Ted Cruz endorsed Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination on Fox News, following Trump's victory in the Iowa caucuses. Cruz had previously resisted endorsing Trump, wanting to wait for the Iowa results. Trump won the caucuses with 51% of the votes, significantly ahead of Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Cruz emphasized the need for Republicans to unite against President Joe Biden, criticizing Biden's immigration policies. Despite facing criminal investigations, Trump leads in Texas polls and has received numerous GOP endorsements. Cruz and Trump have had a complex relationship since the 2016 primaries, but have since shown mutual support. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, a former staffer for Cruz, has campaigned for DeSantis but will support Trump if he is the nominee.

Seattle Children's Hospital has initiated legal action against the Texas Attorney General concerning the handling of trans patient records. The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions and legal challenges surrounding healthcare rights for transgender individuals.

Seattle Children’s Hospital has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Office of the Attorney General to prevent the release of patient information following a subpoena demanding records of Texas residents receiving transition-related care. The hospital argues that complying would violate privacy laws and that the Texas AG lacks jurisdiction. This legal action is part of broader efforts by Texas Republicans to restrict transgender youth's access to gender-affirming care. The hospital maintains it does not provide such care to Texas residents, either in-state or remotely.

Seattle Children’s Hospital has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Attorney General's Office to prevent the release of patient records related to transgender care. The lawsuit challenges a subpoena demanding records of Texas residents who received transition-related care, arguing it violates privacy laws and lacks jurisdiction. This legal action follows Texas' recent law banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth. The hospital asserts it does not provide such care to Texas residents and seeks to protect patient privacy under Washington's new Shield Law. The case highlights ongoing political and legal battles over transgender rights and healthcare privacy.

Texas experienced the highest population growth in the United States over the past year, according to data from the Census Bureau.

Texas experienced the highest population growth in the U.S. over the past year, adding nearly half a million people, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This growth contributed significantly to the overall population increase in the South, which accounted for 87% of the nation's growth. The increase is attributed to a decrease in deaths and a rebound in migration levels post-COVID-19. Texas' major cities, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, are central to this growth, housing nearly 70% of the state's residents.

Texas experienced the largest population growth in the United States, adding nearly half a million residents from July 2022 to July 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This 1.6% growth rate, the third highest in the country, contributed to the South's dominance in the nation's overall growth, which was 87% of the U.S.'s total in 2023. The growth in the South was primarily due to net domestic migration, with a significant contribution from net international migration. Demographer Kristie Wilder attributed the national population increase to a decrease in deaths and a return of migration to pre-pandemic levels. Texas cities, especially the four largest metro areas, are the main centers of the state's population growth.

Texas experienced the highest population growth in the U.S. over the past year, adding nearly half a million people, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This growth contributed significantly to the overall population increase in the South, which accounted for 87% of the nation's growth. The increase is attributed to a decrease in deaths and a rebound in migration levels to pre-pandemic rates. The U.S. population growth rate in 2023 was 0.5%, the highest since 2018.

Houston Matters' final political roundup of 2023 reviewed major political stories and developments of the year. Analysts Nancy Sims and Mark Jones highlighted key events such as Kevin McCarthy's ouster, the Texas Legislature's actions, and Donald Trump's legal troubles. They also discussed surprising and unsurprising political developments, including the Hamas massacre and John Whitmire's mayoral election. The analysts provided their perspectives on who excelled and failed in politics this year, with unions and John Whitmire receiving praise, while Houston voters and Ron DeSantis were criticized. Looking ahead to 2024, they anticipate significant political shifts and challenges.

Texas experienced the highest population growth in the U.S. over the past year, adding nearly half a million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This growth contributed significantly to the overall population increase in the South, which accounted for 87% of the nation's growth. The increase is attributed to a decrease in deaths and a rebound in migration levels. Texas' major cities, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, are central to this growth, with nearly 70% of the state's residents living in these metro areas.

Rice University President Reginald DesRoches reaffirmed the university's stance against anti-Semitism following a congressional hearing where some university officials were criticized for their responses to questions about anti-Semitic acts. DesRoches emphasized that calls for violence or genocide are against Rice's policies and federal law. The controversy comes amid increased campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas war. The University of Pennsylvania's President Liz Magill resigned after backlash over her statements. Rice's Students for Justice in Palestine criticized the university for not condemning the actions against Palestinians in Gaza.

The impeachment inquiry of Attorney General Ken Paxton has cost Texas over $4.2 million, primarily for legal fees. The inquiry, initiated by corruption allegations from former deputies, led to Paxton's impeachment by the Texas House but subsequent acquittal by the Texas Senate. The costs have sparked criticism and political conflict among Texas Republican leaders, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan at odds over the process and expenditures. The Texas State Auditor's Office is conducting a special audit into the expenses, while the whistleblower lawsuit that initiated the inquiry remains unresolved.

The Texas Supreme Court has temporarily halted a lower court's ruling that allowed Kate Cox, a pregnant woman with a fetus diagnosed with a fatal condition, to have an abortion. This decision challenges Texas' restrictive abortion ban. Attorney General Ken Paxton opposes the medical exception for Cox and has warned hospitals against performing the abortion. Concurrently, a Kentucky woman has filed a lawsuit seeking the right to an abortion, aiming for class-action status to represent others in similar situations.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to tensions on Texas university campuses, with incidents of intimidation and debates over free speech. UT-Austin teaching assistants Callie Kennedy and Parham Daghighi were dismissed after addressing the conflict's impact on students' mental health, sparking faculty demands for their reinstatement and an apology. UT-Arlington and UT-Dallas also faced controversies over handling political discussions and student expression. Texas lawmakers' support for Israel and recent legislation have influenced university responses, highlighting the challenges of balancing free speech with political pressures.

The Israel-Hamas war has ignited tensions on Texas campuses, with universities grappling with how to respond to the divisive political issue. Vocal students and politicians have heightened the debate, putting pressure on educational institutions to navigate the complex situation carefully.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has sparked significant tensions on Texas university campuses, leading to debates over free speech and administrative responses. Teaching assistants at the University of Texas at Austin were dismissed for addressing mental health concerns related to the conflict, while other universities faced criticism for their handling of protests and political expressions. The conflict has highlighted broader issues of free speech, academic freedom, and political polarization, with university leaders struggling to balance these concerns amid external political pressures.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has intensified tensions on Texas university campuses, leading to debates over free speech and administrative responses. At the University of Texas at Austin, two teaching assistants were dismissed for addressing the mental health needs of Palestinian and Arab students, sparking protests and calls for their reinstatement. Similar issues have arisen at other Texas universities, where administrative actions have been criticized for stifling free expression. The conflict has also drawn attention to broader political dynamics, with Texas lawmakers showing strong support for Israel and enacting legislation affecting university policies. The situation underscores the challenges universities face in balancing free speech with maintaining campus safety and inclusivity.

Seattle Children’s Hospital has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Office of the Attorney General to prevent the release of patient information following a subpoena demanding records of Texas residents receiving transition-related care. The hospital argues that complying would violate federal and state privacy laws and that the Texas AG lacks jurisdiction. This legal action is part of broader efforts by Texas officials to restrict transgender healthcare, including a recent law banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender youth. The hospital maintains that it does not provide gender-affirming care to Texas residents and seeks to protect patient privacy under Washington's new Shield Law.

The Travis County district attorney has dismissed most charges against Austin police officers accused of excessive force during the May 2020 protests. District Attorney José Garza and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson have requested the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division to investigate the police response to the protests. Of the 21 officers charged, 17 have been cleared, while four remain under prosecution. The protests were sparked by the killing of Michael Ramos and the murder of George Floyd, leading to significant civil unrest and subsequent legal and policy changes in Austin.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has sparked significant tensions on Texas university campuses, challenging the balance between free speech and administrative responses. At the University of Texas at Austin, teaching assistants Callie Kennedy and Parham Daghighi were dismissed after addressing the mental health needs of Palestinian and Arab students, highlighting the university's struggle with free speech. Similar tensions arose at the University of Texas at Arlington and Dallas, where administrative actions were perceived as censorship. The conflict has also drawn attention to broader political dynamics, with Texas lawmakers showing strong support for Israel, influencing university policies and responses. The situation underscores the complex interplay between free speech, political pressures, and university governance in a highly polarized environment.

Texas is experiencing population growth, but some communities are leaving due to anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Bob McCranie, a Dallas-based real estate broker, created Flee Red States to help marginalized people find new homes. He highlights that Texas leaders have made it clear that LGBTQ+ people are not wanted, citing the passage of eleven anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the last legislative session. These laws include bans on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for trans kids, bans on trans athletes in college sports, and labeling drag shows as sexual conduct. McCranie predicts that the trend of people leaving Texas will increase as the state continues to target the LGBTQ+ community.

The University of Texas at Dallas removed the Spirit Rocks, a long-standing public message board, after they were used to paint political messages about the Gaza war. The rocks had been a platform for student expression on various issues, including the Middle East conflict, which has escalated with a recent terrorist attack and airstrikes resulting in significant casualties. The university's decision, which contradicts its previous stance on free speech, has been met with criticism from students. The removal coincides with Texas Republicans' legislation to ban diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, further impacting the expression of student groups of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated an investigation into Media Matters for alleged fraudulent activity following a report that led to advertisers withdrawing from X, the platform previously known as Twitter. This action comes after X CEO Elon Musk sued Media Matters in the Northern District of Texas, accusing the group of manipulating information to defame the social media company.

The article discusses the political dynamics and controversies surrounding the Republican primary race in Virginia's 5th District, highlighting the involvement of key figures such as Donald Trump, Bob Good, and Marjorie Taylor Greene. It details the close race between Good and his opponent McGuire, Trump's opposition to Good, and the broader implications for the Republican Party. The text also touches on Trump's post-presidency behavior and the political commentary surrounding it.

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Media Matters following a report that led companies to pull ads from X, formerly Twitter. Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against Media Matters, alleging defamation. The investigation will examine potential fraudulent activity by Media Matters, which Paxton described as a radical organization. The report by Media Matters claimed X placed ads next to pro-Nazi content, prompting several major brands to suspend advertising on the platform.

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Media Matters following a report that led companies to pull advertisements from X, formerly known as Twitter. Elon Musk filed a federal lawsuit against Media Matters, alleging defamation. The investigation aims to determine if Media Matters violated Texas laws protecting consumers from fraud. The report by Media Matters claimed that X placed ads next to pro-Nazi content, prompting several companies to suspend advertising on the platform. The lawsuit asserts that Media Matters misrepresented the user experience on X to harm the social media company.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Media Matters following a report that led companies to pull advertisements from X, formerly known as Twitter. The investigation follows a lawsuit filed by X CEO Elon Musk, alleging Media Matters manipulated information to defame the social media platform. The report by Media Matters claimed that ads from major brands appeared next to antisemitic content on X, prompting several companies to suspend advertising. The lawsuit accuses Media Matters of misrepresenting the platform to harm its reputation.

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Media Matters for alleged fraudulent activity following a report that led companies to pull advertisements from X, formerly known as Twitter. Elon Musk filed a federal lawsuit against Media Matters, claiming the organization manipulated information to defame X. The investigation aims to determine if Media Matters violated Texas consumer protection laws. The report by Media Matters highlighted antisemitic and white nationalist content near ads from major brands, prompting several companies to suspend advertising on X.

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Media Matters following a report that led companies to pull advertisements from X, formerly known as Twitter. Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against Media Matters, alleging defamation. The investigation aims to determine if Media Matters violated Texas consumer fraud laws. The report by Media Matters claimed that X placed ads next to pro-Nazi content, prompting several major brands to suspend advertising on the platform. The lawsuit asserts that Media Matters misrepresented the platform to harm its reputation.

David Renteria was executed in Texas for the 2001 murder of 5-year-old Alexandra Flores, following multiple legal battles and appeals. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a last-minute petition from Renteria's legal team, which argued that the El Paso District Attorney’s Office violated his constitutional rights. Renteria's execution proceeded after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals overturned a district court's order to postpone it. Renteria maintained his innocence in the murder, claiming gang members forced him to kidnap the child. The execution marks the eighth in Texas this year.

David Renteria is scheduled for execution in Texas for the 2001 murder of Alexandra Flores, despite his claims of innocence and allegations of gang coercion. His legal team has filed multiple appeals, including a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing constitutional violations and new witness testimony. The El Paso District Attorney’s Office has been criticized for withholding case documents, and there are ongoing legal challenges regarding the use of expired execution drugs. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has rescheduled the execution after overturning a previous postponement.

David Renteria is scheduled for execution in Texas for the 2001 murder of Alexandra Flores, despite his claims of innocence and ongoing legal appeals. Renteria's legal team argues that his constitutional rights were violated by the El Paso District Attorney’s Office's refusal to turn over case documents. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rescheduled the execution after an initial postponement. Renteria's appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court and other legal challenges, including the use of expired execution drugs and new witness testimony, have so far been unsuccessful.

Since Texas resumed Medicaid eligibility checks post-pandemic, over 1.4 million people, including nearly 729,000 children, lost coverage. Advocates like Stacey Pogue from Every Texan express concern as Texas becomes a hotspot for children losing health insurance. A Georgetown University report shows a national decrease in uninsured children from 2019 to 2022, but Texas still has the highest uninsured rate for children at 10.9%. The state's strict Medicaid eligibility criteria and lack of expansion contribute to these figures. Pediatrician Valerie Smith emphasizes Medicaid's role in children's health and urges legislative action to improve access to healthcare for Texas children.

David Renteria was executed in Texas for the 2001 murder of Alexandra Flores, despite maintaining his innocence. His legal team argued that the El Paso District Attorney's Office violated his constitutional rights by withholding case documents. Multiple appeals, including to the U.S. Supreme Court, were unsuccessful. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice continued using pentobarbital for executions, despite legal challenges.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals re-sentenced Randall Mays, a 64-year-old man on death row, to life in prison without parole due to his intellectual disability. Mays, who was sentenced to death in 2008 for the murder of two sheriff's deputies, has had multiple appeals filed by his legal team arguing his exemption from execution based on mental competency. The court's decision cited the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that executing people with intellectual disabilities violates the Eighth Amendment. The Henderson County District Attorney's Office expressed disappointment with the decision, while Mays' legal representatives highlighted the overwhelming evidence of his intellectual disability. The case underscores ongoing debates about the death penalty and mental health in Texas.

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals re-sentenced Randall Mays, a 64-year-old man on death row, to life in prison without parole due to his intellectual disability. Mays, who was sentenced to death in 2008 for the murder of two sheriff’s deputies, has had multiple appeals filed by his legal team arguing his exemption from execution based on mental competency. The court's decision aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that executing intellectually disabled individuals violates the Eighth Amendment. The Henderson County District Attorney’s Office expressed disappointment with the decision, while Mays' legal team highlighted the overwhelming evidence of his intellectual disability.

The Travis County district attorney has dismissed charges against 17 of the 21 Austin police officers accused of excessive force during the May 2020 protests. District Attorney José Garza and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson have requested the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division to investigate the police response to the protests. The city has paid over $18 million in civil lawsuits related to the protests, and there are still eight pending lawsuits. The article highlights the systemic issues within the Austin Police Department and the ongoing efforts to address them.

Texas experienced the highest population growth in the U.S. over the past year, adding nearly half a million people, which contributed to a 1.6% growth rate. This growth was part of a broader increase in the South, which accounted for 87% of the nation's growth. The U.S. Census Bureau attributes the national population increase to a decrease in deaths and a rebound in migration levels to pre-pandemic figures. The U.S. population grew by 0.5% in 2023, showing a return to trends observed before the COVID-19 pandemic.