Watch: Texas’ small-business owners balance service and safety after end of mask mandate

Latest News

• Texas lawmakers advance bills blocking access to gender-affirming health care despite opposition from LGBTQ Texans, medical associations

  by Megan Munce Updated: 3 hours ago

  Equality Texas CEO Ricardo Martinez said Texas has filed more anti-LGBTQ bills this session than any other state legislature. Full Story 

• T-Squared: Our report on The Texas Tribune's staff diversity in 2020

  by Corrie MacLaggan 6 hours ago

  If the calamity and catastrophe of the last year taught us anything, it’s that we must do more to ensure our newsroom resembles Texas — and our journalism better reflects the communities we cover. Full Story 

• Here's how Texas elections would change, and become more restrictive, under the bill Texas Republicans are pushing

  by Alexa Ura 11 hours ago

  Senate Bill 7 would create new restrictions on early voting, how voters can receive applications to vote by mail and the distribution of polling places in diverse, urban counties. Here's our breakdown of the proposed changes. Full Story 

• At least 1 in 5 Texans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19

  by Texas Tribune Staff Updated: April 20, 2021

  The Texas Tribune is using daily data from the Texas Department of State Health Services to track coronavirus vaccinations, cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Full Story 

• State Rep. Jake Ellzey faces mounting opposition from his right in special election to replace Ron Wright in Congress

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: April 20, 2021

  A national group is spending six figures to try to stop Ellzey ahead of the May 1 election, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz came out against him on Tuesday. Full Story 

• “Stand up with us”: Texans speak out at Stop Asian Hate Rally

  by Jordan Vonderhaar and Justin Dehn April 20, 2021

  Hundreds of people gathered to discuss taking collective action against anti-Asian discrimination during a recent rally and vigil at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin. Full Story 

• Point of Order: Not throwing away our shot

  by Evan Smith April 20, 2021

  In the latest episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, Evan Smith talks to Imelda Garcia, the chair of the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Panel, about what it takes to get needles in the arms of Texans — and how long it will really be before we’ve reached herd immunity. Full Story 

• Texas Legislature considering bill to make it harder to get public information about government employees

  by Anna Canizales April 20, 2021

  Senate Bill 16, filed by State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, would require an individual’s written consent for a state agency to share their personal information. Full Story 

• Beto O'Rourke is still campaigning. But for what?

  by Bryan Mena April 20, 2021

  The Texas Democrat has spent 2021 so far block walking in South Texas and advocating for voting access before the Texas Legislature. If that means anything for his political future, he isn't saying. Full Story 

• As Islamic holidays near, Texas Muslims back bill creating a more inclusive calendar for government employees

  by Dalia Faheid, Medill News Service April 20, 2021

  Texas Muslims view a recently introduced bill offering government employees days off for Islamic holidays as a step toward inclusivity. Full Story 

• Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says Senate currently lacks the votes to pass permitless carry of handguns

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: April 19, 2021

  "I plan to meet with law enforcement who oppose permitless carry and with the [National Rifle Association] and [Gun Owners of America] who support it to see if we can find a path that a majority of senators will vote to pass,” Patrick said. Full Story 

• Congressional Democrats condemn Abbott for not releasing billions in federal stimulus dollars intended for Texas public schools

  by Duncan Agnew Updated: April 19, 2021

  As Gov. Greg Abbott and other state leaders continue to delay the arrival of billions in education stimulus funding for Texas schools, Texas Democrats in Congress asked the Department of Education to pressure the state to send federal funds to schools as quickly as possible. Full Story 

• Overhaul to Texas state employee pension plan unveiled and quickly advanced by state Senate committee

  by Shawn Mulcahy Updated: April 19, 2021

  Senate Bill 321 would enroll new employees eligible for the Texas Employees Retirement System in a cash balance plan — similar to a common 401(k) retirement account — instead of the traditional, defined benefit pension plan. Full Story 

• Texas House targets power grid flaw that cut electricity to natural gas facilities and worsened February blackouts

  by Sami Sparber April 19, 2021

  The lower chamber gave initial approval Monday to a series of bill responding to this year’s catastrophic power outages during a deadly winter storm. Full Story 

• Texas business leaders say Legislature’s anti-LGBTQ bills could hurt the state’s economy

  by Megan Munce April 19, 2021

  Texas Competes, which is made up of more than 1,450 Texas employers, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus and industry associations, is advocating the “economic case for equality.” Full Story 

• Texas Republicans are vowing to defy any new federal gun rules. Experts say it's largely a symbolic gesture.

  by Sami Sparber April 19, 2021

  The push to steel Texas against new federal rules comes as gun violence nationwide — including a recent shooting in Bryan — has sparked Democrats to call for an assault weapons ban and stronger background checks, among other changes. Full Story