INSIDER
How 11 Texas cities made housing unaffordable — and what’s being done to fix it
Read full article: How 11 Texas cities made housing unaffordable — and what’s being done to fix itTexas desperately needs more and denser housing to keep up with the demand. But zoning restrictions get in the way, a Texas Tribune analysis found.
KSAT Q&A: Texas Tribune reporter discusses delegates in Texas, presidential nomination
Read full article: KSAT Q&A: Texas Tribune reporter discusses delegates in Texas, presidential nominationMaría Méndez, a services and engagement reporter with The Texas Tribune, joined the KSAT Q&A to discuss the role of delegates in Texas within the larger shifts in American politics.
Water is bursting from another abandoned West Texas oil well, continuing a troubling trend
Read full article: Water is bursting from another abandoned West Texas oil well, continuing a troubling trendPecos County rancher Schuyler Wight says the Railroad Commission continues to plug wells. But each time they do, another one starts flowing.
Texas voters will choose party nominees Tuesday in the primary runoff election
Read full article: Texas voters will choose party nominees Tuesday in the primary runoff electionGet The Texas Tribune’s coverage of election results for the 2024 primary runoff elections, which includes the Texas Legislature and more.
Rural housing programs serve Texas’ elderly and disabled. This federal bill could make the process easier.
Read full article: Rural housing programs serve Texas’ elderly and disabled. This federal bill could make the process easier.Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett introduced House Bill 7412 to fix administrative issues that have created hurdles for some in rural communities.
Ken Paxton sues five Texas cities that decriminalized marijuana
Read full article: Ken Paxton sues five Texas cities that decriminalized marijuanaTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing five cities — Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin and Denton — to block their ordinances decriminalizing low-level marijuana possession.
As West Texas’ population grows, the need for more mental health care does too
Read full article: As West Texas’ population grows, the need for more mental health care does tooLike many regions in Texas, the county jails and hospitals have been at capacity with people needing mental health help. Local leaders hope a new 200-bed facility will alleviate pressure.
TribCast: Texas’ tough border security tactics under scrutiny
Read full article: TribCast: Texas’ tough border security tactics under scrutinyIn this week’s episode, we discuss the half-million people booted from Texas’ Medicaid rolls and the state’s deployment of razor wire and buoys along the border in Eagle Pass.
‘Resilience, recovery, healing’: Texas Tribune hosts discussion for Uvalde community ahead of one year mark
Read full article: ‘Resilience, recovery, healing’: Texas Tribune hosts discussion for Uvalde community ahead of one year markThe victim's families of Robb Elementary are living proof time does not heal all. Kimberly Rubio and Veronica Mata took the stage at Southwest Texas Junior College to discuss life since May 24th.
San Antonio not planning on a mass shelter for migrants
Read full article: San Antonio not planning on a mass shelter for migrantsA city spokeswoman said the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and Catholic Charities were working on contingency plans to help with "transportation assistance" if the Migrant Resource Center's capacity was stretched too thin, but it was not planning on creating a mass shelter.
Toxic benzene lingered for weeks after shelter-in-place warnings ended following 2019 Houston-area chemical fire
Read full article: Toxic benzene lingered for weeks after shelter-in-place warnings ended following 2019 Houston-area chemical fireThe Texas Tribune analyzed previously unreported air monitoring data and records from the 2019 ITC chemical disaster near Houston and found that high benzene levels lingered in the air for two weeks after public health measures were lifted. Experts say more shelter-in-place advisories should have been issued.
For the first time, Texas voters send Muslims and openly gay Black men to Legislature
Read full article: For the first time, Texas voters send Muslims and openly gay Black men to LegislatureVoters elected Christian Manuel Hayes to House District 22 in Beaumont, Venton Jones to HD-100 in Dallas, Salman Bhojani to HD-92 in Tarrant County and Suleman Lalani to HD-76 in Fort Bend County.
Austin mayor’s race heading to a runoff, Dallas county judge wins reelection
Read full article: Austin mayor’s race heading to a runoff, Dallas county judge wins reelectionIn three key local elections, the Austin mayoral race will be decided in a runoff, Republican Tim O’Hare won the Tarrant County judge race and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins won reelection.
WATCH: Dr. Anthony Fauci one-on-one interview at Texas Tribune Festival
Read full article: WATCH: Dr. Anthony Fauci one-on-one interview at Texas Tribune FestivalDr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, will be headlining the first day of the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival during an one-on-one interview with Tribune CEO Evan Smith.
District director for U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores resigns amid sexual harassment allegations
Read full article: District director for U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores resigns amid sexual harassment allegationsFlores’ district director, Aron Peña, was accused of touching and kissing an intern without her consent. He denies any wrongdoing.
Reports: Volunteers, retirees, national groups targeting election offices
Read full article: Reports: Volunteers, retirees, national groups targeting election officesBased on her reporting for Votebeat, a national nonpartisan nonprofit news organization, its Texas reporter Natalia Contreras said volunteers and retirees, many part of national networks spreading misinformation, have been targeting election administrators and their staffs in Texas since the 2020 election.
‘Extremist attack on history curriculum’ is an attack on teachers, TSTA president says
Read full article: ‘Extremist attack on history curriculum’ is an attack on teachers, TSTA president saysThe Texas State Teachers Association is calling the delay in updating the social studies curriculum an “extremist attack on history curriculum” and an “attack on teachers.”
TribCast: Texas’ drought is likely to persist
Read full article: TribCast: Texas’ drought is likely to persistIn this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Jayme about how this week’s rain likely won’t mean the end of the drought. And he speaks with Eric about the soon-to-be-over congressional career of Louie Gohmert.
Texas Tribune reporter James Barragan describes Uvalde CISD police chief’s first interview since Robb Elementary shooting
Read full article: Texas Tribune reporter James Barragan describes Uvalde CISD police chief’s first interview since Robb Elementary shootingOn Friday on the 6 p.m. news, KSAT 12 anchors Myra Arthur and Steve Spriester interviewed Barragan about the story.
Why 18-year-olds can buy AR-15s in Texas but not handguns
Read full article: Why 18-year-olds can buy AR-15s in Texas but not handgunsThe fact that the gunman responsible for this week’s massacre in Uvalde was able to buy two AR-15s days after his 18th birthday highlights how much easier it is for Americans to purchase rifles than handguns.
From staffing shortages to lack of guidance, the pandemic made Texas’ rural health issues worse, providers say
Read full article: From staffing shortages to lack of guidance, the pandemic made Texas’ rural health issues worse, providers sayThe COVID-19 pandemic also cut down on clinics’ revenue and underscored broadband access disparities in rural Texas, health care providers said in a conversation with The Texas Tribune.
TribCast: Ross Ramsey reflects on four decades of Texas politics
Read full article: TribCast: Ross Ramsey reflects on four decades of Texas politicsOn this week’s episode, Matthew, Evan and Alexa reminisce with Texas Tribune co-founder and Executive Editor Ross Ramey as he wraps up his last day of work.
TribCast: Layers of scandal in the Texas foster care system
Read full article: TribCast: Layers of scandal in the Texas foster care systemIn this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Reese and Mitchell about the fallout from sexual abuse allegations at a state-contracted children’s shelter and Russian threats against Texas’ energy infrastructure.
Child welfare monitors say there’s “ample evidence” kids were abused at Bastrop foster care facility, disputing Texas Rangers
Read full article: Child welfare monitors say there’s “ample evidence” kids were abused at Bastrop foster care facility, disputing Texas RangersCourt-appointed watchdogs of Texas’ troubled foster care system found "ample evidence" that former sex trafficking victims were abused at a foster care facility, contradicting the Texas Rangers’ findings earlier this month.
T-Squared: María Méndez is joining The Texas Tribune as service and engagement reporter
Read full article: T-Squared: María Méndez is joining The Texas Tribune as service and engagement reporterShe will connect readers with resources, demystify politics and public policy and look for ways to reach Texans whose questions often go unheard.
Watch: Higher education leaders reflect on enrollment losses and the need for virtual learning even after the pandemic
Read full article: Watch: Higher education leaders reflect on enrollment losses and the need for virtual learning even after the pandemicLeaders at higher education institutions are trying to attract students by offering flexibility with instructional modes — and they said that flexibility is here to stay.
Watch: Local public health leaders across Texas reflect on the uneven challenges of coordinating the fight against COVID-19
Read full article: Watch: Local public health leaders across Texas reflect on the uneven challenges of coordinating the fight against COVID-19Public health officials have played a crucial role in vaccination efforts and tracking the spread of the virus. But different needs from their communities and insufficient aid have complicated the work.
Watch: Austin ISD superintendent says she won’t be “bullied” over mask mandates, social studies curriculum
Read full article: Watch: Austin ISD superintendent says she won’t be “bullied” over mask mandates, social studies curriculumAs state officials pressure schools on books and coronavirus measures, Stephanie Elizalde says her district will do what’s in students’ “best interests.”
Austin voters reject ballot proposition to hire more police officers
Read full article: Austin voters reject ballot proposition to hire more police officersSupporters of Proposition A argued that boosting the ranks of the police force was necessary to combat the city’s growing homicide rate, a trend seen in cities nationwide. Opponents and city leaders warned it would lead to fewer firefighters, medics and librarians.
Harlandale ISD readies virtual learning program ahead of bill’s pending approval from Gov. Abbott
Read full article: Harlandale ISD readies virtual learning program ahead of bill’s pending approval from Gov. AbbottIf Gov. Greg Abbott approves a bill that expands and funds virtual learning, the Harlandale Independent School District said it’s already working on establishing its own online learning program.
State Rep. Jessica González defends Democrats' walkout on Texas voting bill
Read full article: State Rep. Jessica González defends Democrats' walkout on Texas voting billGonzález, of Dallas, and fellow state Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, discussed Senate Bill 7, which failed to pass during the regular legislative session, and what's next for legislators.
State Rep. Jessica González defends Democrats' walkout on Texas voting bill
Read full article: State Rep. Jessica González defends Democrats' walkout on Texas voting billGonzález, of Dallas, and fellow state Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, discussed Senate Bill 7, which failed to pass during the regular legislative session, and what's next for legislators.
Health experts talk about what Texas did right and wrong in the pandemic — and what it should do differently next time
Read full article: Health experts talk about what Texas did right and wrong in the pandemic — and what it should do differently next timeThree medical professionals discuss what they have learned about where Texas is — and where it is going — in the COVID-19 pandemic.
TribCast: Weighing whether the Legislature will expand Medicaid and if voters would elect Matthew McConaughey
Read full article: TribCast: Weighing whether the Legislature will expand Medicaid and if voters would elect Matthew McConaugheySuspect in custody after 7 shot, 1 killed in shooting at Bryan warehouse, police say
Read full article: Suspect in custody after 7 shot, 1 killed in shooting at Bryan warehouse, police sayA suspect is in custody and seven people were shot during a shooting at a cabinet shop in Bryan, police told CNN in a live update.
TribCast: Texas' top three Republican leaders splinter over electricity repricing
Read full article: TribCast: Texas' top three Republican leaders splinter over electricity repricingEl Paso Electric's Rio Grande Power Station on the New Mexico/Texas state line. Credit: Justin Hamel for the Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. On this week's episode, Patrick speaks with Ross, Cassi and Alexa about state leaders' disagreements over electricity repricing after the winter weather crisis. They also discuss new legislation that Gov. Greg Abbott is backing to crack down on local efforts to expand voting.
Texas GOP fires staffer after he posted video from Capitol riot and spread false conspiracy theories at D.C. pizzeria
Read full article: Texas GOP fires staffer after he posted video from Capitol riot and spread false conspiracy theories at D.C. pizzeriaLess than two hours after The Texas Tribune contacted the Texas GOP about Whitt on Monday afternoon, the party said it had fired him. "This is the door of the Capitol," Whitt says. The conspiracy theory, which emerged ahead of the 2016 election, claims that Democratic elites are running a child sex-trafficking ring out of the pizzeria. The restaurant and its employees have been repeatedly harassed and threatened by people who believe the conspiracy theory. In the video, Whitt asks the woman how she feels about working "in a restaurant that is known for pedophilia."
Where parents and students in Texas can turn for help with mental health concerns
Read full article: Where parents and students in Texas can turn for help with mental health concernsThe Texas Tribune put together this resource guide for Texas families with children who are struggling with mental health issues, drawn from interviews with experts, advice from mental health advocates and existing state-provided resources. How can I find a Texas mental health provider? Texas contracts with nearly 40 regional mental and behavioral health authorities that deliver and coordinate affordable mental health services in their communities. Mental Health America provides information on how to find support groups, including online communities, for mental health recovery. The Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative has mental health resource pages specifically for young people and their families.
Texas sues Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin over changes to 2020 election laws
Read full article: Texas sues Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin over changes to 2020 election lawsAUSTIN, Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday against four battleground states that President-elect Joe Biden won for what he claims are unconstitutional changes to 2020 election laws. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called the suit a publicity stunt and said “Mr. Paxton’s actions are beneath the dignity of the office of Attorney General and the people of the great state of Texas,” the Tribune reported. “Their failure to abide by the rule of law casts a dark shadow of doubt over the outcome of the entire election. The filing also claims that, whether lawful or unlawful, there were intrastate differences in the treatment of voters.
Watch: Conversations on the 2021 legislative session
Read full article: Watch: Conversations on the 2021 legislative sessionThis event takes place Dec. 7-11. Join us online Dec. 7-11 during lunch — from 12-1 p.m. Central — to preview the priorities and likely hot-button topics of the 2021 legislative session. The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. Tribune events are supported through contributions from our investors and members. Though donors and corporate sponsors underwrite Texas Tribune events, they play no role in determining the content, panelists or line of questioning.
More than eight years in, Texas high-speed rail company still lacks permits to build Dallas-to-Houston route
Read full article: More than eight years in, Texas high-speed rail company still lacks permits to build Dallas-to-Houston routeDALLAS — Less than two months before the Texas Legislature begins its next session, the yearslong battle over a controversial high-speed rail project is expected to spark more legislative skirmishes. Kyle Workman, president of Texans Against High-Speed Rail, said that he expects to see similar bills filed as well. Company still lacks key permitsThe Texas Central high-speed rail project has been in the works for more than eight years, and the company has promised to fund the project with the support of private investors and without public funds. But that’s not the case with high-speed rail, he said. When other companies tried to bring high-speed rail to Texas in the 1980s, Texas created a regulatory agency, the Texas High-Speed Rail Authority.
Watch: Conversations on the future of higher education
Read full article: Watch: Conversations on the future of higher educationJoin us online Oct. 26-30 to discuss some of the most pressing issues impacting higher education in Texas. What does higher education in the age of COVID look like? Tune in to this page Oct. 26-30 during lunch — from 12-1 p.m. Central — to discuss some of the most pressing issues impacting higher education in Texas, including best practices in online learning, serving students in need, economic challenges, college sports and more. The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. Though donors and corporate sponsors underwrite Texas Tribune events, they play no role in determining the content, panelists or line of questioning.
2.6 millones residentes de Texas participan en los primeros 3 días de votación temprana
Read full article: 2.6 millones residentes de Texas participan en los primeros 3 días de votación tempranaEl periódico Texas Tribune también informó que casi el 16 por ciento de electores en el estado ya han emitido su voto. En solo los primeros tres días de votación temprana de este ciclo electoral, residentes de Texas han acumulado el 40 por ciento de la participación total que se llevó a cabo hace cuatro años. En el Condado Bexar, cerca de 109,000 personas emitieron su voto en persona en los primeros tres días. Esto significa que el 14 por ciento de todos los 1.1 millones de votantes registrados en el condado ya han votado, según un reporte del Tribune. De acuerdo con el U.S. Election Project, más de 22 millones de estadounidenses ya han votado en todo el país.
Here's how many Texans have voted early in the 2020 general election in the state's biggest counties
Read full article: Here's how many Texans have voted early in the 2020 general election in the state's biggest countiesCredit: Emily AlbrachtThe Texas Tribune is tracking cumulative early voting and mail-in ballot totals during the 2020 general election in the state’s 10 largest counties. [ Read more ]
Voting in Texas during the pandemic: Everything you need to know about the 2020 general election
Read full article: Voting in Texas during the pandemic: Everything you need to know about the 2020 general electionUse The Texas Tribune's voter guide to learn more about voting during the pandemic, mail-in voting, voting in person, Texas candidates and key dates for the 2020 general election. [ Read more ]
TribCast: Texas and the DNC, the fight over police funding and election mailing woes
Read full article: TribCast: Texas and the DNC, the fight over police funding and election mailing woesProtesters march in downtown Austin on July 27, 2020. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) On this week's Tribcast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Alex and Ross about Texans' role at the Democratic National Convention, a new front in the local control fight and what concerns about the U.S Postal Service mean for Texas.
Austin protesters clash with police in the wake of Garrett Foster's death
Read full article: Austin protesters clash with police in the wake of Garrett Foster's deathArmed protesters guard the memorial of Garrett Foster, who was shot and killed during a protest against police brutality in Austin on July 25, 2020. Last: A man with a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder stands among protesters who have gathered at the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin. Jordan VonderhaarFirst: Mounted officers from the Austin Police Department clash with protesters on the corner of Fourth Street and Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas TribuneMembers of the far-right Proud Boys militia stand on Congress Avenue across from the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas TribuneA police officer sprays a protester with pepper spray as demonstrators clash with police in downtown Austin Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune
Watch: Texas' police use-of-force tactics scrutinized after George Floyd protests
Read full article: Watch: Texas' police use-of-force tactics scrutinized after George Floyd protestsGeorge Floyd's death in May sparked a new wave of protests and reinvigorated a nationwide movement against police brutality and racial injustice. Floyd, a Black man, died in police custody when a white Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for nearly eight minutes. The protests in Texas and the nation have stretched on for days and weeks in cities across the state and the country. Those calling for reform said police actions during protests highlight broader issues with policing culture and responsibilities. The Texas Tribune spoke to criminologists, policy makers and advocates to hear their perspectives on what the current moment means for Texas and what happens next.
Texas bars and restaurants were eager to reopen. Now some are closing their doors again as coronavirus cases rise.
Read full article: Texas bars and restaurants were eager to reopen. Now some are closing their doors again as coronavirus cases rise.“I freaked out,” said Prince, who plans to quarantine for two weeks and get tested if COVID-19 symptoms arise. Also Tuesday, the state reported that at least 2,000 Texans have died from the COVID-19 disease caused by the new coronavirus. "They still have to be practiced because COVID-19 hasn't suddenly magically left the state of Texas," he said. More than 680,000 workers in the restaurant industry have lost their jobs during the pandemic, according to the Texas Restaurant Association. Disclosure: Steve Adler, a former Texas Tribune board chairman; Texas A&M University; and the Texas Restaurant Association have been financial supporters of the Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
TribCast: COVID-19 record highs, foster children in harm's way and a victory for LGBTQ workers
Read full article: TribCast: COVID-19 record highs, foster children in harm's way and a victory for LGBTQ workersPatrons enjoy drinks at B.D. As of Friday, restaurants can operate at 75% capacity, while almost all other businesses can operate at 50%. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Emma and Shannon about record high coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, a damning report of Texas' child welfare system and a Supreme Court ruling on long-denied protections for LGBTQ workers.
Abbott blames 20-somethings for some of the latest increases in coronavirus cases
Read full article: Abbott blames 20-somethings for some of the latest increases in coronavirus casesCustomers wait in line to enter Chupacabra Cantina in downtown Austin as Texas bars reopened on May 22, 2020. Greg Abbott said during a press conference addressing hospital capacity on Tuesday. "That is the case in Lubbock County, Bexar County, Cameron County." There have been pictures that I have seen and others have seen about these bar type settings where clearly the standards are not being followed, Abbott said. On Tuesday, Abbott noted that the state still has ample hospital capacity.
Video: Behind the scenes of The Texas Tribune's new salaries explorer
Read full article: Video: Behind the scenes of The Texas Tribune's new salaries explorerLast month, The Texas Tribune launched a new and revamped version of our Government Salaries Explorer. Watch members of the data visuals team take you behind the redesign and guide you through the latest changes and features of the explorer.
Houston-area high school senior's socially distanced graduation marks end of a rocky year
Read full article: Houston-area high school senior's socially distanced graduation marks end of a rocky yearCruz, a National Honor Society student whose house burned down during the school year, graduated from Alvin High School on Saturday. Alvin High School officials had planned to hold a virtual graduation. Viky Cruz, 18, whose house burned down during the school year, graduated from Alvin High School on Sat, June 6, 2020. Viky Cruz, 18, whose house burned down during the school year, graduated from Alvin High School on Sat, June 6, 2020. Last: A graduate is handed a diploma at the Alvin High School graduation ceremony.
Laredo officials force residents to cover faces outside their homes
Read full article: Laredo officials force residents to cover faces outside their homesStarting April 2, Laredo residents will have to cover their mouth and nose when entering any building that is not their home, according to the Laredo Morning Times. This includes offices, public transit and outdoor gas stations, per a Laredo City Council vote. To read the full-story, go to the Texas Tribune by clicking here. COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new virus, stands for coronavirus disease 2019. The disease first appeared in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, but spread around the world in early 2020, causing the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March.
Optimistic Democrats are lining up to run for Texas’ high courts in 2020
Read full article: Optimistic Democrats are lining up to run for Texas’ high courts in 2020For Brandon Birmingham, a state district judge in Dallas, the 2020 race for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals started on election night 2018. Within weeks, he’d reached out to the state Democratic Party. This year, with a controversial Republican president on the ballot and sky-high stakes for Texas Democrats, candidates are hoping the races look more like heroes’ journeys. Democrats have not run a contested primary for the state’s high courts since 2008. As recently as last year, Democrats failed to even field a candidate in one race for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
T-Squared: Today is The Texas Tribune’s 8th birthday. We all have reason to celebrate.
Read full article: T-Squared: Today is The Texas Tribune’s 8th birthday. We all have reason to celebrate.Today we mark our eighth year in business. Happy birthday to us! And to you. Our nonprofit news org has always been for you and about you — so we all have something to be thankful for.