Some Texas lawmakers were in a hurry to require transgender Texans to use the restrooms that match the genders listed on their birth certificates. But the policy and politics are complicated enough to prompt the governor to tap the brakes.
2016
Posted in
Energy
In Texas, EPA proposing more emissions restrictions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking to withdraw a plan aimed at reducing haze in Texas’ national parks and tamping down on toxic air emissions. But it’s also quietly proposing another.
Posted in
Politics
DNC chair hopefuls make pitches with an eye on Texas
The debate over the future of the Democratic Party came to Austin on Saturday, with all five candidates for national party chairman pitching activists on the path forward after a devastating loss in the presidential election.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
For transgender inmate who filed suit, parole and maybe a settlement
Passion Star has spent nearly 14 years in Texas prisons, where she alleges she was repeatedly sexually assaulted, beaten and threatened. State officials have discussed settling the federal lawsuit Star filed over her treatment, court records show.
Posted in
Politics
Texas GOP readies for closely watched Electoral College vote
Texas Republicans are preparing for a closely watched Electoral College vote Monday in what is normally an afterthought to a presidential election.
Posted in
Politics
Texas schools will soon get a first peek at their grades
The state’s new system of grading public schools and districts from A to F is barely starting to kick in, and many educators are already intent on killing it.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: Judge blocks implementation of fetal remains rule
The rule — which was scheduled to take effect Monday — would require health providers to bury or cremate aborted fetuses.
Posted in
Bordering on Insecurity
In Texas, undocumented immigrants have no shortage of work
An underground labor market provides abundant employment opportunities for undocumented immigrants in the United States. But working in the shadows often means accepting low pay and exploitation.
Posted in
Politics
Trump selects Perry to lead U.S. Department of Energy (video)
In the Roundup: Donald Trump selects former Gov. Rick Perry to lead the U.S. Department of Energy, Gov. Greg Abbott takes a wait-and-see approach on anticipated bathroom legislation and Attorney General Ken Paxton takes on a new fight over Christmas.
Posted in
Politics
Analysis: A short history of Perry’s surprisingly long political career
Rick Perry has become the unsinkable Molly Brown of Texas politics — seemingly at the end of his career time after time, and now on his way to the biggest government job of his career.