Texas’ public ed funding boost brings some relief but erodes districts’ independence, school leaders say

A law providing $8.5 billion in new funding for Texas public schools lacks the spending flexibility that previously let districts address their campuses’ needs as they saw fit.
Elon Musk hired a dozen Texas lobbyists this year. State law keeps the extent of their influence under wraps.

How the billionaire businessman’s lobbyists helped him get so many state Legislature wins is something of a mystery.
Texas coastal town in “David and Goliath” fight against planned ammonia plant

Ingleside residents are resisting a “charm offensive” as Europe’s largest gas user plans a new facility in their small community across the bay from Corpus Christi.
Wealthy families are buying homes to get in-state tuition at Texas universities

A niche but growing industry specializes in helping students buy Texas homes to save tens of thousands of dollars in tuition at public universities.
Texas says undocumented immigrants visited local hospitals 80K times in three months. That’s 2% of all visits.

While the state says undocumented patients cost hospitals $329 million over three months, critics say the data lacks payment information and more context.
Judge blocks Trump order barring asylum access at southern border

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss postponed his order for two weeks, giving the Trump administration time to appeal it.
Texas lawmakers update sexual assault laws, allowing more survivors to pursue justice

After three sessions, Texas lawmakers passed a bill last month that defines consent and fixes what advocates called a loophole in Texas sexual assault laws.
Inside Elon Musk’s stellar year at the Texas Capitol

While Elon Musk took Washington, D.C., by storm, his company representatives and lobbyists were also notching up big political wins in Texas.
Renewing our commitment to political and investigative journalism

In the last few months, we’ve restructured our teams and made new hires that will help us build on our reputation as the state’s go-to source for news on Texas government and politics.
Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities included

The package includes $13.5 billion to reimburse states for border spending. It is expected to meet resistance in the House from some Texas Republicans.