State and local officials say they’re better prepared than they were five years ago when Winter Storm Uri blanketed the state, killing hundreds and leaving scores without power and water.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
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2026 Texas Elections
After vicious 2024 cycle, Texas House GOP primaries see quieter landscape defined by tort battle
With Texas’ hardline conservative megadonors largely staying on the sidelines, a handful of House primaries have become battlegrounds for the state’s civil justice debate.
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State Government
Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers
The groups that operate Texas’ 988 system face a convergence of challenges this year, from expiring federal money to heavier workloads since the Trump administration eliminated the special option for LGBTQ youth.
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Immigration
Federal appeals court rehears challenge against Texas’ immigration law
Senate Bill 4 returns to the 5th Circuit with border crossings at record lows, a sharp reversal from the influx that inspired Texas’ law authorizing state police to arrest undocumented immigrants.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas lieutenant governor primary: Who is running and what to know
The lieutenant governor’s office is often described as the most powerful in Texas government. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
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Politics
Judge dismisses Texas lawsuit claiming that numbering system threatens ballot secrecy
The ruling said activist Laura Pressley’s case was moot, because the state has already banned the practice she challenged.
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State Government
Texas counties, auto industry push back on proposed ID restrictions on car registration tied to immigration
People testified during a Wednesday hearing said the DMV’s proposed changes would harm not just affected residents, but also Texas businesses and road safety.
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Politics
Gov. Abbott endorses Nate Sheets over Sid Miller for agriculture commissioner
In a statement, Abbott said Texans deserve a commissioner focused on Texas agriculture and “with zero tolerance for criminality.”
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Energy
How to know the difference between a local power outage and rolling blackouts
Power outages are a possibility during any severe weather event. But a local power outage is different from a larger power grid problem.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Under new postal service guidance, Texans shouldn’t wait to send voter registrations or mail-in ballots
The U.S. Postal Service warns it may not postmark mail the same day it takes possession of it. The deadline to register for the March 3 primary is Feb. 2.