The Texas redistricting fight spurring a legislative standoff: What you need to know

Texas Republicans are trying to redraw congressional districts to pick up five additional U.S. House seats. Democrats face financial and political risk in their bid to block the GOP plan.
The IRS says churches can now endorse candidates. That could give Texas pastors more power than ever.

One expert said Texas — with more than 200 megachurches — will be the epicenter for pastors and congregations to test out their new influence.
Harris County leader wants voters to extend child care efforts as pandemic funding runs out

The debate over whether to ask voters to cover the program comes as the nation’s third-largest county faces a projected $270M budget shortfall.
Texas House Democrats flee the state in bid to block GOP’s proposed congressional map

The lawmakers’ absence means the lower chamber won’t have enough members present to function, stalling passage of a draft map Democrats have condemned as a political power grab.
Denying quorum has been a Texas political strategy since 1870

While the Democrats could technically derail the GOP’s redistricting map, such efforts have been largely symbolic and had limited success blocking past legislation, experts say.
Gov. Greg Abbott threatens Texas House Democrats with removal from office for fleeing state

The governor also alleged absconding Democrats may have committed felonies by fundraising to cover the $500-a-day fines they will face under House rules.
In draft congressional map, Texas Republicans bet big that gains with Latino voters will persist

The plan increases the share of Hispanic voters in three of the five districts targeted by the GOP, banking that enough will turn out and vote for Republicans without Donald Trump on the ballot.
Companies are removing artificial dyes from products. What about San Antonio favorite Big Red?

The ingredient that gives the popular soft drink its bright color, red dye No. 40, is supposed to be removed from food and beverages by the end of 2026.
Texas cities, counties may face new limits on raising property taxes

Republican state lawmakers want to curb property tax bills by further limiting how much can be collected by cities and counties.
Overhauling STAAR test is back on the table this special session. But the clock is ticking.

An effort to replace the state’s standardized test fell apart in the final stretch of this year’s regular session. Texas lawmakers have two weeks left to find middle ground.