal battle spared Robert Robersonโs life, for now. Hereโs what happens next.The effort to spare Roberson sparked a conflict between the executive and legislative branches that must be resolved. When it is, the death row inmate will likely be back on the path to execution.
What is shaken baby syndrome, the controversial diagnosis for which Robert Roberson is set to die?
Read full article: What is shaken baby syndrome, the controversial diagnosis for which Robert Roberson is set to die?The American Academy of Pediatrics embraces the diagnosis, but courts have thrown out some cases, calling it โjunk science.โ
With little say over Robert Robersonโs fate, Texas lawmakers take extraordinary steps to buy him more time
Read full article: With little say over Robert Robersonโs fate, Texas lawmakers take extraordinary steps to buy him more timeWith Robersonโs options dwindling, a House panel used its bully pulpit to prove his case and excoriate the failures of the stateโs junk science law.
Texas Supreme Court temporarily stops Robert Robersonโs execution
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court temporarily stops Robert Robersonโs executionThe stateโs highest civil court said it wants a lower court to resolve a separation-of-powers issue raised by a group of Texas lawmakers who subpoenaed the death row inmate the night before he was set to be put to death.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller subpoenaed to testify in his former political consultantโs criminal trial
Read full article: Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller subpoenaed to testify in his former political consultantโs criminal trialTodd Smith was indicted in 2022 on felony charges of theft and commercial bribery related to taking money in exchange for hemp licenses that are issued by Millerโs office.
Uvalde city officials release missing footage from officers responding to 2022 Robb Elementary shooting
Read full article: Uvalde city officials release missing footage from officers responding to 2022 Robb Elementary shootingThe new videos largely affirm prior reporting and investigations that detailed law enforcementโs failures to confront the gunman who killed 19 children and two teachers.
Texas executes Brazoria County man for stomping death of infant son
Read full article: Texas executes Brazoria County man for stomping death of infant sonTravis James Mullis was sentenced to death in 2011 for killing his 3-month-old son in Galveston. He was the fourth person executed in Texas this year.
Texas prisons and jails are recruiting more teenagers to shore up guard shortage
Read full article: Texas prisons and jails are recruiting more teenagers to shore up guard shortageTwo counties house training programs in local high schools as officials pitch corrections jobs as gateways to criminal justice careers.
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.
Texasโ prison guard shortfall makes it harder for inmates to get reprieve from extreme indoor heat, critics say
Read full article: Texasโ prison guard shortfall makes it harder for inmates to get reprieve from extreme indoor heat, critics sayAbout 25% of Texasโ correctional officer positions are unfilled. Inmates say the shortages make it harder for them to get respite during hot summer months.
Dallas juvenile detention center isolated kids and falsified documents, state investigation says
Read full article: Dallas juvenile detention center isolated kids and falsified documents, state investigation saysA Texas Juvenile Justice Department report says Dallas County officers kept kids in their sleeping quarters for days at a time and faked school attendance logs.
Former schools police chief says he was not at fault in Uvalde shooting, asks judge to toss charges
Read full article: Former schools police chief says he was not at fault in Uvalde shooting, asks judge to toss chargesPete Arredondoโs lawyers tell the court that the shooter, not the police, was to blame for the school violence.
Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw retiring after 15 years as stateโs top law enforcement officer
Read full article: Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw retiring after 15 years as stateโs top law enforcement officerThe longtime head of the Department of Public Safety will step down at the end of the year.
Uvalde police failed to turn over some video from Robb Elementary shooting, department says
Read full article: Uvalde police failed to turn over some video from Robb Elementary shooting, department saysChief Homer Delgado said the department has turned over the footage to the district attorneyโs office and ordered an investigation into how the error occurred.
When Texas jail standards push inmates to lockups in other states, oversight doesnโt follow
Read full article: When Texas jail standards push inmates to lockups in other states, oversight doesnโt followJaleen Andersonโs mom is on a quest for details about her sonโs death in a Louisiana prison that houses hundreds of Harris County inmates awaiting trial.
Texasโ overcrowded and understaffed jails send people awaiting trial to other counties and states
Read full article: Texasโ overcrowded and understaffed jails send people awaiting trial to other counties and statesLimits on who can be released without paying bail and difficulties hiring guards worsen the situation.
After Uvalde city officials end battle over shooting records, victimsโ families say other agencies need to follow suit
Read full article: After Uvalde city officials end battle over shooting records, victimsโ families say other agencies need to follow suitThe cityโs release ends a legal battle with news outlets, but other government agencies are withholding materials.
DPS reinstates Texas Ranger fired for Uvalde shooting response
Read full article: DPS reinstates Texas Ranger fired for Uvalde shooting responseDepartment of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said he made the decision after the Uvalde district attorney found no criminal wrongdoing and asked that Ranger Chris Kindell be allowed to return to his job.
Justice Department finds Texas juvenile detention centers violated youth offendersโ rights
Read full article: Justice Department finds Texas juvenile detention centers violated youth offendersโ rightsThe DOJ found that officers overused pepper spray, kept youths in prolonged isolation and failed to protect them from sexual abuse.
This company promised to improve health care in jails. Dozens of its patients have died.
Read full article: This company promised to improve health care in jails. Dozens of its patients have died.Health care contractor Turn Key serves nearly 70 counties across Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Colorado, Kansas and Montana.
The Rio Grande Valleyโs pet population is out of control. Will a proposed limit in one city help?
Read full article: The Rio Grande Valleyโs pet population is out of control. Will a proposed limit in one city help?Local leaders began debating a household limit on the number of pets after two residents were arrested for having 93 dogs and a cat in their home.
Marijuana decriminalization measures in San Marcos, Austin get early court wins
Read full article: Marijuana decriminalization measures in San Marcos, Austin get early court winsThree other cities have passed similar measures but the Texas AG and others question whether they can be enforced because of conflicts with state law.
When the science crumbles, Texas law says a conviction could, too. That rarely happens.
Read full article: When the science crumbles, Texas law says a conviction could, too. That rarely happens.Texasโ 2013 law that allows for new trials in cases with flawed scientific evidence was pioneering. But the stateโs highest criminal court has rejected most of those challenges.
El Paso County officials say itโs time the state pays for Operation Lone Star arrests
Read full article: El Paso County officials say itโs time the state pays for Operation Lone Star arrestsCounty 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.
Texas attorney general canโt question Catholic Charities director over migrant services, court says
Read full article: Texas attorney general canโt question Catholic Charities director over migrant services, court saysWednesdayโs ruling is the second time a Texas judge has ruled against the attorney general for investigating shelters helping migrants.
Supreme Court to review death penalty appeal challenging Texasโs DNA testing law
Read full article: Supreme Court to review death penalty appeal challenging Texasโs DNA testing lawRuben Gutierrez was sentenced to death for the 1998 Brownsville murder of an elderly woman. His execution was stayed in July.
Texasโ highest criminal court declines to stop execution of man accused in shaken baby case
Read full article: Texasโ highest criminal court declines to stop execution of man accused in shaken baby caseLawyers for Robert Roberson say the science used to sentence him to death is questionable and that prior health issues could explain the death of his 2-year-old daughter in 2002.