Texas Tribune Brief

Spending on each of the last two inaugurations eclipsed that of any other in Texas for at least 40 years, even when adjusted for inflation. A spokesman for the governor has said no state dollars were spent on the festivities.

The ruling came hours after the Texas parole board recommended that Gov. Greg Abbott delay Reed’s death for 120 days.

The document says that the envelope had Nevárez's official House seal and held “four small clear baggies” containing a substance found to include cocaine.

See what the Texans in Congress are asking the witnesses in today's public impeachment inquiry hearing.

The state's announcement that it will seize control of its largest school system has been met with notable silence from Houston ISD administrators and local elected officials.

While Texans remain split on gun laws, state lawmakers have largely loosened gun control. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has joined the call for state officials to take another look at Rodney Reed’s murder conviction. And is Kay Granger in trouble?

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath informed Houston ISD of those plans in a letter Wednesday. He also sent letters saying the state would take over Shepherd and Snyder ISDs.

Vote counting continued through Tuesday night. When results were released Wednesday morning, the incumbent was short of the total he needed to avoid a runoff.

One proposition could make it harder to create a state income tax while another could secure more funding for state parks. Go to texastribune.org for the latest election results.

Voters have 10 proposed constitutional amendments on their ballots. And in three special elections, some Texans will elect new state lawmakers.