Feds are opening more detention centers in Texas as Trump administration steps up deportations

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• West Texas measles cases rise to 259. Here is what you need to know.

  By Stephen Simpson, Terri Langford and Eleanor Klibanoff Updated: 33 minutes ago

  Measles now detected in two new counties, as of Friday: Lamar and Cochran. All but two of the cases involved unvaccinated individuals. Full Story 

• In lawsuit settlement, Texas Tech’s med school promises it won’t consider race in admissions

  By Jessica Priest Updated: March 13, 2025

  George Stewart sued Texas Tech University Health Science Center and five other medical schools claiming they rejected him in favor of lesser qualified students of color. Full Story 

• Texas bill would increase oversight of universities’ hiring, curriculum and compliance

  By Jessica Priest Updated: March 13, 2025

  Senate Bill 37 would create a state office to investigate complaints against universities and require governing boards to ensure courses don’t endorse certain ideologies. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers will debate saving the state’s water supply after key legislation is introduced

  By Alejandra Martinez and Jayme Lozano Carver March 13, 2025

  The state House and Senate have similar proposals to solve the state's water crisis, but there are stark differences on how to invest billions of dollars to resolve. Full Story 

• Texas Tech officials trying to determine what caused explosion and fires that prompted campus closure

  By Ayden Runnels Updated: March 13, 2025

  A day after the incident in which green flames could be seen coming out of manholes, 40% of the university in Lubbock remains without power. Full Story 

• DOJ drops fight against Texas political maps as Trump administration retreats from voting rights cases

  By Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas Tribune March 13, 2025

  The Biden administration had challenged a Republican-led redistricting plan that diluted the political power of minorities. Other legal challenges will continue. Full Story 

• FEMA wants the names and addresses of migrants helped by Texas nonprofits and local governments that got federal grant money

  By Uriel J. García, Alejandro Serrano and Berenice Garcia Updated: March 13, 2025

  A letter sent this week claims the grant recipients, including many Texas cities and counties, may have illegally “induced” undocumented immigrants to enter the country. Full Story 

• Texas Senate panel advances bill banning DEI in K-12 public schools

  By Jaden Edison and Pavan Acharya Updated: March 13, 2025

  Sen. Brandon Creighton has filed bills that would ban diversity, equity and inclusion policies related to hiring and programming, while creating ways for parents to complain about violations. Full Story 

• Paxton investigates Dallas for alleged sanctuary city policies

  By Alejandro Serrano March 13, 2025

  Attorney General Ken Paxton said a recent statement by Dallas’ interim police chief raised concerns that the city might be violating a state law against so-called sanctuary city policies. Full Story 

• Want to understand Texas’ water crisis? Start with the guide to water terms.

  By Jayme Lozano Carver and Alejandra Martinez March 13, 2025

  Water is complex. So are the terms used to describe it. Get to know the language as Texas debates how to save its water supply. Full Story 

• Texas is running out of water. Here’s why and what state leaders plan to do about it.

  By Alejandra Martinez and Jayme Lozano Carver, Graphics by Carla Astudillo and Yuriko Schumacher March 13, 2025

  The state’s water supply faces numerous threats. And by one estimate, the state’s municipal supply will not meet demand by 2030 if there’s a severe drought and no water solutions are implemented. Full Story 

• Rafael Cruz, father of Ted Cruz, wants Texas to require school lessons about “evil” of communism

  By Pavan Acharya and Robert Downen Updated: March 13, 2025

  The prominent right-wing pastor told state lawmakers that an anti-communist curriculum is crucial to reaffirming that America is a “Christian country.” Full Story 

• Texas Southern University asks for $120 million to replace aging law school

  By Jessica Priest March 13, 2025

  Law students might lose financial aid if TSU does not address health and safety concerns about the building. Full Story 

• These four Texas counties are among the fastest growing in the country

  By Joshua Fechter, Graphics by Chris Essig March 13, 2025

  Texas’ population growth has slowed, but the state’s major urban areas are still adding hundreds of thousands of residents. Full Story 

• In Texas, private firms cash in on property tax late fees, piling debt onto struggling homeowners

  By Zach Despart, Graphics by Carla Astudillo March 13, 2025

  Texans who fall behind on their property taxes face one of the most punitive systems in the nation, where private collection companies can tack up to 20% onto their bill. Full Story 

• Texas House bill would weaken renters’ rights, advocates say

  By Joshua Fechter March 12, 2025

  The proposal is part of a push by Republican legislators aimed at helping property owners deal with squatters. Full Story