A school voucher program in Texas is more likely than ever. Can lawmakers craft a bill they agree on?

Latest News

• Texas school districts asked to return $16 million in federal funding for special education services

  By Ayden Runnels 8 minutes ago

  The request comes after an audit found Texas improperly billed the federal government for reimbursements related to Medicaid-eligible students. Full Story 

• Texas House panel subpoenas death row inmate Robert Roberson a second time

  By Kayla Guo 3 hours ago

  The new subpoena comes after lawmakers say Ken Paxton’s office stalled a previous effort to get Roberson’s legislative testimony about his conviction in “shaken baby” case. Full Story 

• Texas regulators report more than 250 new cases of groundwater contamination

  By Martha Pskowski, Inside Climate News 11 hours ago

  An annual report documents 2,870 active cases of groundwater contamination around the state. Groundwater provides more than half of the state’s water supply. Full Story 

• After learning hard lessons in Austin, Greg Casar to take Congressional Progressive Caucus in new direction

  By Matthew Choi 11 hours ago

  The freshman congressman will lead the influential progressive caucus next year with plans to focus on working class and economic issues instead of culture wars. Full Story 

• Dustin Burrows walks a tightrope seeking Republican and Democratic support for Texas House speaker bid

  By Jasper Scherer Dec. 16, 2024

  Five years after weathering a major Republican House leadership controversy, Burrows finds himself at the center of another skirmish — this time as he seeks the speaker’s gavel himself. Full Story 

• Growing oil industry support for methane reduction rule could help it survive Trump’s return

  By Alejandra Martinez Dec. 16, 2024

  Texas regulators are taking public comment about how they should implement an EPA rule to reduce methane leaks from the oil and gas industry. Full Story 

• Expanding college financial aid will help Texas meet workforce needs, new higher ed chief says

  By Sneha Dey Dec. 13, 2024

  In his new role, Rosser will be responsible for helping Texas meet its goal to increase the number of Texans ages 25 to 34 with a postsecondary credential to 60% by 2030. Full Story 

• Ken Paxton sues New York doctor accused of prescribing abortion pills to Texas woman

  By Eleanor Klibanoff Dec. 13, 2024

  This case sets up a legal battle between Texas’ near-total abortion ban and New York’s shield law that protects doctors from out-of-state prosecution. Full Story 

• A new Texas GOP rule could alter the House speaker’s race — and ban some Republicans from appearing in primaries

  By Robert Downen Dec. 13, 2024

  Republicans who vote against party leaders’ preferred candidate could be barred from running in primaries. Lawsuits could follow. Full Story 

• Dustin Burrows on bipartisanship, school vouchers and why he still thinks he’ll be Texas House speaker

  By Jasper Scherer Dec. 13, 2024

  In a Q&A, Burrows said he’s still confident he’ll win. But he says the leadership race is bigger than any one person and his supporters are trying to protect the integrity of the House. Full Story 

• “The best time to prepare”: Migrant rights group warns undocumented Texans to plan for deportations

  By Berenice Garcia Dec. 13, 2024

  Groups are urging the state’s estimated 1.6 million undocumented migrants to prepare financially and make plans for their loved ones if they’re detained. Full Story 

• SpaceX wants to turn its Texas launch site into a city

  By Berenice Garcia Dec. 12, 2024

  Citing all the work the company has put into the region, employees are requesting a special election in Cameron County to incorporate a city. Full Story 

• Odessa elected its first gay City Council member

  By Carlos Nogueras Ramos Dec. 12, 2024

  Donald Trump won Ector County, which includes Odessa, with more than 70 percent of the vote. Full Story 

• Attorney General Ken Paxton sues companies over “forever chemicals”

  By Alejandra Martinez Updated: Dec. 12, 2024

  Paxton’s office has accused 3M and DuPont of misrepresenting or concealing the health risks of PFAS, which have been sold for decades for use in consumer products. Full Story 

• Texas professors self-censor for fear of retaliation, survey found

  By Kate McGee Dec. 12, 2024

  At least a third of respondents at UT-Austin, UT-Dallas and Texas A&M said they’re not sure administrators at their universities protect free speech on campus. Full Story 

• A South Texas lawmaker's 15-year fight for a Rio Grande Valley law school

  By Berenice Garcia Dec. 12, 2024

  Advocates say a law school in one of the state's poorest regions would exponentially help communities with legal aid. Full Story