Civil War Battle Rises Again in East Texas

byAndrea Tinning

The annual Battle of Blackjack Grove, a mock Civil War battle, started in 2017 in the East Texas town of Groveton and has attracted more and more attendees each year.

U.S. House Democrats Target Six Texas Districts for 2020, Face Uphill Battle

byKatherine Corley

National Democrats are targeting six congressional districts in Texas in 2020. Despite Democratic gains in the 2018 midterms, some political scientists say the party faces an uphill battle in the Lone Star State.

Advocates Push for Criminal Sentencing Reform

byJack Keyes

Support is growing for legislation that would allow prisoners, even those convicted of violent crimes, to reduce their sentences through good behavior.

Bikers Rally in Opposition to Mandatory Helmet Proposal

byAlyx Wilson

The Dallas state representative who is sponsoring the bill says the numbers show that helmets save lives.

Advocates Continue Push to Lessen Importance of Standardized Tests in Texas

byMorgan Kilgo

The debate over the proper role of standard tests in evaluating student performance returns to the Capitol.

For Texas Republicans, a Biennial Legislature Means Less Government

byClaire Allbright

Unlike most states, the Texas Legislature only meets every other year.

School Trustee Woody Looks for Ways to Make Del Valle Better

byVicky Camarillo

The community of about 17,000 faces some of the most challenging issues in Travis County.

Advocates Hopeful for Reform of Marijuana Laws in Texas

byStephen Cabler

Advocates are optimistic about the possible reform of marijuana laws during the 2019 Texas legislative session.

In Election Night Loss, Austin City Council Candidate Sees Reason for Hope

byForrest Milburn

Danielle Skidmore, a trans woman who ran in 2018 election, failed in her bid. But she sees promise in the rise of LGBTQ candidates.

After O’Rourke Defeat, East Texas Democrats Disappointed but Optimistic about Future

byVicky Camarillo

O’Rourke’s defeat left some East Texas Democrats asking: If a hardworking, ready-for-prime-time candidate such as O’Rourke can’t win in Texas, when will the state turn blue?

Despite Dynamic Campaign, Julie Oliver Faces Uphill Battle for Congress

byKATE GROETZINGER

While the odds are stacked against Julie Oliver in her run for U.S. Congress, she has some advantages over Democrats who have run in Texas’ Congressional District 25 in the past.

In East Texas, O’Rourke Campaign Buoys Democrats’ Hopes

byVICKY CAMARILLO

To defeat incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz, Beto O’Rourke will have to succeed where East Texas Democrats have faltered in the recent past.

Expat Voters Could Tilt the Results of Mexico’s July 1 Election

byVicky Camarillo

Allowing expatriates to register abroad could boost participation in Mexico’s July 1 presidential election. Among the almost 260,000 people of Mexican descent in Austin, about 70,000 are Mexican-born.

House GOP Tax Bill Could Squeeze Graduate Students’ Finances

byScott Squires

Graduate students plan a nationwide walkout Nov. 29 to protest a proposal that would tax tuition waivers and make graduate degrees much more expensive.

Federal Budget Might Axe Loans Designed to Boost Small Business

byMolly Smith

Loans offered by community development financial institutions have been a longtime part of the economy, but President Trump’s 2018 budget proposal seeks to eliminate them.

Colleges Wrestle with How to Handle Hate Speech but Protect Free Speech

byDani Neuharth-Keusch

Universities grapple with how to preserve an environment conducive to learning and freedom of expression for all points of view.

In South Texas, Border Wall Debate Includes Impact on Wildlife

byAlvaro Céspedes

While the political debate rages over illegal immigration, some South Texans worry that the wall could damage a prized wildlife refuge that contributes to the local economy.

Universities Fear Trump Policies Driving Away Iranian Students

byDani Neuharth-Keusch

The president’s executive order, now on hold, would disproportionately affect Iranian students and researchers.

Trump Immigration Policies Chill Some School Protests

byBetsy Joles

After immigration raids, many Austin students fear speaking out will draw attention.

A Bid in the Legislature to Regulate Powdered Alcohol

byKathryn Thackrey

In 2015, a proposal to ban sales outright didn’t make its way out of the state House.