Texas hoped $100 million would help more families pay for child care. Here’s why it didn’t.

Increased costs in food and payroll at child care centers effectively wiped out the one-time investment state lawmakers approved earlier this year, a new report found.
TribCast: Redistricting goes to the Supreme Court

Which congressional map will Texas be using for the fast-approaching 2026 midterms? It’s up to the U.S. Supreme Court to decide.
Some DACA recipients have been arrested in Trump’s immigration crackdown

As immigrants have faced increased vetting, the arrests this year signal a change in how the U.S. is handling “Dreamers” amid a reshaping of policy.
Texas adds new ID restrictions on vehicle registrations and renewals

The restrictions, which went into effect on Nov. 18, could upend the ability of many undocumented residents to legally own vehicles.
Texas finalizes private school voucher rules, will let families put $10,300 toward preschool

Texas will let some families use public funds for private schools or homeschooling starting next year. Most families can apply starting Feb. 4.
Texas summer camp owners brace for more mental health issues among youth

Mental health experts expect the July 4 floods have resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder, unhealthy hypervigilance and recurring thoughts on disasters among campers.
They couldn’t save their daughters’ lives in the July 4 floods. Now they’re dealing with the grief and the guilt.

RJ and Annie Harber have leaned on faith, their community and each other to move through each day after losing their daughters and RJ’s parents. But memories of that night still haunt them.
Texas education chief met with Turning Point USA to discuss group’s expansion in high schools

The meeting happened days before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged $1 million to help establish chapters of the conservative student group on every Texas college and high school campus.
Brandon Herrera raises $1 million, swipes at Rep. Tony Gonzales over alleged affair

Gonzales recently made his first public remarks about the death of his 35-year-old aide who died after lighting herself on fire. He vigorously denied reports that the two were engaged in an extramarital affair.
Speaker Johnson defends Crenshaw after he was reportedly banned from congressional overseas travel

Punchbowl News reported that the Houston congressman was banned from taxpayer-funded travel for 90 days after toasting a Mexican official who made an inappropriate joke.