Texas Tribune

18 Nov 2024

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texastribune.orgCBP weighs border wall through Santa Ana wildlife refugeThe original plan, which has been stalled since July, called for construction of a wall along the Santa Ana wildlife refuge.

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A section of border wall that the federal government planned to build along a South Texas wildlife refuge could end up cutting through the refuge instead. The proposed change attempts to resolve a legal dispute in which government contractors are accused of trespassing on property near the refuge.

texastribune.orgWill school vouchers, state takeovers motivate Texas voters?As Democrat Gina Hinojosa focuses on “saving” public schools, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has emphasized property tax cuts in the final weeks of the campaign.

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As Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa heads into the Nov. 3 election as perhaps Gov. Greg Abbott’s toughest challenger yet, she’s using his education record to put him on the defensive.

texastribune.orgInside UT’s response to Bo French remarks about studentsDespite pressure from students and graduates to condemn the remarks as racist, University of Texas officials took a more careful approach.

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“Silence is getting a bit loud”: Emails show UT leaders took heat for slow response to Bo French post

texastribune.orgGOP Rep. Ryan Guillen predicts South Texas will shift leftwardThe former Democrat’s reputation as an unflappable moderate stands in sharp contrast to the MAGA firebrands at the top of this year’s GOP ticket.

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As South Texas Republicans brace for losses, Ryan Guillen’s career offers a possible roadmap back

texastribune.orgImmigrants in ICE custody don’t have right to bond, court rulesThe 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that detained immigrants don’t have a constitutional right to a bond hearing after they enter the country illegally.

A federal appeals court ruled Friday that immigrants who entered the country illegally don't have the right to seek bond while they're in custody, even if they've set roots in the U.S.

texastribune.orgHead of Texas juvenile justice department resignsIt’s not immediately clear why TJJD Executive Director Shandra Carter left the role, which she had held since 2022.

The head of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, which manages the state's five youth prisons, has resigned. It's not immediately clear why TJJD Executive Director Shandra Carter stepped down, but the decision came after the agency placed all of its youth prisons under an extended lockdown.

texastribune.orgKen Paxton sues ChatGPT-maker OpenAICEO Sam Altman and ChatGPT are top competitors to Elon Musk, the tech billionaire fueling Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign.

New: Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, for allegedly deceiving and harming Texans. CEO Sam Altman and ChatGPT are top competitors to Elon Musk, the tech billionaire fueling Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign.

texastribune.orgWeather alerts may be sent via satellite under new federal lawNot everyone received cell alerts during the deadly flooding in 2025 in the Texas Hill Country. A new law is trying to fix that.

Under a new federal law, National Weather Service warnings of life-threatening flash foods or other emergencies could be sent to cellphones via satellite if cell service goes down.

texastribune.orgKen and Angela Paxton invested $600,000 in a convicted fraudster’s business - The Texas TribuneThe blind trust’s investment in Wildcatter offers a new, unreported look at the attorney general’s financial ties with the very type of business executives whose prosecutions he typically celebrates.

New: Ken and Angela Paxton invested $600,000 in a convicted fraudster’s business With @propublica.org:

Texas Tribune reposted

Charles Ornstein

@charlesornstein.bsky.social

MAJOR SCOOP: Ken Paxton Says He’s Tough on Crime. His Trust Invested $600,000 in a Convicted Fraudster’s Company. w/ @texastribune.org

propublica.orgKen Paxton’s Trust Gave a $600,000 Infusion to a Convicted Fraudster’s CompanyThe blind trust’s investment in Wildcatter offers a new, unreported look at the attorney general’s financial ties with the very type of business executives whose prosecutions he typically celebrates.

texastribune.orgTexas SNAP participation drops to a 17-year low amid fed changesThe state health agency is also processing 64% of food benefits applications in a timely manner — within 30 days — even though the required rate is 95%.

The number of Texans receiving food stamps has hit a 17-year low as the federal government tightens eligibility and the state struggles to process applications in a timely manner. Nationally, SNAP enrollment is also at a 17-year low.

texastribune.orgData center backlash cracks rural Texas Republican wallRural Republicans have long undercut Democrats’ gains in cities and suburbs. Will enough defect to make a difference this fall?

Rural Republicans have long been the floodwall that’s held back hopes of a blue wave big enough to flip Texas. But some rural voters are revolting, angry over the sudden proliferation of data centers, massive power lines and other physical manifestations of the state’s relentless development.

texastribune.orgTCU chancellor resigns after less than two years at helmDaniel Pullin’s time at the private Fort Worth institution included disputes over academic priorities and faculty input. Victor Boschini Jr., who led TCU for 22 years, is replacing him.

Daniel Pullin is out as Texas Christian University’s chancellor, less than 17 months after taking the private institution’s top job. www.texastribune.org/2026/10/22/t...

texastribune.orgWest Texas DA opens forgery probe into transgender mailersThe pamphlets appear to be an attempt to anger voters ahead of the midterm elections, GOP District Attorney Sarah Stogner said.

New: A Republican district attorney in West Texas has opened a criminal investigation into pamphlets mailed to homes across Texas purporting to come from a transgender rights organization.

texastribune.orgFeds charge Fort Bend County official with theft, wire fraudCarmen Turner, the Democratic tax assessor-collector since 2021, was arrested Thursday morning.

Federal prosecutors on Thursday announced indictments accusing Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen Turner of theft of government funds and wire fraud. U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz alleged that Turner conspired with others to steal thousands of dollars from federally funded programs.

texastribune.orgHow both Texas parties have shifted their political ad messagingDemocrats have moved from healthcare to taxes and corruption, while Republicans have ramped up ad spending on property taxes, crime and transgender issues, an analysis of AdImpact data shows.

Advertisements from Texas Democrats have move from focusing on healthcare to taxes and corruption, while Republicans have ramped up ad spending on property taxes, crime and transgender issues, an analysis of AdImpact data shows.

texastribune.orgNovember election could push Texas education board further rightThree conservative Republicans known for compromise on divisive topics did not seek reelection, while a seat representing the Rio Grande Valley could sway in either political direction.

Four key November races could push Texas education board further right

texastribune.orgLatino voters’ leftward swing could decide Texas’ 2026 midtermsLatino strategists and voters say this year’s swing is driven by anger at those in power and hinges on individual candidates. Democrats and Republicans alike agree it may not last.

Two years after major shifts in Latino voting patterns delivered President Donald Trump his largest ever margin of victory in Texas, affordability concerns and anger over the administration’s mass deportation campaign are fueling an expected swing back toward Democrats.

texastribune.orgTexas’ child care quality control measures played a role in enrollment cuts this fall - The Texas TribuneHB 2607 implemented quality control measures at Texas child care centers, but rising costs, a loss of federal funds and no additional state money has put a strain on the program, forcing cuts.

A 2021 state measure implemented quality control measures at Texas child care centers, but rising costs, a loss of federal funds and no additional state money has put a strain on the program, forcing cuts.

texastribune.orgTrump asks Supreme Court to let Big Bend border project resumeThe emergency appeal seeks to resume work on the project, which opponents argue is a waste of money due to low illegal immigration in the area and could harm scenic landscapes.

The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to let it resume building a border wall project through the Big Bend region. The government filed an emergency appeal asking the justices to lift a lower court decision that halted construction.

texastribune.orgSmuggler sentenced in Texas tragedy that killed 53 immigrantsRigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco received a 30-year prison sentence in the San Antonio migrant smuggling case that left 53 people dead.

A federal judge sentenced a Guatemalan man to 30 years in prison for his role in the deaths of 53 immigrants found inside a tractor-trailer four years ago in San Antonio. Law enforcement officials described the tragedy as the “country’s deadliest human smuggling event.”

texastribune.orgFEMA won’t help Texans after July 2026 floods. Here's why.Disaster recovery experts say FEMA individual assistance funds are critical for residents to cover short-term costs. Gov. Greg Abbott is considering an appeal.

FEMA won’t help Texans after July 2026 floods as agency tells states to lead disaster response

texastribune.orgTexas comptroller’s “executive orders” akin to agency tidyingThe authority to issue executive orders traditionally belongs to the chief executive, like the governor or a county judge.

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines issues series of “executive orders,” raising questions about his office’s authority

texastribune.orgState makes case to end court-monitoring of foster care system“Substantial” compliance to federal court-ordered improvements should be enough to end 15-year-old lawsuit, state argues.

State officials testified Tuesday how more than $320 million has been spent on court-ordered improvements to the Texas foster care system since 2019 as proof the need for oversight was no longer needed and a 15-year-old federal lawsuit should end.

texastribune.orgAG sides with public in fight over access to East Texas waterwayA brief on the Cutoff stream, which a billionaire blocked access to, was issued by the state agency in the days leading up to oral arguments before the 12th Court of Appeals.

AG’s office sides with community in the fight over public access to an East Texas waterway

texastribune.orgTexas trans rights group blames backlash on false mailersThe mailers, sent by an organization formed last month in Wyoming, implicate a Texas transgender rights group that says it was not involved.

Pamphlets purporting to come from a transgender rights organization — mailed to families across Texas and igniting criticism from conservatives — came from a company formed last month in Wyoming. The Texas Transgender Student Union listed a Houston-area post office box as the address on the mailers.

texastribune.orgBo French denies he agreed to Railroad Commission debateThe Dallas Press Club, which organized the event, said it would host a podcast recording with Democrat Jon Rosenthal.

Bo French, the Republican running for Texas Railroad Commissioner, said he never agreed to debate his opponent, state Rep. Jon Rosenthal, disputing the Dallas Press Club's account. The Press Club said it engaged both candidates to settle on Oct. 22, but it did not have that conversation in writing.

texastribune.orgWatchdog group criticizes TCEQ for advancing data center permitsPublic Citizen said the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hadn’t stopped issuing data center permits as required. The agency said it was complying with the directive.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has paused issuing permits connected to construction or infrastructure “directly supporting data centers." But an advocacy group fighting data center development along with concerned residents says that some TCEQ permits have still been moving along.

texastribune.orgThousands of Texas homeowners aren’t claiming property tax savingsHomeowners aren’t claiming a homestead exemption because they do not know about it or find the process too complicated, experts say.

Hundreds of thousands of Texas homeowners who may be eligible for the homestead exemption aren’t claiming the benefit, policy experts and appraisal districts told The Texas Tribune.

texastribune.orgWhat to know about claiming a property tax cut in TexasHundreds of thousands of potentially eligible Texas homeowners aren’t claiming a homestead exemption, which shaves off thousands of dollars from the taxable value of a home. Here’s how to apply.

Hundreds of thousands of potentially eligible Texas homeowners aren’t claiming a homestead exemption, which shaves off thousands of dollars from the taxable value of a home. Here’s how to apply.

texastribune.orgTexas data centers could undo years of progress on air pollutionA new report warns that the state’s air quality progress could be reversed by the end of the decade, especially if facilities use natural gas power.

A new report by the Houston Advanced Research Center warns that Texas' air quality progress could be reversed by the end of the decade, especially if facilities use natural gas power.

texastribune.orgMan who died in Texas ICE facility was lawful permanent residentICE said Emiliano Andrade-Covarrubias obtained his legal status fraudulently because he failed to disclose a 2004 arrest for theft. His daughter disputed that.

The 56-year-old Mexican man who died Saturday while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody was a lawful permanent resident in the country, the agency said in a statement. ICE added he was detained because officers believed he obtained his legal status in the U.S. fraudulently.

texastribune.orgSid Miller stops short of endorsing Dem for ag commissionerSheets, in response, called Miller the most corrupt figure in Texas government and considers his criticism a “badge of honor.”

Outgoing Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller posted an essay discouraging people from voting for Republican candidate Nate Sheets. He stopped short from endorsing Sheets' Democratic opponent Clayton Tucker, but elevated Tucker's work on the campaign so far.

texastribune.orgProvisional ballots in Texas: What voters need to knowIf a voter’s eligibility is uncertain, they can still cast what’s called a provisional ballot. Here’s how they qualify — and how officials ultimately decide whether they’re counted.Complete sentence s...

If a Texas voter’s eligibility is uncertain, they can still cast what’s called a provisional ballot. Here’s how they qualify — and how officials ultimately decide whether they’re counted.

texastribune.orgVoting Guides: Who is on the ballot? - The Texas TribuneHow to vote in Texas.

Oct. 19 is the first day of early voting for Texas’ midterm election. We’ve compiled a list of resources, including guides explaining each statewide office on the ballot, to help voters navigate one of the most competitive elections in years. 🧵

texastribune.orgTexas State Board of Education candidates: 2026 voter guideThe education board sets learning standards and approves instructional materials for public schools. Here are the nine candidates who are running and what’s at stake.

Texas’ State Board of Education sets learning standards and approves instructional materials for public schools. Here are the candidates who are running for nine of the board’s 15 district-based seats.

trib.itSupport The Texas TribuneDonations from readers help The Texas Tribune pursue the truth. Will you support trusted reporting today? give.texastribune.org/donate

These resources are free thanks to donations from Tribune readers. Will you join them and support independent reporting on this election? A donation of any amount will make you a Texas Tribune member.

texastribune.orgVoting Guides: Who is on the ballot? - The Texas TribuneHow to vote in Texas.

texastribune.org2026 Texas 15th Court of Appeals election guideThree seats on Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals are on the ballot in November. The court hears challenges to state laws and other consequential civil cases. Here’s what to know about the candidates.

The Legislature created the Texas 15th Court of Appeals to oversee challenges to constitutionality of state laws. All three of the court’s current members were appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott and are facing election for the first time this year.

texastribune.org2026 Texas congressional races: Who is running and what to knowThe state's six most competitive U.S. House contests include four redrawn seats Republicans hope to flip and two where they are playing defense. All are majority Hispanic.

Texas' six most competitive U.S. House district elections include four redrawn seats Republicans hope to flip and two where they are playing defense. All are majority Hispanic.

texastribune.orgVoting Guides: Who is on the ballot? - The Texas TribuneHow to vote in Texas.

texastribune.orgTexas Court of Criminal Appeals: 2026 candidates and racesThe criminal court decides death penalty case appeals and rules on petitions for those who believe they’ve been wrongfully detained. Here are the candidates for the 2026 race.

The Court of Criminal Appeals hears death penalty appeals from trial courts and habeas corpus petitions from those convicted of a state penalty who want to challenge their detention. It includes one presiding judge and eight other judges.

texastribune.orgA look at the candidates in the 2026 Texas Supreme Court raceThe all-Republican high court decides some of the most consequential cases impacting Texans’ lives. Here’s a look at who’s running for four of the court’s seats on the 2026 ballot.

The Texas Supreme Court is the final arbiter of major issues of state law. Justices are elected to six-year terms in partisan elections, but if a judge steps down before their term expires, the governor appoints their successor.

texastribune.orgVoting Guides: Who is on the ballot? - The Texas TribuneHow to vote in Texas.

texastribune.org2026 Texas land commissioner race: What you need to knowThe General Land Office oversees investments that earn billions of dollars for public education, manages state lands, operates the Alamo and administers disaster recovery funds and benefits to Texas v...

The Texas General Land Office oversees investments that earn billions of dollars for public education, manages state lands, operates the Alamo and administers disaster recovery funds and benefits to Texas veterans. Here’s where the candidates stand.

texastribune.orgTexas agriculture commissioner 2026: Who is running and what you need to knowAgriculture is the second largest industry in Texas, which is home to more than 230,000 farms. Here's a look at who is running in the 2026 race.

The Texas Agriculture Commissioner regulates the state’s agriculture industry, including cattle, grain and plants. The department also promotes economic development in rural areas and provides disaster relief to farmers. Here’s where the candidates stand.

texastribune.orgVoting Guides: Who is on the ballot? - The Texas TribuneHow to vote in Texas.

texastribune.orgTexas Railroad Commission 2026: What it does and who’s runningThe commission doesn't have anything to do with railroads. It regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry. Here’s where 2026 candidates Bo French, Jon Rosenthal and Arthur DiBianca stand.

The Texas Railroad Commission is tasked with regulating oil and gas production, natural gas facilities and inspecting facilities. Here’s where the candidates, Republican Bo French, Democrat Jon Rosenthal and Libertarian Arthur DiBianca stand.

texastribune.orgTexas comptroller 2026: Who is running and what to knowThe Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is the state’s chief financial officer. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 race and where they stand.

The State Comptroller of Public Accounts collects sales tax from local government. The office is also in charge of implementing a new $1 billion school voucher program. Here’s where the candidates stand.

texastribune.orgVoting Guides: Who is on the ballot? - The Texas TribuneHow to vote in Texas.

texastribune.orgTexas Lt. governor race: What to know about Dan Patrick and Vikki GoodwinThe lieutenant governor’s office is often described as the most powerful in Texas government. Here's where GOP candidate Dan Patrick and democratic candidate Vikki Goodwin stand.

The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate and is in charge of the chamber’s agenda. Here's where GOP candidate Dan Patrick, Democrat Vikki Goodwin and Libertarian Anthony Cristo stand.

texastribune.orgWhat to know about the 2026 Texas attorney general raceComplete sentence summary goes here. (max 120-150 chars)

The Texas attorney general handles the state’s legal affairs, such as enforcing child support judgments and investigating unscrupulous businesses. Here’s where the candidates, Republican Mayes Middleton, Democrat Nathan Johnson and Libertarian Tom Oxford stand.

texastribune.orgVoting Guides: Who is on the ballot? - The Texas TribuneHow to vote in Texas.

texastribune.orgTexas U.S. Senate 2026: Paxton, Talarico and Brown on the issuesKen Paxton and James Talarico are in a close race for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat, with Ted Brown also on the ballot. See where they stand on THC, data centers and Flock cameras. Talarico and Brown answer...

We asked candidates for U.S. Senate where they stand on a variety of issues. Democrat James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown answered our questions. Republican candidate Ken Paxton did not, so we used his past public statements to describe his positions.

texastribune.orgTexas governor 2026: What to know about Greg Abbott and Gina HinojosaComplete sentence summary goes here. (max 120-150 chars)

The governor is the chief executive of the state, whose responsibilities include implementing state laws and leading Texas during emergencies. Here’s a look at where incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon stand.