TEXAS TRIBUNE

Texas’ highest criminal court once again said the attorney general needs permission from local prosecutors to pursue election cases. Attorney General Ken Paxton had fought that decision.

District attorneys for Harris, Kaufman, Fort Bend counties voiced concerns over state’s new abortion law at the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival.

Dr. 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.

Friday’s injunction applies to all members of PFLAG, an LGBTQ advocacy group with more than 600 members in Texas.

The district director for Texas’ newest congresswoman, Mayra Flores, R-Los Indios, recently resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment.

Flores’ district director, Aron Peña, was accused of touching and kissing an intern without her consent. He denies any wrongdoing.

The state’s parole board did not explain why it was denying the request to pardon Floyd, who was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, for a minor 2004 drug conviction. Last year, the board recommended Abbott pardon Floyd, then rescinded.

For years, the state’s Hispanic population has grown significantly faster than the white population. The new census data is the first to reflect Texas passing a milestone in its cultural and political evolution.

For years, the state’s Hispanic population has grown significantly faster than the white population. The new census data is the first to reflect Texas passing a milestone in its cultural and political evolution.

The sudden TV spending by Coulda Been Worse LLC comes as Abbott battles for a third term against Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke.

Documents obtained by CNN show that Texas has spent $12.7 million busing migrants to Democrat-led cities.

The VA follows the Department of Defense in providing access to abortion as several states, including Texas, essentially ban the procedure following the U.S. Supreme Court decision ending nationwide protection.

Liz Cheney polarized Republicans after she denounced Donald Trump over Jan. 6. Could her coming appearance in Texas signal a comeback bid?

The 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.”

Officials told employees not to communicate about cases via email or text — even with families under investigation, according to records obtained by two news organizations.

The Tribune and other news organizations also previously filed suit against the Department of Public Safety over its refusal to release records related to the school shooting

The governor has made a vocal enemy in the families of Robb Elementary shooting victims, who are demanding a special legislative session to reach a compromise on an age limit to purchase automatic rifles.

In this week’s epsidoe, we discuss how the busing of migrants to New York is affecting Texas, New York and the migrants themselves.

Texas, the largest state to restrict abortions, now has three significant bans on the books, setting up a potential legal minefield.

In 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.

The Tribune and a host of news organizations are seeking records related to a January raid on U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s Laredo home.

The family is seeking $35 million in damages based on alleged transgressions including sexual harassment, rape and wrongful death.

Experts on adoption and abortion say lawmakers must work to provide financial and mental health support to birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees in order to make the adoption process a better option for those with unwanted pregnancies.

Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott also told the mayor of the nation's capital to stop 'attacking Texas' over his continued busing of migrants to the city.

The House passed the measure, but it will have a harder time getting through the evenly divided Senate.

The scathing new report by lawmakers in Texas says "systemic failures" created a chaotic scene that lasted more than an hour before the gunman at Robb Elementary School was finally confronted.

The report was written by an investigative committee from the Texas House of Representatives and released to family members Sunday.

Facebook/James WhitfieldA member of a school board in Texas has said the quiet part out loud, admitting that a beloved Black high school principal who shared his stance on racism in the wake of George Floyd’s death was pushed out of the job for being a “total activist.”Dr. James Whitfield, who became Colleyville High School’s first Black principal in 2020, wrote a letter to the school community about police brutality after Floyd’s murder, which led to him being placed on administrative leave in

The Democratic gubernatorial challenger plans to hold 70 public events in more than 65 counties.

The Texas State Board of Education said it told the work group advising on changes to the social studies curriculum to "revisit" the language.

Deliberation on a new curriculum is being conducted as GOP lawmakers try to eradicate classroom topics that make students 'feel discomfort.'

H-E-B and the Charles Butt Foundation donate $10 million to Uvalde's school district to replace Robb Elementary School.

At least 50 migrants were found dead in an 18-wheeler in San Antonio. The event could be the deadliest human smuggling incident in the city, according to the San Antonio Police Chief.

Pete Arredondo has been blamed for law enforcement delays in confronting the Uvalde gunman.

The yearlong pilot program will send $1,000 monthly payments to 85 families.

Tuesday could break Monday's record, which stood for one week

The timeline from the Austin American-Statesman and Texas Tribune, which shows that officers had the resources necessary to intervene earlier to stop the shooting, raises new questions surrounding the response to the worst shooting at an American school in nearly a decade.

The convention offers a window into how the faithful are shifting the GOP to the right and how the rejection of Biden’s 2020 election victory has become a key principle.

Some LGBTQ Texans are trying to navigate plans to commemorate the catalyst of their civil rights movement with concerns about safety after 31 members of a Texas-based hate group were charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event in Idaho. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them – about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

The nine pages of blue ink on white lined paper show how the governor prepared his remarks for a news conference May 25, the day after the shooting — presumably based on information being given to him.

Republican Mayra Flores flips Democratic congressional seat in Texas special election

On Friday on the 6 p.m. news, KSAT 12 anchors Myra Arthur and Steve Spriester interviewed Barragan about the story.

The Uvalde school police chief told the Texas Tribune that officers responded without hesitation.

Since Texas launched the school marshal program in 2013, just 84 school districts out of more than 1,200 have armed school staff.

Chief Pete Arredondo has been faulted for a slow response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary.

The “God-given right” to self-defense has become a rallying cry in Texas politics, further cementing gun ownership as a holy cause and political identity. The state’s Republican leadership has spent decades carrying the banner.

Tuesday’s school shooting is a tragic end to a terrible year for Texas teachers who faced two COVID-19 surges, staffing shortages, school boards fights, book bans.

Uvalde’s local incident commander thought the active shooting had stopped and that the gunman had barricaded himself inside the school. Inside, the killing continued.

The 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.

The rural Texas town is represented by Democrats and Republicans with a wide range of views on gun laws

Nirenberg was blunt in his Texas Tribune interview.

A spokesperson for Abbott said he had previously committed to the event but all campaign-related activities are postponed until further notice.

The gunman, armed with a rifle and body armor, killed 19 children and two teachers at a Uvalde, Tex., elementary school.

Immigrants, people living in poverty and non-English speakers were among the most likely to be missed, yet the crucial count received lackluster promotion by Texas state government.

The personal data was accessible to the public for nearly three years because of a glitch in the code of the department’s web application.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is asking electricity consumers to keep their thermostats at 78 degrees or above and avoid using large appliances between 3 and 8 p.m. from Friday through Sunday.

The high court also raised questions about why the state opened these investigations in the first place, noting that the child welfare agency is not bound by directives from the governor. , Texas TribuneThe Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them – about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

The 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.

On 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.

In 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.

Court-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.

She will connect readers with resources, demystify politics and public policy and look for ways to reach Texans whose questions often go unheard.

Andy Alford, Bobby Blanchard, Darla Cameron, Ayan Mittra, Matthew Watkins and I are ready to take The Texas Tribune’s journalism to new heights.

Leaders at higher education institutions are trying to attract students by offering flexibility with instructional modes — and they said that flexibility is here to stay.

Huang is an accomplished photojournalist who has built an impressive body of work in Texas and Latin America.

Public 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.

As state officials pressure schools on books and coronavirus measures, Stephanie Elizalde says her district will do what’s in students’ “best interests.”

Supporters 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.

If 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.

St. Mary’s University School of Law Professor Al Kauffman spoke with KSAT about the legalities of the state’s newest abortion law.

The list of questions is as long as the list of issues for the new session.

González, 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.

González, 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.

Three medical professionals discuss what they have learned about where Texas is — and where it is going — in the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 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.

El 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.

Less 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."

The 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.

AUSTIN, 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.

This 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.

DALLAS — 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.

Join 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.

El 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.

Credit: 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 ]

Use 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 ]

Protesters 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.

Armed 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

George 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.

“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.

Patrons 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.

Customers 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.

Last 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.

Cruz, 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.

Starting 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.

For 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.

As the Tribune’s new Engagement Producer, Elvia will forge deeper connections with our readers.

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.

A majority of Texans believe the state is on the right track, while a plurality thinks the country is on the wrong track, according to a new University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.