Critics denounce Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick’s “invasion” rhetoric on immigration, saying it will incite violence
“If people die again, blood will be on your hands,” U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, wrote in a tweet. Full Story
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Credit: Sophie Park/The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott feels the heat
The governor wants to talk about the border. But it’s hot, and recent history has Texans worried about electricity as temperatures climb and regulators call for conservation. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to target critical race theory in a special session, but is so far mum on details
The governor said Wednesday he would add the issue to the agenda for an anticipated special session. Full Story
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![Fifth graders at Jacob’s Well Elementary School in Wimberley lineup at the door as they prepare to walk back to their classroom from the science lab on Sept. 4, 2020.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott says power grid better than ever as Texans asked to cut back electricity use
A number of power plants were inexplicably offline at the same time that Texas was experiencing record June demand for electricity. ERCOT officials are still working to determine why. Full Story
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![Details of electrical transformers at the Austin Energy/Sand Hill Energy Center
in Del Valle on March 24, 2020.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill that would outlaw abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned
The law would almost immediately outlaw abortions in Texas if a court ruling or constitutional amendment gave states the authority to prohibit the procedure. The governor’s signature comes after the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could pave the way for more state restrictions on abortion access. Full Story
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Texans can carry handguns without a license or training starting Sept. 1, after Gov. Greg Abbott signs permitless carry bill into law
Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and other Republicans who were initially noncommittal about the bill were under immense political pressure this session from conservatives and gun rights advocates, who have long lobbied the Texas Legislature for permitless carry. Full Story
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![A M&P Shield handgun, small enough to be ideal for conceal carry, in Austin on April 23, 2021.]()
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Las Vegas Sands went all in on legalizing casinos in Texas. Here's why the multimillion-dollar effort did not make it far this session.
The legislation — which required voter approval — would have brought a monumental expansion of gambling to Texas, which has some of the most restrictive gaming laws in the country. Full Story
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![Gamblers play slot machines during the reopening of The D hotel-casino, closed by the state since March 18, 2020, as part of steps to slow the spread of COVID-19, in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 4, 2020.]()
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Texas “critical race theory” bill limiting teaching of current events signed into law
Texas is one of a handful of states that have approved legislation that prescribes how teachers discuss current events and prohibits students from receiving credit for participating in civic activities. Full Story
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![Computer station at the library in Wheatley High School on Nov. 14, 2019.]()
Credit: Pu Ying Huang for The Texas Tribune -
Donald Trump to tour border wall with Gov. Greg Abbott on June 30
Abbott announced last Thursday that Texas would build its own border wall to stem the flow of migrants from Mexico. Full Story
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![Former President Donald Trump walks from his flight at Valley International Airport in Harlingen on Jan. 12, 2021.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll use crowdfunding for his plan to build a border wall
Abbott made national headlines with his announcement Thursday in Del Rio that Texas would build its own wall at the Mexico border, though he provided no further details and said he would lay out the plan this week. Full Story
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![The border fence and levee passes through the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Hidalgo, Texas on Feb. 7, 2017.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas lawmakers would prioritize workers in 2021. But advocates say the working class was largely left behind.
After Texas workers were praised during the pandemic, many thought lawmakers would increase protections or benefits. But advocacy groups say they spent a lot of time playing defense on bills that could hurt workers. Full Story
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![Construction in downtown Austin's warehouse district on May 2, 2017.]()
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Analysis: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott heads for the border
The Texas Legislature has left Austin, and Gov. Greg Abbott has turned his attentions to the state's border with Mexico, where the policy issues are difficult and the politics are rewarding. Full Story
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![Ordered under the George W. Bush administration, a controversial incomplete border wall along the Rio Grande River in South Texas has had environmental and cultural impacts.]()
Credit: Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune -
In a period of conflicts and crises, Gov. Greg Abbott goes all in on the border
The governor's announcement Thursday that Texas would build its own border wall was Abbott's boldest move yet in an intensifying focus on the region. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott addresses the media about border security at a press conference at Anzalduas Park in Mission on March 9, 2021.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott wants to build a border wall, but does Texas have the ability — or money — to do so?
Critics have denounced Abbott's proposal as "political theater" that won't pass legal muster. But the two-term Republican governor says it's time to secure the border. Full Story
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![A segment of the border fence in the Rio Grande Valley.]()
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In this week's TribCast, Matthew speaks with Ross, Patrick and James about
In this week's TribCast, Matthew speaks with Ross, Patrick and James about Gov. Greg Abbott's border wall idea, the politics of South Texas and the GOP statewide ticket in 2022. Full Story
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![A section of border fence in Donna on June 27, 2019.]()
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Republicans think they can take South Texas — especially after a win in McAllen
Statewide officials are campaigning in the Democratic stronghold and GOP groups are now targeting statehouse districts. Full Story
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![Newly-elected McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos at City Hall on June 11, 2021.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas will build a border wall, but doesn’t yet give details on cost or location
The governor suggested more details would be released next week. The announcement Thursday of several initiatives is the latest in an ongoing conflict between Abbott, a Republican, and Democratic President Joe Biden's administration. Full Story
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![Asylum-seeking migrant families surrendered themselves to the U.S. Border Patrol, after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico, in Roma, Texas, on April 16, 2021.]()
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Gov. Greg Abbott has lifted almost all Texas pandemic restrictions. But not the one limiting jail releases.
As he was fighting for the Legislature to change state bail laws, the governor continued his emergency order to restrict no-cost jail releases during the pandemic. At least several Texas courts have deemed the order unconstitutional. Full Story
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![Inmates at the Dawson State Jail in Dallas.]()
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Analysis: Ken Paxton’s attractive troubles
The 2022 political season is just starting, but there are already three Republicans with statewide experience running for attorney general — including the incumbent. Full Story
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![Attorney General Ken Paxton spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, on Feb. 27, 2021.]()
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Texas’ 1836 Project aims to promote “patriotic education,” but critics worry it will gloss over state’s history of racism
The project is essentially an advisory committee designed to promote the state’s history to Texas residents, largely through pamphlets given to people receiving driver’s licenses. Full Story
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![The Tejano Monument, commemorating the contributions that Tejanos made to Texas history and culture, sits on the southern lawn of the Texas Capitol on June 8, 2021.]()
Credit: Sophie Park/The Texas Tribune
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