Competing Affordability Plans Take Shape – Rising costs are becoming a central issue in the race for governor. Governor Greg Abbott is pushing a plan to eliminate school district property taxes on homesteads, while Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa is proposing direct payments of $1,500 per household funded through the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Adam Schwager examines the competing visions and the political hurdles each proposal faces. 

Record Money Flows Into Senate Race – The race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Representative James Talarico is already shattering fundraising records. We break down the latest campaign finance numbers, and how controversy surrounding the Adam Hoffman case is playing out on the campaign trail.

Birth Tourism Debate Intensifies – A South Texas hospital is under state investigation after advertisements promoting maternity “birth packages” drew scrutiny from Governor Abbott. We examine how the controversy is fueling a new debate over birthright citizenship, birth tourism, and surrogacy following recent legal developments and growing interest from Texas lawmakers. 

Mental Health Lawsuit Brings Major Ruling – A federal judge has ruled Texas’ practice of holding mentally incompetent defendants in jail while they wait for state hospital beds is unconstitutional. The decision stems from a decade-long class action lawsuit and could force significant changes to the state’s mental health system. We revisit our past reporting on the issue and what advocates say happens next. 

THC Ban Fight Returns to the Capitol – Lawmakers are laying the groundwork for another attempt to ban consumable THC products when the Legislature convenes next year. Dylan McKim reports on the arguments from Republican senators, concerns raised by advocates and businesses, and the continuing legal fight over hemp regulations already being challenged in court.