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Texas Tribune
@texastribune.org
· Nov 18
Hello! We’re holding this space while planning our Bluesky approach. Feel free to follow our staff. 👇
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From statewide offices to Congress and the Texas Legislature, the 2026 Texas primaries will shape the state’s political future. Join @mwatkinstrib.bsky.social & @eleanorklib.bsky.social for a live TribCast recording as they preview the 2026 primaries, in Austin & online Feb. 24. RSVP: trib.it/lyUTsH
February 9, 2026 at 5:03 PM
From statewide offices to Congress and the Texas Legislature, the 2026 Texas primaries will shape the state’s political future. Join @mwatkinstrib.bsky.social & @eleanorklib.bsky.social for a live TribCast recording as they preview the 2026 primaries, in Austin & online Feb. 24. RSVP: trib.it/lyUTsH
Reposted by Texas Tribune
UPDATE: DHS denied TB cases in the troubled El Paso East Montana tent camp Sunday — although a congresswoman said medical staff told her last month in front of ICE & city officials confirmed Saturday. DHS did not respond to questions seeking clarity
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
February 8, 2026 at 10:58 PM
UPDATE: DHS denied TB cases in the troubled El Paso East Montana tent camp Sunday — although a congresswoman said medical staff told her last month in front of ICE & city officials confirmed Saturday. DHS did not respond to questions seeking clarity
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
Two cases of tuberculosis detected at El Paso ICE facility.
Eighteen cases of COVID-19 were also identified. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar on Friday visited the 5,000-bed tent facility on the Fort Bliss Army base and said she saw many "chronic issues."
Eighteen cases of COVID-19 were also identified. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar on Friday visited the 5,000-bed tent facility on the Fort Bliss Army base and said she saw many "chronic issues."
Two tuberculosis cases detected at Camp East Montana ICE facility
Eighteen cases of COVID-19 were also identified. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar on Friday visited the 5,000-bed tent facility on the Fort Bliss Army base and said she saw many "chronic issues."
www.texastribune.org
February 8, 2026 at 2:51 AM
Two cases of tuberculosis detected at El Paso ICE facility.
Eighteen cases of COVID-19 were also identified. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar on Friday visited the 5,000-bed tent facility on the Fort Bliss Army base and said she saw many "chronic issues."
Eighteen cases of COVID-19 were also identified. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar on Friday visited the 5,000-bed tent facility on the Fort Bliss Army base and said she saw many "chronic issues."
Reposted by Texas Tribune
If you have info about East Montana, Dilley and poor conditions at Texas’s two dozen ICE detention centers you can reach me anonymously + securely on Signal at 832-729-3421 or email me lkriel@texastribune.org
TB and Covid active in a troubled El Paso immigrant tent camp where 3 people have died over a 6 week period ( including one ruled a homicide) & following a measles outbreak at the Dilley family detention center. Reach out if you have info on Dilley/ East Montana
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
Two tuberculosis cases detected at Camp East Montana ICE facility
Eighteen cases of COVID-19 were also identified. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar on Friday visited the 5,000-bed tent facility on the Fort Bliss Army base and said she saw many "chronic issues."
www.texastribune.org
February 7, 2026 at 7:08 PM
If you have info about East Montana, Dilley and poor conditions at Texas’s two dozen ICE detention centers you can reach me anonymously + securely on Signal at 832-729-3421 or email me lkriel@texastribune.org
Reposted by Texas Tribune
TB and Covid active in a troubled El Paso immigrant tent camp where 3 people have died over a 6 week period ( including one ruled a homicide) & following a measles outbreak at the Dilley family detention center. Reach out if you have info on Dilley/ East Montana
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
Two tuberculosis cases detected at Camp East Montana ICE facility
Eighteen cases of COVID-19 were also identified. U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar on Friday visited the 5,000-bed tent facility on the Fort Bliss Army base and said she saw many "chronic issues."
www.texastribune.org
February 7, 2026 at 6:03 PM
TB and Covid active in a troubled El Paso immigrant tent camp where 3 people have died over a 6 week period ( including one ruled a homicide) & following a measles outbreak at the Dilley family detention center. Reach out if you have info on Dilley/ East Montana
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/07/i...
Across Senate District 9, VoteHub estimated that Taylor Rehmet captured about 79% of the Hispanic vote — a 26-point improvement on the 53% that went for Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024.
See how Latinos helped Texas Democrats win Senate District 9
Democrat Taylor Rehmet’s stunning upset victory is explained in part by the massive swing by Latino voters toward his campaign compared to other Democrats in recent elections.
www.texastribune.org
February 6, 2026 at 10:06 PM
Across Senate District 9, VoteHub estimated that Taylor Rehmet captured about 79% of the Hispanic vote — a 26-point improvement on the 53% that went for Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller is effectively the underdog in the primary race for his own seat.
His Republican opponent has raised three times Miller’s haul since the start of 2025. Trump — his most powerful ally — has been silent. And other GOP officeholders are publicly attacking him.
His Republican opponent has raised three times Miller’s haul since the start of 2025. Trump — his most powerful ally — has been silent. And other GOP officeholders are publicly attacking him.
Why Ag Commissioner Sid Miller is the underdog in his primary
The three-term incumbent is effectively the underdog against primary challenger Nate Sheets, who leads in fundraising and has the backing of top Republicans.
www.texastribune.org
February 6, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller is effectively the underdog in the primary race for his own seat.
His Republican opponent has raised three times Miller’s haul since the start of 2025. Trump — his most powerful ally — has been silent. And other GOP officeholders are publicly attacking him.
His Republican opponent has raised three times Miller’s haul since the start of 2025. Trump — his most powerful ally — has been silent. And other GOP officeholders are publicly attacking him.
The near-constant stream of takes from content creators has come to frame the Senate primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico as a referendum on identity politics in the Democratic Party.
Online influencers are shaping Texas Democratic Senate race
The near-constant stream of takes from content creators has come to frame the primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico as a referendum on identity politics in the Democratic Party.
www.texastribune.org
February 6, 2026 at 3:41 PM
The near-constant stream of takes from content creators has come to frame the Senate primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico as a referendum on identity politics in the Democratic Party.
New local leaders and an expanding major employer are fueling hopes of an economic revival in Pineland, though a lack of housing could hold it back.
This tiny Texas town wants in on the state’s growth spurt
In Pineland, a fresh batch of local elected officials and an expansion of the town’s biggest employer have created the conditions for an economic renaissance. A dearth of housing could slow growth.
www.texastribune.org
February 6, 2026 at 12:12 AM
New local leaders and an expanding major employer are fueling hopes of an economic revival in Pineland, though a lack of housing could hold it back.
New: Texas’ unusual mid-decade redistricting and problems with the state’s new voter registration system have delayed the mailing of voter registration certificates, state and local officials say.
Texans’ voter registration cards delayed for 2026 elections
The holdup comes as early voting in the March primaries is set to begin Feb. 17. The cards aren’t required to cast a ballot, but they identify voters’ congressional districts, which were redrawn last ...
www.texastribune.org
February 5, 2026 at 7:55 PM
New: Texas’ unusual mid-decade redistricting and problems with the state’s new voter registration system have delayed the mailing of voter registration certificates, state and local officials say.
New: In a lawsuit filed Thursday, AG Ken Paxton asked a judge to declare CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization and transnational criminal organization, and prohibit them from operating in Texas.
This is the latest in a deluge of investigations and litigation against Muslim groups in Texas.
This is the latest in a deluge of investigations and litigation against Muslim groups in Texas.
AG Ken Paxton sues to shut down Muslim advocacy group CAIR
This is the latest in a deluge of investigations and litigation against Muslim groups in Texas.
www.texastribune.org
February 5, 2026 at 6:45 PM
New: In a lawsuit filed Thursday, AG Ken Paxton asked a judge to declare CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization and transnational criminal organization, and prohibit them from operating in Texas.
This is the latest in a deluge of investigations and litigation against Muslim groups in Texas.
This is the latest in a deluge of investigations and litigation against Muslim groups in Texas.
GOP Senate candidates John Cornyn, Wesley Hunt and Ken Paxton refused to participate in our candidate Q&A.
We used their past statements and voting history to show where they differ on major issues, ranging from foreign policy to artificial intelligence.
We used their past statements and voting history to show where they differ on major issues, ranging from foreign policy to artificial intelligence.
Q&A: Republican candidates in Texas’ 2026 Senate primary
GOP candidates John Cornyn, Wesley Hunt and Ken Paxton refused to participated in a candidate Q&A on major issues, ranging from foreign policy to artificial intelligence. We used their past statements...
www.texastribune.org
February 5, 2026 at 4:51 PM
GOP Senate candidates John Cornyn, Wesley Hunt and Ken Paxton refused to participate in our candidate Q&A.
We used their past statements and voting history to show where they differ on major issues, ranging from foreign policy to artificial intelligence.
We used their past statements and voting history to show where they differ on major issues, ranging from foreign policy to artificial intelligence.
GOP operatives expect a close race between state Rep. Briscoe Cain and former Harris County judge candidate Alex Mealer, who have consolidated much of the fundraising and endorsements among the crowded Republican primary for Texas' 9th Congressional District.
Briscoe Cain, Alex Mealer lead 9th Congressional District pack
Cain, a state lawmaker, and Mealer, a former Harris County judge candidate, have consolidated much of the fundraising and endorsements in the 9th Congressional District’s Republican primary.
www.texastribune.org
February 5, 2026 at 2:56 PM
GOP operatives expect a close race between state Rep. Briscoe Cain and former Harris County judge candidate Alex Mealer, who have consolidated much of the fundraising and endorsements among the crowded Republican primary for Texas' 9th Congressional District.
A federal district judge on Wednesday declared Senate Bill 13 — a 2021 law restricting state investments in companies boycotting the fossil fuel industry — unconstitutional, calling it “facially overbroad” and citing First and Fourteenth Amendment concerns.
Texas fossil fuel boycott law ruled unconstitutional
A judge ruled Senate Bill 13, passed in 2021, violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The law prevented state investments in firms it deemed as boycotting oil and gas companies.
www.texastribune.org
February 5, 2026 at 12:33 AM
A federal district judge on Wednesday declared Senate Bill 13 — a 2021 law restricting state investments in companies boycotting the fossil fuel industry — unconstitutional, calling it “facially overbroad” and citing First and Fourteenth Amendment concerns.
A Travis County judge on Wednesday rejected a challenge from two voters to a new $3 billion dementia research fund, which still can’t take effect despite voter approval last November. An appeal could keep the program tied up in court.
Despite court win, Texas dementia fund still paused
A Travis County judge on Wednesday ruled against a request to stop the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, but because the lawsuit is still in play, the fund can’t go into effect.
www.texastribune.org
February 4, 2026 at 11:45 PM
A Travis County judge on Wednesday rejected a challenge from two voters to a new $3 billion dementia research fund, which still can’t take effect despite voter approval last November. An appeal could keep the program tied up in court.
With new business-friendly laws and the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange, state leaders aim to remake Texas into a corporate and financial hub. We’ll look at the politics, promises and real-world impacts of that effort. In Dallas & online, March 24. RSVP: trib.it/9czcZb
February 4, 2026 at 10:22 PM
With new business-friendly laws and the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange, state leaders aim to remake Texas into a corporate and financial hub. We’ll look at the politics, promises and real-world impacts of that effort. In Dallas & online, March 24. RSVP: trib.it/9czcZb
New: Former Texas A&M lecturer Melissa McCoul is suing the university months after Texas A&M fired her over a gender identity lesson.
McCoul alleges that administrators knowingly violated her free speech and due process rights to appease political critics.
McCoul alleges that administrators knowingly violated her free speech and due process rights to appease political critics.
Fired after gender lesson, former professor sues Texas A&M
Melissa McCoul, arguing she was fired to appease political critics, is seeking to get her job back and other restitution.
www.texastribune.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:55 PM
New: Former Texas A&M lecturer Melissa McCoul is suing the university months after Texas A&M fired her over a gender identity lesson.
McCoul alleges that administrators knowingly violated her free speech and due process rights to appease political critics.
McCoul alleges that administrators knowingly violated her free speech and due process rights to appease political critics.
When Texas Tech faculty sought clarification on new restrictions limiting how race, gender and sexuality can be discussed in classrooms, administrators said they could offer little guidance, according to two internal emails reviewed by The Texas Tribune.
Texas Tech struggles with new policy on gender, race
The system’s chancellor meant to instill clarity and accountability, but three weeks into the spring semester, some instructors say the standards have led to “censorship.”
www.texastribune.org
February 4, 2026 at 5:57 PM
When Texas Tech faculty sought clarification on new restrictions limiting how race, gender and sexuality can be discussed in classrooms, administrators said they could offer little guidance, according to two internal emails reviewed by The Texas Tribune.
We asked Democratic Senate candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico where they fall on major issues, ranging from international policy to taxes.
Here's where they stand, and how they differ.
Here's where they stand, and how they differ.
Q&A: Democratic candidates in Texas’ 2026 Senate primary
To help primary voters differentiate between the two, we asked Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico where they fall on major issues, ranging from international policy to taxes. See where they stand, an...
www.texastribune.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:05 PM
We asked Democratic Senate candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico where they fall on major issues, ranging from international policy to taxes.
Here's where they stand, and how they differ.
Here's where they stand, and how they differ.
Texans have until March 17 to apply for the state's voucher program, which allows families to receive taxpayer dollars to send children to private school or educate them at home.
Here’s what to know about the applications.
Here’s what to know about the applications.
Texas families begin applying for private school vouchers
The application period will close March 17. If demand exceeds the $1 billion available, the state will prioritize students based on family income and whether they have a disability.
www.texastribune.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Texans have until March 17 to apply for the state's voucher program, which allows families to receive taxpayer dollars to send children to private school or educate them at home.
Here’s what to know about the applications.
Here’s what to know about the applications.
Reposted by Texas Tribune
Two weeks ago, the El Paso Medical Examiner ruled the death of a 55yo Cuban detainee at an immigration center in El Paso was a homicide.
ICE bypassed the county ME w/ the latest death, sending the body to an Army hospital instead.
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/03/t...
ICE bypassed the county ME w/ the latest death, sending the body to an Army hospital instead.
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/03/t...
February 4, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Two weeks ago, the El Paso Medical Examiner ruled the death of a 55yo Cuban detainee at an immigration center in El Paso was a homicide.
ICE bypassed the county ME w/ the latest death, sending the body to an Army hospital instead.
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/03/t...
ICE bypassed the county ME w/ the latest death, sending the body to an Army hospital instead.
www.texastribune.org/2026/02/03/t...
The body of a migrant who died at an El Paso immigration detention center was sent to a military hospital rather than the county medical examiner who investigated two previous deaths at the facility — and concluded that one of them was a homicide rather than a suicide.
ICE bypasses El Paso medical examiner for autopsy on migrant
ICE bypassed the county medical examiner in favor of a military facility for the autopsy of a Nicaraguan man and won’t release a ruling to the public.
www.texastribune.org
February 3, 2026 at 8:58 PM
The body of a migrant who died at an El Paso immigration detention center was sent to a military hospital rather than the county medical examiner who investigated two previous deaths at the facility — and concluded that one of them was a homicide rather than a suicide.
Matt Boms joins this week's episode of TribCast to discuss the Texas electrical grid's strong performance during the recent winter storm.
Tribcast: Assessing the strength of Texas’ power grid
In this week’s episode of The Texas Tribune’s podcast, our hosts speak with Matt Boms about the Texas electrical grid's strong performance during the recent winter storm. Does that mean the problems o...
www.texastribune.org
February 3, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Matt Boms joins this week's episode of TribCast to discuss the Texas electrical grid's strong performance during the recent winter storm.
As a part of a yearlong study, Texas county jails are collecting data about pregnant inmates’ prenatal care, mental health indicators, pregnancy outcomes and more.
Texas is studying its pregnant jail inmates
As a part of a yearlong study, Texas county jails are collecting data about pregnant inmates’ prenatal care, mental health indicators, pregnancy outcomes and more.
www.texastribune.org
February 3, 2026 at 3:22 PM
As a part of a yearlong study, Texas county jails are collecting data about pregnant inmates’ prenatal care, mental health indicators, pregnancy outcomes and more.
Concerned about Texas’ social studies overhaul, Democrats on the State Board of Education used a recent meeting to push for the inclusion of more Black and Indigenous perspectives and for young children to learn about the horrific nature of slavery.
Texas Democrats make late push for social studies inclusion
Concerned about Texas’ social studies overhaul, Democrats on the State Board of Education used a recent meeting to push for the inclusion of more Black and Indigenous perspectives and for young childr...
www.texastribune.org
February 2, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Concerned about Texas’ social studies overhaul, Democrats on the State Board of Education used a recent meeting to push for the inclusion of more Black and Indigenous perspectives and for young children to learn about the horrific nature of slavery.