John Cornyn says tax and spending bill must reimburse Texas $11 billion for border security

Texas Republicans are pushing the federal government to pay the state’s costs of Operation Lone Star, Gov. Greg’s Abbott’s border security initiative.
Texas lawmakers want to spend millions on Child ID kits. Experts say there’s no evidence they work.

Texas legislators slipped millions for child ID kits into a 1,000-page budget proposal. The move comes two years after they quietly cut funding for such kits following a ProPublica and Texas Tribune report that showed there’s no evidence they work.
Texas lawmakers want to lower homeowners’ insurance costs, but have few options

Texans pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country, putting lawmakers under pressure to tackle rising costs.
After immigration crackdown, international students in Texas self-censor to protect their education

Students told the Tribune they have deleted social media accounts, socialize less and steer clear of charged topics to avoid becoming targets of immigration authorities.
Texas House advances bill that would prohibit land sales to people and entities from certain countries

The legislation had only pertained to countries the government deemed national security threats. A last-minute change would let the governor add more countries to the ban.
UT System announces $100 million investment into civic leadership school

The money will help pay for a permanent home for the school on UT-Austin’s campus. Conservative donors and lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, helped create the school in 2023.
State Rep. Dennis Paul announces bid for Texas Senate with backing from Dan Patrick

Paul is the first candidate out of the gate to succeed incumbent Mayes Middleton in an open seat running from Galveston to the outskirts of Houston.
Texas’ measles outbreak is nation’s largest since 2000
The outbreak that originated in Texas has spread into multiple states. And, the summer will be the real test of how much bigger this outbreak can grow.
Texas has thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells. Who is responsible for cleaning them up?

Across Texas, abandoned wells are erupting with chemical-infused liquid and some have created massive lakes of contaminated water. Regulators say they need more money to address the problem.
The Texas Tribune has acquired the Austin Monitor

This move will allow us to build on the Monitor’s mission to serve a growing city with more expansive needs.