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Texas Tribune
@texastribune.org
· Nov 18
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Texas universities deploy AI tools to review and rewrite how some courses discuss race and gender.
Texas universities deploy AI for course audits
Records obtained by The Texas Tribune show how universities are using the technology to reshape curriculum under political pressure, raising concerns about academic freedom.
www.texastribune.org
December 15, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Texas universities deploy AI tools to review and rewrite how some courses discuss race and gender.
Southwest Airlines will bring 2,000 new jobs to Austin as city works to expand crowded airport
Southwest to expand in Austin, bring 2,000 new jobs
Austin and the state offered the Dallas-based airline a package of economic incentives totaling $19.5 million to locate a new crew base at Austin’s airport.
www.texastribune.org
December 12, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Southwest Airlines will bring 2,000 new jobs to Austin as city works to expand crowded airport
New: The Trump administration is pulling federal funding from Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, which operates a McAllen shelter that serves undocumented immigrants released from federal custody.
Feds freeze funding for Texas Catholic immigrant aid charity
Sister Norma Pimentel with Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley founded the shelter in McAllen, which serves undocumented immigrants released from federal custody.
www.texastribune.org
December 12, 2025 at 7:32 PM
New: The Trump administration is pulling federal funding from Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, which operates a McAllen shelter that serves undocumented immigrants released from federal custody.
A Lubbock County commissioner announced his congressional campaign. Then he was removed from office.
Lubbock commissioner removed from office over congressional run
Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish removed Commissioner Jason Corley from office this week, the latest twist in the Republicans’ fraught relationship.
www.texastribune.org
December 12, 2025 at 4:51 PM
A Lubbock County commissioner announced his congressional campaign. Then he was removed from office.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett leads state Rep. James Talarico by 8 percentage points in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, according to a poll released Friday.
Crockett leads Talarico in first head-to-head Senate poll
Crockett had higher name recognition and an overwhelming edge among Black voters, while Talarico kept the margin to single digits through greater support among white and Latino voters.
www.texastribune.org
December 12, 2025 at 4:30 PM
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett leads state Rep. James Talarico by 8 percentage points in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, according to a poll released Friday.
New: The Texas Education Agency is replacing the elected school boards of the Beaumont, Connally and Lake Worth school districts.
The takeovers add to the growing list of districts subject to state interventions, which includes Fort Worth and Houston.
The takeovers add to the growing list of districts subject to state interventions, which includes Fort Worth and Houston.
Texas to take over Lake Worth, Connally, Beaumont ISDs
The three interventions come after the state’s education agency announced plans to take over Fort Worth ISD in October.
www.texastribune.org
December 11, 2025 at 10:00 PM
New: The Texas Education Agency is replacing the elected school boards of the Beaumont, Connally and Lake Worth school districts.
The takeovers add to the growing list of districts subject to state interventions, which includes Fort Worth and Houston.
The takeovers add to the growing list of districts subject to state interventions, which includes Fort Worth and Houston.
After Trump pardon, Rep. Henry Cuellar restored to homeland security funding post
Rep. Henry Cuellar restored to powerful spending post
After his corruption indictment last year, the Laredo Democrat forfeited his role as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees more than $65 billion in annual spending.
www.texastribune.org
December 11, 2025 at 8:33 PM
After Trump pardon, Rep. Henry Cuellar restored to homeland security funding post
Gov. Greg Abbott wants to put a tighter lid on how fast property values can rise in a bid to deliver property tax relief to homeowners and businesses.
But tax policy experts warn the proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
But tax policy experts warn the proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
Greg Abbott wants to cap home values. Experts warn it’s risky.
Conservative and liberal tax policy experts said Abbott’s proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
www.texastribune.org
December 11, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Gov. Greg Abbott wants to put a tighter lid on how fast property values can rise in a bid to deliver property tax relief to homeowners and businesses.
But tax policy experts warn the proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
But tax policy experts warn the proposal would lead to higher housing costs and tax benefits flowing disproportionately to wealthy homeowners.
This week, The Texas Tribune published a story detailing the political forces that contributed to the ouster of Texas A&M’s president Mark Welsh.
Here are some takeaways from our reporting.
Here are some takeaways from our reporting.
6 takeaways from our Texas A&M investigation
Mark Welsh III’s two-year tenure as president of Texas A&M University was marked with political controversies.
www.texastribune.org
December 11, 2025 at 4:27 PM
This week, The Texas Tribune published a story detailing the political forces that contributed to the ouster of Texas A&M’s president Mark Welsh.
Here are some takeaways from our reporting.
Here are some takeaways from our reporting.
Gov. Greg Abbott, as part of his reelection campaign, wants to make it harder for Texas cities and counties to raise property taxes.
Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
Abbott: Texas voters should have final say on property taxes
Texas cities and counties already face limits on how much revenue they can generate. Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
www.texastribune.org
December 10, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Gov. Greg Abbott, as part of his reelection campaign, wants to make it harder for Texas cities and counties to raise property taxes.
Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
Local leaders have warned that further restrictions would mean fewer services like parks and libraries.
Former Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III wasn’t pushed out over just one incident.
The A&M Board of Regents came to want a more explicitly conservative leader who would shut down controversy before it reared its head.
The A&M Board of Regents came to want a more explicitly conservative leader who would shut down controversy before it reared its head.
Why Texas A&M president Mark Welsh lost his job
The A&M Board of Regents came to want a more explicitly conservative leader who would shut down controversy before it reared its head, as they grew weary from the steady drumbeat of online posts accus...
www.texastribune.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Former Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III wasn’t pushed out over just one incident.
The A&M Board of Regents came to want a more explicitly conservative leader who would shut down controversy before it reared its head.
The A&M Board of Regents came to want a more explicitly conservative leader who would shut down controversy before it reared its head.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a probe into almost 1,000 Texas cities to make sure they’re following a new state law aimed at preventing localities from unduly raising property taxes, his office said Tuesday.
Texas AG probe of cities’ finances to seek tax law violators
While Ken Paxton did not allege any wrongdoing, his move is intended to enforce a new law that prevents cities from raising property taxes if they fail to follow transparency requirements.
www.texastribune.org
December 9, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a probe into almost 1,000 Texas cities to make sure they’re following a new state law aimed at preventing localities from unduly raising property taxes, his office said Tuesday.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes again
Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption — again
The lieutenant governor also doubled down on his stance that property taxes can’t be totally eliminated, putting him at odds with Gov. Greg Abbott.
www.texastribune.org
December 9, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes again
Ahead of the 2026 election, Gov. Greg Abbott's signature proposal is a sweeping property tax-cut platform, which includes getting rid of school property taxes for homeowners.
But tax policy experts are skeptical that Abbott’s pitch would meaningfully bring down the state’s high tax bills.
But tax policy experts are skeptical that Abbott’s pitch would meaningfully bring down the state’s high tax bills.
Will Abbott's plan to end property taxes for schools work?
The governor must first win over lawmakers who have rejected similar proposals. The state may have to backfill more than $17 billion for school funding alone.
www.texastribune.org
December 9, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Ahead of the 2026 election, Gov. Greg Abbott's signature proposal is a sweeping property tax-cut platform, which includes getting rid of school property taxes for homeowners.
But tax policy experts are skeptical that Abbott’s pitch would meaningfully bring down the state’s high tax bills.
But tax policy experts are skeptical that Abbott’s pitch would meaningfully bring down the state’s high tax bills.
Dallas County GOP’s plan to hand-count primary ballots will prevent countywide voting on Election Day
Dallas County GOP plans to hand-count 2026 primary ballots
The decision will make Dallas County the largest jurisdiction in the U.S. where ballots are hand-counted. Voters will still be able to vote at any countywide vote center during early voting.
www.texastribune.org
December 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Dallas County GOP’s plan to hand-count primary ballots will prevent countywide voting on Election Day
Courts have said that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton can use a nearly 150-year-old state law to demand entities’ internal records, and move to shut them down if they don’t comply.
Paxton’s war on nonprofits gets court approval
Courts have said that the attorney general can use a 100-year-old law to demand entities’ internal records and sue to shut them down if he believes they’re violating the law.
www.texastribune.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Courts have said that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton can use a nearly 150-year-old state law to demand entities’ internal records, and move to shut them down if they don’t comply.
New: Gov. Greg Abbott and Turning Point USA are launching a partnership to create chapters of the right-wing organization on every Texas high school campus.
Abbott says Turning Point USA will expand in Texas schools
Republican officials in Oklahoma and Florida have also launched plans to expand the presence of the conservative youth organization founded by Charlie Kirk.
www.texastribune.org
December 8, 2025 at 8:29 PM
New: Gov. Greg Abbott and Turning Point USA are launching a partnership to create chapters of the right-wing organization on every Texas high school campus.
New: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett on Monday filed to run for U.S. Senate, scrambling the Democratic field after teasing her potential entry for months.
Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
Crockett, a second-term congresswoman, has skyrocketed to fame through viral spats with Republicans, becoming one of her party’s most prolific fundraisers.
www.texastribune.org
December 8, 2025 at 7:54 PM
New: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett on Monday filed to run for U.S. Senate, scrambling the Democratic field after teasing her potential entry for months.
Texas has launched its new cryptocurrency reserve with a $5 million purchase of Bitcoin as the state continues to embrace the volatile and controversial digital currency.
Texas starts cryptocurrency reserve with $5 million buy
Lawmakers created a state Strategic Bitcoin Reserve earlier this year and dedicated $10 million to investing in cryptocurrency. Texas is home to the world’s largest concentration of crypto mines.
www.texastribune.org
December 8, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Texas has launched its new cryptocurrency reserve with a $5 million purchase of Bitcoin as the state continues to embrace the volatile and controversial digital currency.
The decision to limit certification as a Historically Underutilized Business to companies owned by disabled veterans will shrink the number of participants in the state program from more than 15,000 to just 485 — all men.
Texas HUB program change sparks confusion for business owners
The decision to limit certification to companies owned by disabled veterans will shrink the Historically Underutilized Business program from more than 15,000 to 485 participants — all men.
www.texastribune.org
December 8, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The decision to limit certification as a Historically Underutilized Business to companies owned by disabled veterans will shrink the number of participants in the state program from more than 15,000 to just 485 — all men.
New: Colin Allred is dropping out of the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and pivoting to run instead for the Dallas-based 33rd Congressional District.
Colin Allred drops Senate bid, pivots to run for Congress
The former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.
www.texastribune.org
December 8, 2025 at 1:13 PM
New: Colin Allred is dropping out of the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and pivoting to run instead for the Dallas-based 33rd Congressional District.
Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bids
Texas Democrats face tough choices after map upheld
Houston Democrats are barreling toward a primary while North Texas Democrats await Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate decision.
www.texastribune.org
December 5, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bids
How will Texas’ voter-approved $3 billion dementia fund fare in court
How will Texas’ $3 billion dementia fund fare in court
In 2023, Texas overcame lawsuits that sought to prevent constitutional amendments from going into effect, but one that voters approved in 2021 is still blocked.
www.texastribune.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:24 PM
How will Texas’ voter-approved $3 billion dementia fund fare in court
Texas' 2025 congressional map is at the center of a legal battle, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Dec. 4 that Texas could use the new map for the 2026 primaries while that fight plays out.
Use our lookup tool to see what your district looks like under the new map.
Use our lookup tool to see what your district looks like under the new map.
Texas congressional maps: Find your current district
Texas Republicans drew new districts aimed at picking up five more seats. This tool compares previous and proposed districts.
www.texastribune.org
December 5, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Texas' 2025 congressional map is at the center of a legal battle, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Dec. 4 that Texas could use the new map for the 2026 primaries while that fight plays out.
Use our lookup tool to see what your district looks like under the new map.
Use our lookup tool to see what your district looks like under the new map.
BREAKING: Texas can use its new, GOP friendly congressional map while a legal challenge plays out, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, temporarily pausing a lower court ruling that had blocked the map from going into effect. www.texastribune.org/2025/12/02/t...
Supreme Court orders Texas to use 2025 map amid legal battle
The ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.
www.texastribune.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:23 PM
BREAKING: Texas can use its new, GOP friendly congressional map while a legal challenge plays out, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, temporarily pausing a lower court ruling that had blocked the map from going into effect. www.texastribune.org/2025/12/02/t...