Government and Politics

Events in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania honored those lost 25 years ago on Sept. 11, at a time when Americans are divided about the meaning and legacy of the terrorist attacks.

The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.

Texas Comptroller Don Huffines has requested legislators double the money behind the state’s private school voucher program to $2 billion. More than 100,000 students sit on the waitlist, but critics argue there is little evidence vouchers are delivering on their promises to justify expanding the program.

As Texas Monthly contributor Nicholas Gutteridge reports, the days of Texas leaders wanting citizens to know what politicians are saying and doing behind closed doors are behind us.

The Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention begins in Dallas as Trump and GOP leaders rally voters, while Democrats prepare their own counterprogramming ahead of November.

Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are leading related efforts target businesses they say are encouraging noncitizens to come to Texas to give birth, in order to gain U.S. citizenship for their children.

On the campaign trail, the governor said dismantling city-owned utilities will save customers money by introducing competition.

After trade talks between the countries fell apart last month, the Trump administration and Canada's leaders have rolled out new tariffs on everything from dairy products to machinery. Experts say farmers will likely feel the squeeze on both ends.

Local and state lawmakers cut the ribbon on the long-awaited West Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Lubbock on Friday, the first state veterans cemetery in 15 years. The same day, Gov. Greg Abbott was in town, holding a campaign roundtable on affordability in Texas. His primary focus was one that he has repeatedly pointed out will be a major topic in the upcoming legislative session: reducing property taxes.

Political science experts say it's a sign Republicans are concerned about how key races will play out, including in the decades-long GOP stronghold of Texas. They expect the convention's effects to be negligible in polls, but its impact at the ballot box is less certain.