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ga-event-category="well click" ga-event-label="frontpage">In Texas, Christian right grows confident and assertive</a> </h1> <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/robert-downen/">Robert Downen</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Mon, 17 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500" title="2025-03-17 05:00 CDT"> March 17, 2025 </time></p> <p class="c-story-block__desc t-serif t-links has-b-btm-marg">Emboldened by court rulings and election victories, the Christian right is outspoken as it pushes its moral views through the Texas Legislature.</p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/17/texas-christian-nationalists-legislature-school/" ga-on="click" ga-event-category="well click" ga-event-action="primary" ga-event-label="frontpage" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <picture> <source sizes="(min-width: 1100px) 380px, (min-width: 650px) 50vw, 100vw" srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/tGsJCiPkRt7XRqjYTGBDDiSsaRI=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/bydesp9-MA7Cv8kpDijhKGXlQoM=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/kUHcT0706TA3F4NYlwIy_H_Z0DQ=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1550w, 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https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/-Gdm25_I8kmWjPzYmaZRlzXiOVM=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source sizes="(min-width: 1100px) 380px, (min-width: 650px) 50vw, 100vw" srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/otk6cOZgVfLVsewp6q3_JJjOrms=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/1rxXBXUNSbgiiEwvmIR5UCFgMg0=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/_PzWjEAzAeKIyZh7JPewNs4AmQE=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/7J9XORYXdqyYvSGe-MwkaJHya8Q=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/knHTSEtfN3bbJZ-XxVjsYvhzp04=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZL_vI67uy-EHy6YrTe-2ypzaueg=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/2wncC2dXu2wMOS_yapE5KgQ8ivs=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/4PMNa7UPF5MfepPpu_NCxvRgkqE=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 375w"> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZL_vI67uy-EHy6YrTe-2ypzaueg=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg" alt="FILE: The 10 Commandments plaque on the Capitol grounds in Austin on July 17, 2012." class="did-load c-image__img"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Ariel Min for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article>  <article id="fp-primary-b" class="c-story-block c-story-block--secondary c-story-block--stack-from-bp-l c-two-story__secondary"> <div class="c-story-block__text"> <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg"> <a href="/2025/03/19/texas-immigration-law-senate-bill-4-department-justice-lawsuit/" ga-on="click" ga-event-action="secondary" ga-event-category="well click" ga-event-label="frontpage">Trump administration drops challenge to Texas law targeting people who illegally cross the border</a> </h2> <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/uriel-j-garcia/">Uriel J. García</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:49:46 -0500" title="2025-03-19 11:49 CDT"> March 19, 2025 </time></p> <p class="t-serif t-size-s is-hidden-from-bp-l is-hidden-until-bp-s">Senate Bill 4, the Texas law that makes illegally crossing the border a state crime, will continue to be challenged by two immigrant rights groups and El Paso County.</p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/19/texas-immigration-law-senate-bill-4-department-justice-lawsuit/" ga-on="click" ga-event-category="well click" ga-event-action="secondary" ga-event-label="frontpage" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <picture> <source sizes="(min-width: 1100px) 260px, 25vw" srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/KXPR5jx2mHWGpOmtqBfIwnHm8jk=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NwBD95TBvlaDG01Z28EdRqHlkto=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/TQHLJzK1oFFfiNBlDXRi1UkLHRM=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/c9knu1_eFIgQ31Lhwja3LCz4l90=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 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type="image/webp"> <source sizes="(min-width: 1100px) 260px, 25vw" srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/UD-vc7vgqmFfLcAjrbX9j8WFEQI=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/snsSWTVbtkXCCzUOxFkYOJAlJrE=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/-dYb9ZeFSTvr6A1wMD73ElfLuaw=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ufpv7TftLGD_stWgo4_TWmwJo_I=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/rgqMs82VLG6XNJ_Aw9qvlS7P9LY=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/0WPNpPFtIxi6dS3gpofstpJP4BU=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/maNWdnp2luq_0pybkSyRFB6SPZQ=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/8Ld6OOat8TgLeMr4nrt9RwwFlis=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg 375w"> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/0WPNpPFtIxi6dS3gpofstpJP4BU=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/47643dabe273660cf0bd1d2e81e0ad3e/0207%20Eagle%20Pass%20OLS%20File%20EL%2004%20TT.jpg" alt="A National Guard soldier sits atop a wall made out of shipping containers while watching over the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Eagle Pass." class="did-load c-image__img"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </section> </div>  <div class="l-container l-container--xl has-page-padding has-b-btm-marg"> <section class="c-two-story-reverse"> <div> <section> <div class="l-align-center-self"> <div class="has-l-btm-marg"> <h3 class="t-size-s t-links t-uppercase c-two-story-reverse__headline"> <a href="/topics/congress/">Congress <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </h3> <article id="sr-primary" class="c-story-block c-story-block--featured c-story-block--series c-story-block--stack-until-bp-l has-b-btm-marg"> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/weekly-news-quiz/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <picture> <source sizes="(min-width: 1100px) 260px, 25vw" srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/k7o2mv6blQWsFG5PWT_hpPa-d3s=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/8RIdnyBEKHnWbGVUXxotDrFaBWk=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZMssMYXNKOSImwGCq_8M89KmOR0=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/MQnxNCKXazx-ge5329BKhiSfPS8=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/DFgfcfXQrmbQXne-LOBpz99X-E8=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/zUVgaijCmdvxbzjlVsYdAkkubYk=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NlnfxxqswWaXvD-ewaHKsUqmWIA=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/qUksmw78aVxhuunzIxTo13sS0Go=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 375w" type="image/webp"> <source sizes="(min-width: 1100px) 260px, 25vw" srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/dK83M9teIRwehT8an01hsQGLa98=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/_5UAOcLnhYPPYQBjvGKuWchcP-A=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/qyCTPJRWsJi6DHjJlb5puZ9H5S4=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/vPDTI5nezxKQgCKnLhe6ghyye2E=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/rW3cpo73pA5J4GEsTESJl1mjw68=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/EIdjTrCZa6IPJC6C-MWdtRUF2wc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/EE8vw-QYHhpQEdluXZ9Xm0-aGwI=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/V3I6R9iUX6HKDz_BECekXMqtF-E=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png 375w"> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/EIdjTrCZa6IPJC6C-MWdtRUF2wc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dfc2cb08f995bcdda88a229c647504ca/Tribune%20News%20Quiz%20Leadart%20v1.png" alt="Tribune news quiz" class="did-load c-image__img"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> </figure> <div class="c-story-block__text"> <div class="t-serif t-lh-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-weight-bold"> <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/weekly-news-quiz/">Tribune news quiz: What happened in Texas this week?</a> </div>  </div> </article> </div> <div class="has-l-btm-marg"> <h3 class="t-size-s t-links t-uppercase c-two-story-reverse__headline"> <a href="/series/texas-measles-outbreak/">Texas measles outbreak <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </h3> <article id="sr-primary" class="c-story-block c-story-block--featured c-story-block--series c-story-block--stack-until-bp-l has-b-btm-marg"> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <a href="/2025/03/20/texas-measles-family-gaines-county-death/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <picture> <source sizes="(min-width: 1100px) 260px, 25vw" srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/rQivIa_jrloFMbW6MXO-8ikK8jQ=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/K6HrhC_VJWr1lMC4I8DH4GQoc6g=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/gESH-nsCzvHMEPLNQfphHAyvwuM=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ttNW7wXs-WWQZSpSpyTbDZaBEUU=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/JJ0MylHTYckNnXqm6TtZhg9Fmms=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/tqun_8MMAE5lgccx3Iu9NGhhej4=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/F5zXuEJbGRvdVMYOTwDTbQV5How=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/XymaUZls3Ys5T6E-0YRH_gOwwW0=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source sizes="(min-width: 1100px) 260px, 25vw" srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/RgBXNwOVFWM3gA40GGfzkyDXIjg=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FQ--UaTmUjQMwhkYHpkIwHW5fuQ=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/skkdzqKkKXDDR3D-H2ghHtbONFk=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/4usOtUiqVj8wO5LW4H7pHdAv4mQ=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/PWu5WoYtYPri6K36KcJDwrx0fjk=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pNyXOMqO05-8G69Ro5I8tsU54Sc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/OystDWTYSVD-SDiV-jK8sJKMdKQ=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/OOyFuE5hpavWRp4j0kSH4NS0JaI=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg 375w"> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pNyXOMqO05-8G69Ro5I8tsU54Sc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6d78e550ef4e8c8bbaf49601ca626a8e/0226%20Measles%20Covenant%20TrT%20TT%2052.jpg" alt="Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock on Feb. 26, 2025. Covenant has added a patient screening check before entering the children's emergency entrance." class="did-load c-image__img"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Trace Thomas for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> <div class="c-story-block__text"> <div class="t-serif t-lh-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-weight-bold"> <a href="/2025/03/20/texas-measles-family-gaines-county-death/">Parents of Texas child who died of measles stand by decision to not vaccinate</a> </div>  </div> </article> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div> <div class="has-xl-btm-marg">  <div style="display:none;" id="featured-series-viz">  <article class="c-event-block"> <figure> <a href="/2025/03/17/texas-christian-nationalists-legislature-school/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZL_vI67uy-EHy6YrTe-2ypzaueg=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg" alt="FILE: The 10 Commandments plaque on the Capitol grounds in Austin on July 17, 2012." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/tGsJCiPkRt7XRqjYTGBDDiSsaRI=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/bydesp9-MA7Cv8kpDijhKGXlQoM=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/kUHcT0706TA3F4NYlwIy_H_Z0DQ=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/lLNM6cg0l4ArQB7XBR-DdRtipzY=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/HUz8-vd0QblIfJnJmJUYF4Nfo0k=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/JGnGZvLiwJy7YjjrvVxf21tLMmE=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/BiZ4N-e538BQEGULzD033x-PE14=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/-Gdm25_I8kmWjPzYmaZRlzXiOVM=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/otk6cOZgVfLVsewp6q3_JJjOrms=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/1rxXBXUNSbgiiEwvmIR5UCFgMg0=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/_PzWjEAzAeKIyZh7JPewNs4AmQE=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/7J9XORYXdqyYvSGe-MwkaJHya8Q=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/knHTSEtfN3bbJZ-XxVjsYvhzp04=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZL_vI67uy-EHy6YrTe-2ypzaueg=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/2wncC2dXu2wMOS_yapE5KgQ8ivs=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/4PMNa7UPF5MfepPpu_NCxvRgkqE=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZL_vI67uy-EHy6YrTe-2ypzaueg=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1b5d365847c2ca09de89c634788d3e2f/Lawmaker%20Evangelism%20AM%20TT%2001.jpg" alt="FILE: The 10 Commandments plaque on the Capitol grounds in Austin on July 17, 2012." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <div class="c-event-block__content c-event-block__content--overlay c-event-block__content--big-overlay l-width-full"> <h3 class="t-serif t-lh-b t-size-m t-links-underlined-hover"><a href="/2025/03/17/texas-christian-nationalists-legislature-school/">In Texas, Christian right grows confident and assertive</a></h3> </div> </figure> </article> </div> <div id="featured-series" class="l-container--l l-align-center-x"> <section aria-label="Featured series"> <h2 class="is-sr-only">Featured series</h2> <p class="is-sr-only">Content loading …</p> </section> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div>  <div class="t-align-center has-xxxl-btm-marg is-hidden-until-bp-m"> <div id="ad-unit-1829" class="js-ad-unit"> <div class="c-ad-ldbd-then-cube"> <div class="c-ad-ldbd-then-cube__unit l-pos-rel"> <p class="t-links t-size-xxs t-align-center has-xs-btm-marg has-text-gray-dark"> The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. <a href="https://mediakit.texastribune.org/"><strong>Become one</strong></a>. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div>   <div class="l-container l-container--xl l-content-grid has-page-padding"> <div class="l-content-grid__content"> <p class="t-uppercase t-lsp-b t-size-xs has-b-btm-marg is-hidden-from-bp-l"><strong>Latest News</strong></p> <ul class="c-block-feed"> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-a1" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/21/texas-mail-ballot-voting-identification-requirement/">Federal judge strikes down Texas' mail ballot ID requirement</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> Story by Dan Katz, <a href="https://www.tpr.org/">Texas Public Radio</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:23:00 -0500" title="2025-03-21 18:23 CDT"> Updated: 10 hours ago </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">The judge found that the provisions of SB1, the state's 2021 voter security law, discriminate against voters with disabilities. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/21/texas-mail-ballot-voting-identification-requirement/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/21/texas-mail-ballot-voting-identification-requirement/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Z0CDYeFAHHbdi1e8xgJ3etoVhQ0=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg" alt="A ballot is dropped in Austin in October, 2020." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/UZ9_h5VR5OUBLPQ24A4wkZo91WA=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/AnIzgRbyOJvtqLmyBO0xyb48pWc=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg 2500w, 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2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/yfKhjqyShVYnO1sYZDhQ_3j2npw=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/S_V3OBSH5gzG6E7DUAwtQer8NhY=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/PwRjO7FnMdOgThM0OnBtru-jqGI=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Z0CDYeFAHHbdi1e8xgJ3etoVhQ0=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZjJBMbP1Rttl0uns5aEVZI2sJ6k=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/W1HOPy6843IUaxS4YQDE1KhASr0=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Z0CDYeFAHHbdi1e8xgJ3etoVhQ0=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2806c839aca69237cac93e26e385c857/First%20Day%20Mail-In%20Ballots%20AI%20TT%2013.jpg" alt="A ballot is dropped in Austin in October, 2020." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Amna Ijaz/The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-a2" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2024/09/25/paxton-biden-lgbtq-foster-youth/">Texas doesn’t have to place LGBTQ foster youth in homes that affirm their identities, court rules</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/xiomara-moore/">Xiomara Moore</a> and <a href="/about/staff/eleanor-klibanoff/">Eleanor Klibanoff</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:11:00 -0500" title="2025-03-21 14:11 CDT"> Updated: March 21, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">A federal judge has blocked a Biden-era rule that said providing foster children with “safe and proper care” required placing them in gender-affirming homes. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2024/09/25/paxton-biden-lgbtq-foster-youth/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2024/09/25/paxton-biden-lgbtq-foster-youth/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/CNYGeQ4e0XdpBkpg1THFgQCopuw=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/bbb59dd4e80a128a327b334b811db06c/0810%20pride%20OA%20TT%201393.jpg" alt="Scenes from Austin Pride 2024 on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, on Congress Ave in Austin. 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The day-long celebration featured drag performances, booths and floats of Austin’s businesses and many Texans clad in rainbow." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="l-content-grid__side"> <div class="has-b-btm-marg"> <div id="ad-unit-4927" class="js-ad-unit"> <div class="c-ad-cube c-ad-cube--basic"> <div class="c-ad-cube__unit"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="l-container l-container--xl l-content-grid has-page-padding"> <div class="l-content-grid__content"> <ul class="c-block-feed"> <li class="c-block-feed__item 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the state. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/21/texas-abortion-fight-pills-travel-fund/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/21/texas-abortion-fight-pills-travel-fund/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/hI6AmLPaWyCdId19jch6JzcDKkc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG" alt="Misoprostol on the shelf at Parker Road Drug Store in Greenville, S.C., on June 13, 2024." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/sj-NeEOKG0Dy9kdOWHc7wfquL4E=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/YBhOxv35ixJzjtLkJp55JhT8N7Q=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/911PQr3kF6VtR3HKQC1ipQiYHD8=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/xX-bRuYOZ9MDE_i8fiL52A2ZXKA=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/lYxbA9ZEcCKwjDnZ9HYv8DTPTnk=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/EYEe6vT-Iwp2m1biEIbzcXsv04E=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/fjUmIWiS__f4k5ptdkzDX461dQI=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/zYC62aaLLTuo0IOHj2ya9BuQUII=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/vG5TKflNjbWXCS_W4EuH9XcaGb4=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/uJi3FIVV2FcqUx12diwAuaMUszA=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/bCE0ASAWoSliQ2s_6kVek4CZSk4=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/hqu1wAwAd44shw5qWOQ4urPVWwo=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/gDrGrMNE7kR7W0by48LBde8af0M=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/hI6AmLPaWyCdId19jch6JzcDKkc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/RHgbPnsN2z6HzGi2-4E1jIjyJg0=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/GUmHkC4m998xQnnTyl4bLggEUz8=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/hI6AmLPaWyCdId19jch6JzcDKkc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/dc0e0adf47478cba19557a7908aa37e0/Mifepristone%20REUTERS%2002.JPG" alt="Misoprostol on the shelf at Parker Road Drug Store in Greenville, S.C., on June 13, 2024." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> McKenzie Lange/The Greenville News via REUTERS </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-b2" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/02/18/texas-measles-outbreak-climbs/">Texas measles cases rise to 309. Here is what you need to know.</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a>, <a href="/about/staff/stephen-simpson/">Stephen Simpson</a> and <a href="/about/staff/eleanor-klibanoff/">Eleanor Klibanoff</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:44:00 -0500" title="2025-03-21 11:44 CDT"> Updated: March 21, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">The West Texas outbreak has spread to three new counties –– Hockley, Hale and Garza –– for a total of 14 affected counties, as of Friday. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/02/18/texas-measles-outbreak-climbs/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/02/18/texas-measles-outbreak-climbs/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/JWGs3d-O_2JAENRReeVWgpgWFms=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg" alt="Devonay Pena comforts her 13-month-old daughter, Jaqi Herrera, after Herrera received her first dose of the MMR vaccine at the City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock on Feb. 27, 2025." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/jYC5x55LojdNKM8rcqHs5fFZXpo=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/w-hWvfqOG_agzmAivkCrJBWDuLs=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/5dRYqZU13i3zACeStUno6t67qeY=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/s1LeyHbNJNVIfdaFDpybrOkvQ5c=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 1200w, 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<source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/BCvnp9aR08w8m4R1hMpAQXUUuPQ=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/-WXP4ToPF1WNmKVgF3tu32T-Pcc=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pwyrKS3TQJtYC9H40vZ8S3ohX4c=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/2lexpEYp3nya_btwv0xCS_PhJL4=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/S8S7EcKxF0wSu2lJ_OpXzEou7lQ=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/JWGs3d-O_2JAENRReeVWgpgWFms=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/w84oHnyRRnJgUFECz8Lg9n-Jb7A=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/x9mHX6f6uDdpubLsxjlUyrel0oI=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/JWGs3d-O_2JAENRReeVWgpgWFms=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/17360fa812038d11239fc276ebda8e86/0227%20Measles%20Lubbock%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.jpg" alt="Devonay Pena comforts her 13-month-old daughter, Jaqi Herrera, after Herrera received her first dose of the MMR vaccine at the City of Lubbock Health Department in Lubbock on Feb. 27, 2025." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> REUTERS/Annie Rice </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="l-content-grid__side"> <div class="has-giant-btm-marg"> <div id="upcoming-events"> <div class="loading loading--s" aria-hidden="true"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="has-xl-btm-marg l-container l-container--xl has-page-padding"> <div id="ad-unit-9534" class="js-ad-unit"> <div class="c-ad-fluid"></div> </div> </div>  <div class="l-container l-container--xl l-content-grid has-page-padding"> <div class="l-content-grid__content"> <ul class="c-block-feed"> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-c1" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/21/texas-prison-temperature-records-investigation/">Texas prison staff falsified temperatures records, investigation finds</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By Lauren McGaughy, <a href="https://www.kut.org/">KUT News</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:12:11 -0500" title="2025-03-21 10:12 CDT"> March 21, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">Two-thirds of the state’s roughly 100 jails and prisons in Texas are not fully air conditioned in inmate housing areas. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/21/texas-prison-temperature-records-investigation/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/21/texas-prison-temperature-records-investigation/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FciHCt3SJTKr03y5xFdu7re9X7c=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg" alt="The Huntsville Unit Texas State Penitentiary houses the execution chamber of Texas and is located in Huntsville on Jan. 31, 2024." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ElfTlF3CJekqOc2vpPuzJnnuMqk=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/qPrF8cgeakn_h8VGPnhuW5Xf35Q=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg 2500w, 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https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/xQcMSPxjtSPY8G-8ALZZ2v5AvEU=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/YFyRxORDNAZc284hoMUZgrdAR_c=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/XkAtv71jwMfjEd5iwD5wav93TnA=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FciHCt3SJTKr03y5xFdu7re9X7c=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/W1XT95Y3uH5CfbWRdLd2pQeZ28o=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/nKNnxbhkCeqcFLuHFJUzsTsV1eM=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FciHCt3SJTKr03y5xFdu7re9X7c=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a18c122f082f277f48634382e4096350/0131%20Huntsville%20Unit%20MC%2002%20TT.jpg" alt="The Huntsville Unit Texas State Penitentiary houses the execution chamber of Texas and is located in Huntsville on Jan. 31, 2024." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-c2" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/21/ken-paxton-impeachment-cost-texas/">Paxton impeachment cost state $5.1 million, auditor report finds</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/jasper-scherer/">Jasper Scherer</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Fri, 21 Mar 2025 10:10:05 -0500" title="2025-03-21 10:10 CDT"> March 21, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">The new finding is about 20% higher than previous estimates of the known cost of the effort to remove Paxton from office. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/21/ken-paxton-impeachment-cost-texas/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/21/ken-paxton-impeachment-cost-texas/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FKbEBE49ywK9E4TjShuPZ5sOh1g=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg" alt="Ken Paxton sits with attorneys Tony Buzbee and Mitch Little on the ninth day of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial at the state capitol in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 15, 2023." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/_s0Euq6NOMKjsXq_w9mP7FxfCYY=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/4Yw0P8VcpvP2-ZGlsApU0_6s6RU=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Ur0b0kRZkQ18AT4DAljr5jsjuQU=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/b9Q-MEVap0OZwNv739rYsyCGI7s=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/9UrYWryijtLxuF7JAAS_uuuz52Q=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/F-tvyCOs3Ogsfe19RvcGAyl-pxk=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/GyNO3mXlcU8A4o-kvskH9f2EiJw=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/g9MElhdPkTLTZiH5QgD6iB5MfWU=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/KfK9wrdW5GB2cSDZrHfY5vLQ44o=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/SbmrvQre19uio8p6bjmVlTMQVFo=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/CtW7iZw4C0yIMcnd_hTKWo018y4=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Xd5ftZ16t2QmW0eYe8AMw68F-2k=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/asr2YYfgmKGvit1RruFvaFYk7-Q=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FKbEBE49ywK9E4TjShuPZ5sOh1g=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/_WTPYLtZ1JsbitA6Fht6QHKb_BY=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/BkVK2-ozeyvZCccxbOPqO5K6FwQ=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FKbEBE49ywK9E4TjShuPZ5sOh1g=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/079a9a42832d9dfb73d431760a927b8e/0915%20%20Impeach%20Trial%20Day%209%20JS%20TT%2014.jpg" alt="Ken Paxton sits with attorneys Tony Buzbee and Mitch Little on the ninth day of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial at the state capitol in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 15, 2023." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Julius Shieh/The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-c3" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/21/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-prosecute-election-crimes/">Republican lawmakers revive effort to give attorney general more power to prosecute election crimes</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/natalia-contreras-votebeat-and-the-texas-tribune/">Natalia Contreras</a>, Votebeat and The Texas Tribune </span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500" title="2025-03-21 05:00 CDT"> March 21, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">Critics fear increased election prosecutions could intimidate voters and local election officials. Attorney General Ken Paxton has long sought more autonomy over election cases. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/21/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-prosecute-election-crimes/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/21/texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-prosecute-election-crimes/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NU08hNXhgvgVgrj4vdO0ZuGBNug=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG" alt="Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas, speaks to the media Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, during a press conference following arguments in the case “Free Speech Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas,” at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/DLJZhMlwbNcMa8LacytaqRofV8Y=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Ch2X0CTcSHbAJkiGSlArPZG-fRA=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pM4kGGUnFLNNxQuHaJ0w72xPNmA=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/SVJZepR3KKdiQfPLBzUjNFYRgJw=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/8hwLFLgT2CyvgXkHlnR5VMTzz4U=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/H37W83PnUN_dz_w6owyrC22XVoM=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/QWWBN5KLSI2PHJkRy6X-KV2Cx-c=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/wVDWS6s_thFqvhni4ymIDyclO1c=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/KCk5PXrtIIVgkfU2yiwz1Jk2rQg=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/zECI1FK_TXcRMYb_oG2iSiYfMhQ=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/7kfjXUX58Cr4U8GAirUXDq13Quo=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/2dVgHM5xIcoJyFpLODuPL20ORyI=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/M5pZG_8YUXy77aunuHzGiDwo6Uc=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NU08hNXhgvgVgrj4vdO0ZuGBNug=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/QifpyWCHMOLZbvAiuZ3FtDvBIRA=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ogTwzpwi5L73eQet-JwDxf1CQgg=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NU08hNXhgvgVgrj4vdO0ZuGBNug=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d5dbbaf8b9fc7137f74b30c03c2119fc/0115%20Paxton%20SCOTUS%20LJ%20TT%2021.JPG" alt="Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas, speaks to the media Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, during a press conference following arguments in the case “Free Speech Coalition, Inc., et al. v. Ken Paxton, Attorney General of Texas,” at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Luke Johnson for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="l-content-grid__side"> <div class="has-b-btm-marg"> <div class="c-prompt c-prompt--box c-prompt--yellow" onclick="event.stopPropagation();"> <div class="c-prompt__content t-align-center"> <img class="c-prompt__img" src="https://static.texastribune.org/media/prompts/TT-Wordmark-250.png" alt="The Texas Tribune"/> <div class="c-prompt__txt t-size-b t-lsp-s t-lh-m"><strong>Your help is needed to deliver trusted 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href="https://support.texastribune.org/donate?installmentPeriod=monthly&amount=20&campaignId=701Pe00000IDCVeIAP" ga-event-category="donations" ga-event-action="membership-intent" ga-event-label="fp-full-width-promo">Become a member today.</a></strong> </p> </section></div> </div> </div>  <div class="l-container l-container--xl l-content-grid has-page-padding"> <div class="l-content-grid__content"> <ul class="c-block-feed"> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-d1" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/21/texas-measles-vaccine-new-mexico-oklahoma-us/">Texas is poised to make measles a nationwide epidemic, public health experts say</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/stephen-simpson/">Stephen Simpson</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Fri, 21 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500" title="2025-03-21 05:00 CDT"> March 21, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">Public health experts say Texas needs better messaging on vaccinations and quarantining and more people conducting contact tracing to contain the spread. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/21/texas-measles-vaccine-new-mexico-oklahoma-us/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/21/texas-measles-vaccine-new-mexico-oklahoma-us/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/OzfSD8LWjOrb5PsBt3GGI3kyqyY=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg" alt="A sign donning measles information is posted outside of the office of Dr. Rumbidzai Mutikani, a pediatrician at the Hobbs Medical Clinic, as she works at her desk Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Hobbs, N.M." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/t2IPefOk4Zl3m0Vf1xfLvpbArc8=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/GIwOSVH484APtTq0isK8wgPSR9g=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/2JW5wEnwAfhaPOmG31w7OQnzE7Y=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pKs1_WXGbTPUO6B42nrn1hRqZNU=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/5563TVW4K7SD-SUIBy_u5c65es8=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/eRt4CNNTsofQBzK7ZxKwDWBbPWM=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/07tfSp_dCxeSvdgayFXFZPrkSeo=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/TMjvmfWC6vH5NnR6LDCsmNgGLdk=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/YaKdRMsGQ0oIqyuFUF8NqKuIkaI=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/IMu5eCknpkROeDCJwO9wB6qkVy0=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/OKv2zw5mDXdcrwiR3-bk4pL1moI=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pZt7pES3uZgT0Fvxjt-Fo3yLSiE=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/RvaNLB6YeQlcmOx2Ek_-ySTrxSo=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/OzfSD8LWjOrb5PsBt3GGI3kyqyY=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/BSH6EMpSVIawUx_uWloUbnU0BgQ=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/em76V6Fai5T2-kiDjJiv2jj65A8=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/OzfSD8LWjOrb5PsBt3GGI3kyqyY=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6881e80e0240b9720daba45b9ff9e0fb/MEASLES%20AP%20JC%2056.jpg" alt="A sign donning measles information is posted outside of the office of Dr. Rumbidzai Mutikani, a pediatrician at the Hobbs Medical Clinic, as she works at her desk Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, in Hobbs, N.M." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> AP Photo/Julio Cortez </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-d2" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/20/texas-governing-boards-faculty-senates/">Texas faculty testify against bills to screen universities’ curriculum for “ideological” bias</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/jessica-priest/">Jessica Priest</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:54:00 -0500" title="2025-03-20 20:54 CDT"> Updated: March 20, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">Lawmakers say several bills under consideration Thursday would “address the unchecked authority of faculty.” They would expand university governing boards’ oversight powers. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/20/texas-governing-boards-faculty-senates/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/20/texas-governing-boards-faculty-senates/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/twrOlPrTZFg5iPBCofioL5HwrWE=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg" alt="The UT system Board of Regents during a regular meeting in Austin on May 3, 2023." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/PeRTmVktB7L-H3bjhftB9_rDZCo=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Pw7QTtz6g3hRZgkP4Br-92F9FrA=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 2500w, 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https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/_8pjVZDVNh9e_dW7um0BJ9iWoxI=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/73eFgtFRaidbkSj1I1spAbz7EXA=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pO5RPIDckE-WjYZWCN2RTKVy32c=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/tYg5WVK4twsDjczzhXy2HrU9gMI=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/wOz3gdpXoaiW2YwmRmWDFO1J-Ng=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/V00oqTOLGtPoThD3KL16h9q132Q=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/B3kdQIHktRSUxILTsPCUYtyqB-k=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/twrOlPrTZFg5iPBCofioL5HwrWE=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/bVonbm8QCm8wL-BFrh5HAcHDVNw=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/9pbbWDwSSADrhkcMA4JtRHdbHvA=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/twrOlPrTZFg5iPBCofioL5HwrWE=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a55aece7e942b798868d8aa2730b830d/0503%20UT%20Board%20of%20Regents%20LS%20TT%2007.jpg" alt="The UT system Board of Regents during a regular meeting in Austin on May 3, 2023." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Leila Saidane/The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-d3" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/20/texas-greg-abbott-trump-education-department/">Abbott praises Trump’s efforts to eliminate Education Department at White House</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/matthew-choi/">Matthew Choi</a> and <a href="/about/staff/stephen-simpson/">Stephen Simpson</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Thu, 20 Mar 2025 16:56:08 -0500" title="2025-03-20 16:56 CDT"> March 20, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">Gov. Greg Abbott dismissed concerns that federal funding and civil rights could be jeopardized by the reduction of the department. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/20/texas-greg-abbott-trump-education-department/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/20/texas-greg-abbott-trump-education-department/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NhGE7d9KSE7_wF43OhRPj57P52k=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott applauds as he attends the signing of an executive order to shut down the Department of Education by President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 2025." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/mCpyZRacYoAkNskKEnDuYicIfr8=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Qff9Oj-unHCw1XASQwsZysc1GHc=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NI88wpirLBFSLshwWDNxH2l2GEw=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/asOQeTJtWoFah-rTd0tS-M3_0z0=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/bkB9xRLaOb_mAc3zUbNLNwc5DeA=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/PQa0mx2vRvrV-c4sxrBmolgDCYs=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZyDnoxVUO_9GXZmkeJkkqJw1Fvw=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/9oj5rNueI4a2yEKAECAwef6NGUk=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/75MLpdgE8ALDq8tXMqPBgz2Ea_Q=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/1dW7i1ut_QEYcFIKcYPJMq2-QQo=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/BbYDeH5q6HiJmwCToNu9RAZA19c=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/vm01fN6DztZzUmVA7rFRQF-GepU=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/jEGsj9jSMIfX4mLOTlqJ6CZmFro=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NhGE7d9KSE7_wF43OhRPj57P52k=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/w1ZQlBIm8Fc98sKI6SBWj7Q_RhY=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/TFGfYT5WYeJfOsn9ydUm1V9x3Vo=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NhGE7d9KSE7_wF43OhRPj57P52k=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1e355cdc38894ccfb34387bf964e195b/Greg%20Abbott%20Ed%20Dept%20Signing%20REUTERS.JPG" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott applauds as he attends the signing of an executive order to shut down the Department of Education by President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 2025." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> REUTERS/Carlos Barria </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="l-content-grid__side"> <section class="has-b-btm-marg c-widget has-styled-border"> <h2 class="t-uppercase t-lsp-b t-size-s has-xxs-btm-marg has-text-black">Explore our data</h2> <ul class="has-xxs-btm-marg t-links-underlined-hover"> <li class="has-xxxs-btm-marg"> <h3 class="t-serif t-size-m has-tiny-btm-marg"> <a 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href="/2025/03/19/texas-critical-race-theory-ban-lawsuit-coppell-schools/">Texas AG Ken Paxton accuses Coppell ISD of violating Texas’ “critical race theory” ban</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/alejandro-serrano/">Alejandro Serrano</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:02:00 -0500" title="2025-03-20 15:02 CDT"> Updated: March 20, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">The attorney general office’s lawsuit is based on an undercover video published in February by a conservative activist group. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/19/texas-critical-race-theory-ban-lawsuit-coppell-schools/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/19/texas-critical-race-theory-ban-lawsuit-coppell-schools/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/LPNUmaTRSntwxA4usxNxeGR-38o=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg" alt="The Texas flags hangs at a classroom, on Aug. 7, 2024." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/VS7eWwUpUbbU1mesXuOcHZkmH4E=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/uNgbmJfyMAduBDMpWtyQYblyANo=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/I5s7eXXcX7P-brYsYzCxPG-vSA0=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/qnUWImSIFjtyfcfu2clUFrQPgfM=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/H5rmWHAY_lnVkolrF9W4j4nW_6E=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/TgP-PabyLZxAD7UgkPtDcjiFPoQ=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/lXOikHpMgP3Fsj6FbcKpVW9D3yw=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/mgdkj9MocRxJmUkg8A9d6jSB1YA=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/VLhRej0ZfriB3mrg2Jn4tTMQnOU=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/04Zl0k4bbeSMXVr8_3OB-gw5xvE=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/gyBKQPYQyb1cBp80rdJ6jF8-MBc=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/yEQjeiR5nC85WMv55bRnSJ4a90E=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/6fzvI1b0Vxal-1Wo7KVKsQ3-mZQ=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/LPNUmaTRSntwxA4usxNxeGR-38o=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/1Z-VnapllieC8Y2dDGi6X6eFcVQ=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/9MSFta3GFNGkMWe0lPaE3AuWQ5w=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/LPNUmaTRSntwxA4usxNxeGR-38o=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4910bcc9c91e6f9cf9d1a4a5ea42705b/0807%20Early%20Education%20TT%2048.jpg" alt="The Texas flags hangs at a classroom, on Aug. 7, 2024." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Trace Thomas for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-e2" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/20/texas-child-day-care-cost-crisis/">95,000 Texas children are waiting for state help to pay for day care</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/jess-huff/">Jess Huff</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0500" title="2025-03-20 13:00 CDT"> March 20, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">Adding more funding to scholarships is just one way experts say state lawmakers could address Texas’ child care crisis. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/20/texas-child-day-care-cost-crisis/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/20/texas-child-day-care-cost-crisis/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/-_m_AIO_qSNFpE-jhwv_wHUIyjU=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg" alt="Clarissa Alday spends her morning reading to children at Katherine Sage Temple Early Learning Center, on Tuesday February 25, 2025, in Diboll." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/jr4BXzpDqZKP3f__Zw-zxr7rv_g=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/EljGkp8ywUhQilr5ad3YRf_c-rw=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg 2500w, 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https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/WTgPBfiQKSlwslxv_LqHwZv0qtU=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/RLsErkbK64S-oOJ2A5zBm_HRFHg=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/yDvahc4k9vJQd8Q4OdPTap593j8=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/-_m_AIO_qSNFpE-jhwv_wHUIyjU=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/yx2TqU5qRkF0hcTCkv5QH-spwzo=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/dPztvOxJ3StwIODjEFhH9tKTZAU=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/-_m_AIO_qSNFpE-jhwv_wHUIyjU=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1942bccdcbcddb0e55dffad29c67b74/0225%20Child%20Care%20Gap%20MC%2019%20TT.jpg" alt="Clarissa Alday spends her morning reading to children at Katherine Sage Temple Early Learning Center, on Tuesday February 25, 2025, in Diboll." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-e3" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/20/ted-cruz-voucher-ads/">Ted Cruz funds ads supporting pro-voucher lawmakers</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/matthew-choi/">Matthew Choi</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:08:00 -0500" title="2025-03-20 12:08 CDT"> Updated: March 20, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">The ads praise 14 Texas Republicans, including House Speaker Dustin Burrows, for their support of education savings accounts. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/20/ted-cruz-voucher-ads/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/20/ted-cruz-voucher-ads/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/C7xrjl1YEOzs7eRLqWVQbRhBRi0=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg" alt="U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to residents at his bus tour rally in Huntsville on Oct. 8, 2024, finishing his six-city tour campaign for reelection against U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/XgbYb0OI5IB0Er_BtCf4tpfHibY=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/YB2zl3N7zCzGe1wLQNgKZwm26BE=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/1e64OcsutugvTLu0SafEitc4Fyk=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/MdAekackowYgllp4Zcsskk8T8Ks=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZF87pSHN2Dfbbb-Z8DmhvzTVajk=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/9x_U-o6k4Ja_oblC8UXjTJcyT7M=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/yszIniOswIMbg_XrpsXdeTJbsRs=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/UGWE48TNrE6f__eZ-KDDCAbMnXY=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/bDgkLGWaTXD5HtL3ZrQE7QMhv4E=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/KXWk5TTDLcTadINzv1c5RgY81hs=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/a7NJrkXzTWjNtYT4-jLO4BFlzOQ=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/yF4y1Donps8oMqApDgppKS3d0kM=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ifjXT-Gfe2TPT5bh_l0QasTVP2U=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/C7xrjl1YEOzs7eRLqWVQbRhBRi0=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FZU7r9ndh46tOUjJY_xh_IErgTs=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/prQoDZ9e916rEN-5wSkEoFoxhac=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/C7xrjl1YEOzs7eRLqWVQbRhBRi0=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e72d39975d72cb6968fdb615188cf009/1008%20Cruz%20Hunstville%20HC%20TT%2034.jpg" alt="U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to residents at his bus tour rally in Huntsville on Oct. 8, 2024, finishing his six-city tour campaign for reelection against U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Hope Capwell for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="l-content-grid__side"> <div class="has-b-btm-marg"> <div id="ad-unit-2564" class="js-ad-unit"> <div class="c-ad-cube c-ad-cube--basic"> <div class="c-ad-cube__unit"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="has-bg-black-off has-padding has-text-white has-xl-btm-marg"> <section class="c-blast-promo l-container l-container--m"> <h2 class="is-sr-only">The Blast Newsletter</h2> <a class="c-blast-promo__logo c-widget-logo" href="/theblast/"><img class="l-width-full l-display-block" src="/static/images/c-blast-header-logo.2026710b5a7c.png" alt="The Blast Logo"/></a> <div> <h3 class="c-blast-promo__text has-xxxs-btm-marg t-lh-b">A premium newsletter powered by the nation's largest statehouse bureau.</h3> <div class="l-display-ib"> <a class="c-button c-button--standard c-button--outline has-text-yellow has-bg-yellow has-text-hover-yellow l-align-center-children" href="https://support.texastribune.org/blastform" ga-event-category="blast intent" ga-event-action="frontpage promo - button" ga-event-label="frontpage"><span class="c-button__inner t-size-xxs has-text-black-off">Subscribe to The Blast</span></a> </div> </div> </section> </div>  <div class="l-container l-container--xl l-content-grid has-page-padding"> <div class="l-content-grid__content"> <ul class="c-block-feed"> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-f1" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/17/texas-abortion-midwife-arrested/">Texas’ first abortion arrests stem from monthlong attorney general investigation</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/eleanor-klibanoff/">Eleanor Klibanoff</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:15:00 -0500" title="2025-03-20 11:15 CDT"> Updated: March 20, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">These represent the first criminal charges under Texas’ near-total abortion ban. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/17/texas-abortion-midwife-arrested/">Full Story <span 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https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/zqVdJ1AUsiamkL2ogvntkflqoDs=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b534c314d89665a816e8a3e0cdb090a3/Doctor%20Clinic%20Medical%20Women%20Health%20SS%20TT%2006.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/saQEvghnmFkKH0oPsyxFbqxQfzg=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b534c314d89665a816e8a3e0cdb090a3/Doctor%20Clinic%20Medical%20Women%20Health%20SS%20TT%2006.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/htzfvD3x92Ik2IrNrt5-NOcl7cQ=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b534c314d89665a816e8a3e0cdb090a3/Doctor%20Clinic%20Medical%20Women%20Health%20SS%20TT%2006.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/zqVdJ1AUsiamkL2ogvntkflqoDs=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b534c314d89665a816e8a3e0cdb090a3/Doctor%20Clinic%20Medical%20Women%20Health%20SS%20TT%2006.jpg" alt="A nurse speaks with a patient at a clinic in Houston on Aug. 2, 2013." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-f2" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/20/texas-house-senate-school-choice-vouchers/">Different pace and priorities separate Texas Senate and House on school vouchers</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/jasper-scherer/">Jasper Scherer</a> and <a href="/about/staff/jaden-edison/">Jaden Edison</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Thu, 20 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500" title="2025-03-20 05:00 CDT"> March 20, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">The gaps over eligibility and on spending levels are narrower than the fundamental differences of the previous session. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/20/texas-house-senate-school-choice-vouchers/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/20/texas-house-senate-school-choice-vouchers/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/cr_1MGYWMBpQxnnjo2RvRD-sRMM=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG" alt="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows applaud as Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock gives the biennial State of the Judiciary speech in the Texas House chamber on Feb. 26, 2025." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Ln53utuEc1TkBgszJ7jC3TjjeaA=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/aEi6kbpMPmaq4hXefkfQ3LBLDG0=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/vqeOBsR1iTxeVym8ratvPcTXr6Y=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/8Ze5lTVbu6vEApk3vJsMA6JEUEg=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/bI6pPe1UuAYM8VcCMcQcrPBMN7Q=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/QXCIsuJLsYfBg5skU_uxQN6iTio=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/K0xtziWgz9lO600e8wV9chLtFp8=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/yRJHGmX4c0xZtlpFHzEyc_yTNYw=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/YraUw__LFl9xlaUtw_zWIzm0Qvk=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/vWVVbL_O2sQ4Yfel-xYoldVBIek=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/1DGIW_-64sNRxT9oESK5wYEuglE=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/UBy-icEKnJTg1fB0LveTWl4KpBY=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/TwNe1swb5GVOrA3T7Eiycf3fMt8=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/cr_1MGYWMBpQxnnjo2RvRD-sRMM=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/dhsaZuG45irgy7djcOVmJgEI9OU=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/xJl8p8GESiixP5j3dzo-qpfixRM=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/cr_1MGYWMBpQxnnjo2RvRD-sRMM=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/759860edd7f90b217fab7689c439c16a/0226%20State%20of%20the%20Judiciary%20BD%20TT%2004.JPG" alt="Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, left, and House Speaker Dustin Burrows applaud as Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock gives the biennial State of the Judiciary speech in the Texas House chamber on Feb. 26, 2025." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-f3" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/05/texas-school-library-book-bans-senate-bill/">Texas Senate approves bill changing how schools select library books</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/pavan-acharya/">Pavan Acharya</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:43:00 -0500" title="2025-03-19 21:43 CDT"> Updated: March 19, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">Senate Bill 13 would create school library advisory councils largely made up of parents. It would give school boards, rather than librarians, the final say over new books. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/05/texas-school-library-book-bans-senate-bill/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/05/texas-school-library-book-bans-senate-bill/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/DXKhW-A_srZEAuv6tVuf3GA7szc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg" alt="Shelves filled with books at a school library in San Marcos." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/dncntJqH6wYtLHrukLuGaHAL7x0=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/kzUB-eeW0s4A80ReYTnm8cnKRzA=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/dTxJyWbOuzTdyr4rTRs2rvK1oco=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/37b4rQF-LeJcthI7dPeCdOqp_Z4=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/jt0iQpsbWRENh1l90CiTJkK0l8k=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/sYEcysD-9HLVnFvYkNSZ6kH2eWM=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pCtSKwV6JISIgVvzqkzUtgI7cb8=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/hulElt8L1ALAGqUFNhiTlXVAL0Q=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/s2ZqGCyRh43hBFaVGD_-ADglXT4=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/M_S5koUkgicHVePF4vfHBKMmg_g=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/DWbIc891s-GaIf225OdCW6UrIKw=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/4JC3OpTLyDZrNYN7myzW6MAr6B4=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/nnJFMoqCop-IcTYNxAyoL_wwqAk=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/DXKhW-A_srZEAuv6tVuf3GA7szc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/CMn40AAn8NQ3R0JLDbWR4P3H2Jg=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/SP-1J7sO84Cq8LJTZUv_lqLVUkk=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/DXKhW-A_srZEAuv6tVuf3GA7szc=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c913a6ec0b0d61d0abfb64ea43127d2/Library%20File%20JV%20TT%2005.jpg" alt="Shelves filled with books at a school library in San Marcos." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="l-content-grid__side"> <div class="has-b-btm-marg"> <div id="ad-unit-2814" class="js-ad-unit"> <div class="c-ad-cube c-ad-cube--basic"> <div class="c-ad-cube__unit"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="has-xl-btm-marg"> <div class="l-container l-container--xl l-content-grid l-content-grid--swapped-until-bp-l has-page-padding"> <div class="l-content-grid__content"> <ul class="c-block-feed has-xxl-btm-marg"> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-g1" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/04/texas-senate-ten-commandments-prayer-schools/">Texas Senate passes bill to put Ten Commandments in public school classrooms</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/pavan-acharya/">Pavan Acharya</a> and <a href="/about/staff/robert-downen/">Robert Downen</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:39:00 -0500" title="2025-03-19 21:39 CDT"> Updated: March 19, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">The vote comes amid a broader push by conservative Christians to infuse more religion into public schools and life. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/04/texas-senate-ten-commandments-prayer-schools/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/04/texas-senate-ten-commandments-prayer-schools/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/n2vH_QpoRoTXfUKfzSBqed_P-3A=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg" alt="The Texas Capitol and the Ten Commandments Monument at sunrise on Tuesday, June 6, in Austin, Texas." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/83gob1z89-LxGkrYx7loiwBtkGM=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/EtvDRMcJjbybvr4nlFp13-iCDDE=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg 2500w, 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https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/zniipeB8NEuXWp_OIgiSCpEeAmQ=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/lpQMcXcI6BXWXxL0YY4Jbm77Mlk=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/s9nMlKwyMaYM7iL4hhikGtoKBqU=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/n2vH_QpoRoTXfUKfzSBqed_P-3A=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/DAKk6s6WVIny0ZNY7FpbzwV2itg=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/dHe0734yBjMjr-I03Z-4Ee2oNQ8=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/n2vH_QpoRoTXfUKfzSBqed_P-3A=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7a1696609aad7f3c28290e0789cda42/0606%20Capitol%20File%20JT%20TT%2022.jpg" alt="The Texas Capitol and the Ten Commandments Monument at sunrise on Tuesday, June 6, in Austin, Texas." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Joe Timmerman/The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-g2" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/02/24/texas-dei-public-schools-k12/">Texas Senate approves bill banning DEI in K-12 public schools</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/jaden-edison/">Jaden Edison</a> and <a href="/about/staff/pavan-acharya/">Pavan Acharya</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Wed, 19 Mar 2025 21:23:00 -0500" title="2025-03-19 21:23 CDT"> Updated: March 19, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">The bill would ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies related to hiring and programming, while creating ways for parents to complain about violations to the DEI ban. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/02/24/texas-dei-public-schools-k12/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/02/24/texas-dei-public-schools-k12/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ciVCuP0Y0dMLwu0eVwJURPExaxg=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg" alt="Passing period at United South High School in Laredo on Oct. 23, 2018." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/xdlBuSotPzRaIE8SArYfVA5ALOU=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/RjU0GHYYVwaG9TM4nnNZzOpPwqg=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/3SmEsxEsgRaRkX9U1J4C4MKlcdg=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/HFRJBXdl1CbMOFIpbKKYNlEnlvs=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/u9tgWVNWmnTyA4oAIZ4mD8X_X8c=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/bSiWEgVLi2tIA_cFge2yJ0RK1SU=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/jx6n1etPFyMPR9Qs8vnDjmgFuMo=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/_ByNbR6rsNbIWZOMuobQ4bvN73o=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/R0-VqKNYGeNicVdjHpZwqpm1pZk=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/txcoqMIoVv9-EzSPxbxeGK42sZ8=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/qkeRRBwkJx_jiYDmuZCbz3ed2z4=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/zZtjstOmRgKKSkw7gVHM_I2ueuI=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/fZS1mCk4mBLv52A1hkjerm30ZGM=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ciVCuP0Y0dMLwu0eVwJURPExaxg=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/g9COPnOlsJuEBg6ATYA6Voz1vQo=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Y9UAWlChF1XtWA247r-LFDvrUrw=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ciVCuP0Y0dMLwu0eVwJURPExaxg=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/66161d5ff56af1939f1ed98987d674c3/Laredo%20High%20School%20RZ%20TT%2001.jpg" alt="Passing period at United South High School in Laredo on Oct. 23, 2018." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span class="is-sr-only">Credit:</span><span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#camera"></use></svg></span> Rachel Zein for The Texas Tribune </cite> </figcaption> </figure> </article> </li> <li class="c-block-feed__item c-block-feed__item--no-border-from-bp-m"> <article id="fp-secondary-g3" class="c-story-block c-story-block--in-feed"> <div class="c-story-block__text">  <h2 class="c-story-block__headline t-serif t-lh-s t-lsp-s t-links-underlined-hover has-xxxs-btm-marg t-wrap-balance js-balance"><a href="/2025/03/19/texas-senate-smaller-homes-vote/">Texas Senate advances bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots</a></h2>  <p class="byline t-byline t-links t-uppercase t-lsp-m t-size-xxs has-text-gray-dark has-b-btm-marg"><span class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item smallcaps--light t-size-xxs"> By <a href="/about/staff/joshua-fechter/">Joshua Fechter</a> and <a href="/about/staff/zach-despart/">Zach Despart</a></span><time class="t-byline__item l-display-ib byline--item" datetime="Wed, 19 Mar 2025 20:21:21 -0500" title="2025-03-19 20:21 CDT"> March 19, 2025 </time></p>  <p class="t-serif t-links t-size-s is-hidden-until-bp-s">Lawmakers, who are preempting locals on lot sizes in new subdivisions, have been eyeing ways to allow more homes to be built as the state faces a shortage. <a class="t-uppercase t-size-xxs t-lsp-m t-sans l-display-ib" href="/2025/03/19/texas-senate-smaller-homes-vote/">Full Story <span class="c-icon c-icon--baseline"><svg aria-hidden="true"><use xlink:href="#long-arrow-right"></use></svg></span> </a> </p> </div> <figure class="c-story-block__image-wrap"> <a href="/2025/03/19/texas-senate-smaller-homes-vote/" tabindex="-1"> <div class="c-image"> <div class="c-image__placeholder has-bg-white-off"> <noscript> <img src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NjlYAcHitL4ryTQ-1msn5dQyNOE=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg" alt="The Mueller neighborhood in East Austin on Oct. 7, 2023." class="c-image__img l-width-full l-display-block did-load"> </noscript> <picture> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/1XR-jxHYL5ln9LNqB872XtNKGEA=/3000x2010/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/Eh32QWw8YSdg3FoMuLajB9kaoTA=/2500x1675/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/ZRZzV1Dn7O40oHXIOTKbmeqE458=/1550x1038/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/lDKIasfBwaEce32qmFNjH52tACI=/1200x804/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/d_qeo7BPgA3USJ-Fyi2vcElXeOM=/1000x670/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/HWrOSyMgJKXPZPATRIMNDvmyoBY=/850x570/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/CTE6h-zcEPMizKe7i6Ig4XD2ZEQ=/640x429/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/PTSVCv7ZlouzwkoLch5VXZllNrE=/375x251/smart/filters:format(webp):quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 375w" type="image/webp"> <source data-srcset="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/RtQabVyCpMmFZ2wDgkqYpjtkwhQ=/3000x2010/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 3000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/XkARYariAkcILGe6idlPqNckS2w=/2500x1675/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 2500w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/IUJvCQV0iDu5IjqXxFBrlGNU7_I=/1550x1038/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 1550w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/VaK_oFlURc02iimRXXoYiPsKy-8=/1200x804/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 1200w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/2T4m2KQcfUYvWiiAB_-j3tyFJEY=/1000x670/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 1000w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NjlYAcHitL4ryTQ-1msn5dQyNOE=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 850w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/pwoGE79d6iMvVyoAM0w5cSpAID8=/640x429/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 640w, https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/FlRxLZFsRl-bzYobDgiOBsIwxfU=/375x251/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg 375w"> <img data-src="https://thumbnails.texastribune.org/NjlYAcHitL4ryTQ-1msn5dQyNOE=/850x570/smart/filters:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d728efacc379af4f5cff364f5f2be521/Austin%20Housing%20JJ%20TT%2004.jpg" alt="The Mueller neighborhood in East Austin on Oct. 7, 2023." class="js-lazy-image js-lazy-image--target c-image__img" data-sizes="auto"> </picture> </div> </div> </a> <figcaption class="c-caption t-links-underlined l-display-block t-size-xxxs c-caption--compact is-hidden-until-bp-l"> <cite> <span 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