‘Resilience, recovery, healing’: Texas Tribune hosts discussion for Uvalde community ahead of one year mark
The 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.
Reports: Volunteers, retirees, national groups targeting election offices
Based 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.
Child welfare monitors say there’s “ample evidence” kids were abused at Bastrop foster care facility, disputing Texas Rangers
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.
Watch: Local public health leaders across Texas reflect on the uneven challenges of coordinating the fight against COVID-19
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.
Austin voters reject ballot proposition to hire more police officers
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.
TribCast: Texas' top three Republican leaders splinter over electricity repricing
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.
Texas GOP fires staffer after he posted video from Capitol riot and spread false conspiracy theories at D.C. pizzeria
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."
Where parents and students in Texas can turn for help with mental health concerns
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.
Texas sues Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin over changes to 2020 election laws
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.
Watch: Conversations on the 2021 legislative session
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.
More than eight years in, Texas high-speed rail company still lacks permits to build Dallas-to-Houston route
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.
Watch: Conversations on the future of higher education
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.
2.6 millones residentes de Texas participan en los primeros 3 días de votación temprana
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.
TribCast: Texas and the DNC, the fight over police funding and election mailing woes
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.
Austin protesters clash with police in the wake of Garrett Foster's death
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
Watch: Texas' police use-of-force tactics scrutinized after George Floyd protests
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.
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
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.
Abbott blames 20-somethings for some of the latest increases in coronavirus cases
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.
Video: Behind the scenes of The Texas Tribune's new salaries explorer
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.
Houston-area high school senior's socially distanced graduation marks end of a rocky year
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.
Laredo officials force residents to cover faces outside their homes
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.
Optimistic Democrats are lining up to run for Texas’ high courts in 2020
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.