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.

Texas Women Mobilize to Continue the Momentum From the Marches

byLouise Rodriguez and Kathryn Lundstrom

Austin and San Antonio events were among hundreds planned over the next several months to build on the activism the Women’s Marches inspired.

Trump Policy Adds Tension at Capitol Muslim Day

byDanielle Smith

The president’s ban of immigrants from seven Muslim-majority nations was on everyone’s mind, though the biennial event was peaceful as usual.

Analysts: Trump Immigration Policies Could Spell Trouble for the Texas Economy

byMolly Smith and Lynda Gonzalez

A policy of mass deportation would have a significant effect on Texas’ economy, which depends on immigrant laborers to fill jobs in its construction, agriculture and hospitality industries, according to economists and industry insiders.

Pastors for Texas Children Become a Rising Voice Against School Vouchers

byJohn Savage

The group vows to challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s effort to pass school vouchers in the 2017 Legislature. Johnson said he has told Patrick to his face, “This will not pass.”

Young Hispanic Conservatives Grapple with Whether to Vote for Trump

byBetty Arreola

His harsh comments about immigration bother some young Hispanics, even conservatives who plan to vote Republican. But some say Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric is causing them to make another choice,

Austin Poll Worker Confusion Leads to Extra Delays for Some Voters

byTravis Putnam Hill

Travis County sent technical support to explain correct procedures to polling staffers when voters don’t have approved forms of photo ID.

A Few Problems, Some Confusion at the Polls in Central Texas on Election Day

by Reporting Texas Staff

Photo ID Rules Caused Some Hiccups, but Early Long Lines Dissipated.

Reporting Texas Joins National Effort to Cover Voter Experiences on Election Day

Initiative will look for long lines, misinformation at the polls and any signs that voters are being intimidated.

Ending Obama Immigration Program Could Affect Texas Classrooms

byLynda Gonzalez

“If DACAmented teachers were to just suddenly disappear, advocates would go away from schools,” said Alexis Torres, who said he understands the resources his undocumented students need.