As Robert Roberson’s execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silence
It’s rare for governors to step in to halt executions. In the case of Robert Roberson, it ended up being state lawmakers who took extraordinary steps. Full Story
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Terri Langford is the Tribune's health services reporter based in Austin. Langford is a veteran journalist, having worked at the Florida Times Union, The Associated Press, The Dallas Morning News, the Houston Chronicle, WNYC, Honolulu Civil Beat and Texas Standard/KUT. Langford has a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin. She has covered various city and state agencies, criminal justice and health and human services for the Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, The Associated Press, WNYC and Texas Standard at KUT.
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks about the recent 88th Legislative Session to an audience at the Texas Public Policy Foundation offices in Austin, on June 2, 2023. Abbott recounted policy victories in regards to fentanyl and the border crisis, as well as limiting gender-affirming care and banning DEI practices in higher education. Abbott ended the event by promising to call a special session for school choice, after the current special session for property tax resolves.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Texas’ order to ask hospital patients’ citizenship status renews focus on the state’s large uninsured population
On Nov. 1, hospitals will begin asking patients their citizenship status. But data suggests uninsured citizens, not immigrants, cost Texas hospitals more. Full Story
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![The emergency center at Ben Taub Hospital in the Texas Medical Center in Houston on June 26, 2020.]()
Credit: May-Ying Lam for the Texas Tribune -
5th Circuit Court orders federal judge removed from Texas foster care lawsuit
U.S. District Judge Janis Jack, the state’s de facto foster care czar, has been overseeing the case since 2011. Full Story
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![U.S. District Judge Janis Jack administers the U.S. oath of citizenship to more than 100 area residents representing 25 countries in 2008 aboard the USS Lexington. Jack was the first woman federal judge to serve in Texas south of San Antonio. July 5, 2008.]()
Credit: Courtesy of Todd Yates/Corpus Christi Caller-Times -
Uvalde city officials release missing footage from officers responding to 2022 Robb Elementary shooting
The new videos largely affirm prior reporting and investigations that detailed law enforcement’s failures to confront the gunman who killed 19 children and two teachers. Full Story
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![Previously released video shows officers gathered in the hallway of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.]()
Credit: Obtained by The Texas Tribune and ProPublica -
A battered child care industry’s latest challenge? Competing for 4-year-olds.
A 2019 state law requiring schools to offer full-day pre-K is capturing child care’s most profitable customer base: 3- and 4-year-olds. Full Story
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![Tim Kaminski, director of operations for Gingerbread Kids Academy and Gingerbread After School Programs, smiles as he interacts with students preparing crafts for a fall celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Richmond, TX.]()
Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune -
Even as state mental health spending rises, private psychiatric hospitals struggle to stay open
Texas hasn’t increased Medicaid rates for inpatient health care at private hospitals in 16 years, falling behind other states. Full Story
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![The Nix Health behavioral health center in San Antonio closed in 2019.]()
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After Uvalde city officials end battle over shooting records, victims’ families say other agencies need to follow suit
The city’s release ends a legal battle with news outlets, but other government agencies are withholding materials. Full Story
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![Authorities gather outside of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde after a gunman entered and killed 19 students and two teachers on May 24, 2022.]()
Credit: Courtesy of Pete Luna/Uvalde Leader-News -
Rural Texas officials and civic leaders discuss economic development, health care and water supply in smaller communities
The Tribune’s rural symposium highlighted the challenges the state’s far-flung regions face — and the opportunities they offer. Full Story
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No backup required: Texas senior care depends on luck and wits to cope with heat after power outages
There’s no Texas requirement that nursing homes and assisted living facilities keep generators on hand to power air conditioning after storms. Full Story
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![Denise Wright, a housekeeper, goes through residents’ refrigerators to throw out food that spoiled during the blackout on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Ella Springs Senior Living Community in Houston, Tx. The lack of power meant that many residents had to throw out the majority of their cold food items, no matter how recently purchased.]()
Credit: Olivia Anderson/The Texas Tribune -
“If there’s kids in there, we need to go in”: Officers in Uvalde were ready with guns, shields and tools — but not clear orders
The Texas Tribune has reviewed law enforcement transcripts and footage that federal and state investigators are examining after the May 24 tragedy. Full Story
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![Video footage recorded inside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde at 12:04 p.m. on May 24. Authorities stormed the classroom at 12:50 p.m.]()
Credit: The Texas Tribune