Trial lawyers, once a force for Democrats, reclaim political clout in Texas GOP’s MAGA wing

Texas plaintiffs’ lawyers are bankrolling populist GOP insurgents. Tort reform groups like Texans for Lawsuit Reform are aghast.
The Texas Tribune is investing in coverage of education and Houston

One of the state’s most important topics and one of its most important regions will get more attention.
TribCast: Could rural rage really swing a statewide election?

In this week’s episode, the TribCast crew is joined by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and economy reporter Paul Cobler. They discuss the anger in rural Texas over data centers and power lines, and ask Miller why he thinks it means Democrats could win a statewide race in November.
Inappropriate relationships should land Texas teachers in prison for 10 years, Gov. Abbott says

Gov. Greg Abbott wants teachers convicted of such misconduct with a student to face 10-year minimums in prison sentences with no parole.
Surrogate asks Texas court to let her seek medical care on the baby she’s carrying, AG Paxton says

An Alaskan surrogate has traveled to Texas for legal protection after a California couple has refused treatment for a severe heart condition.
Feds plan to sell three warehouses near El Paso it bought for migrant detention centers, Congress member says

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar said the government will put the warehouses on the market rather than convert them to house 8,000 immigrants for deportation.
Texas cuts child care subsidy program. Here’s what that means.

Inflation and federal funding cuts have squeezed Texas’ child care subsidy, causing the Texas Workforce Commission to scale back the program.
Here’s how to find information about data centers in Texas

What information is accessible about a data center project can differ from place to place and depend on whether a project seeks out tax breaks, whether it needs local rezoning or special permits, and how it will get its power and water.
Texas fights court ruling requiring that defendants get quicker access to psychiatric hospitals

A federal judge recently ruled that Texas must give defendants who are mentally incompetent to stand trial a state hospital bed within 21 days.
New secretary of state will continue to defend Texas’ open primaries against GOP lawsuit

The Legislature “can and will” take steps to limit who can vote in which primary, Secretary of State Robert Howden said in a Monday court filing.