Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

The punishment for the crime was scheduled to go down in December, due to the passage of a sweeping bill that restricted the state’s voting process and narrowed local control of elections. Full Story 

Under a 2002 federal law, no more than $250,000 in contributions collected after an election may be used to repay a candidate’s loans to their campaign. Full Story 

The proposal comes almost two weeks after Gov. Greg Abbott’s comments that the state would “eliminate all rapists.” Full Story 

The U.S. House is trying to override Texas’ near-total ban on abortions. But Democrats likely lack the support they need in the U.S. Senate. Full Story 

A judge recently blocked a similar bill in Florida after a lawsuit brought forward by NetChoice and the Computer and Communications Industry Association, the same groups that sued Texas. Full Story 

Getting an abortion in Texas has become more difficult than anywhere else in the nation. Full Story 

Student and staff COVID-19 cases declined after districts reported their highest levels in January since the pandemic began. But the data is incomplete and likely an undercount. Full Story 

University leaders have encouraged mask-wearing and getting vaccinated, but they say Gov. Greg Abbott has prevented them from requiring either. Full Story 

The facilities had a responsibility to patients who needed other reproductive services, said Jeffrey Hons, CEO of Planned Parenthood of South Texas. Full Story 

Caseloads have left districts scrambling when many have said they have fewer tools at their disposal to combat the spread of the virus. Full Story 

The law requires social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to produce regular reports of removed content and disclose their content regulations procedures. Full Story 

One abortion provider said it was “engulfed” in treating more than 100 patients at one clinic before the law took effect Wednesday. Full Story 

The measure would allow for a one-time payment of up to $2,400 for retired teachers, counselors and other school staff. Full Story 

Lubbock is one of the few sports hubs in West Texas, meaning college football games draw out-of-town crowds that fill local shops, restaurants and hotels. Some business owners and leaders there worry about lost revenue once the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma stop playing there. Full Story 

One of the Republican authors of the so-called critical race theory bill said the district is misinterpreting the new law’s ban on political activism. A school official called the language “vague.” Full Story 

Starting Sept. 1, most Texans will be able to carry handguns in public without going through training or having to get permits. Law enforcement officers worry that could make their jobs more dangerous. Full Story 

Texas ranks 46th nationally for vaccinated nursing home residents and 33rd for vaccinated nursing home staff. Full Story 

If passed, Texas' anti-transgender legislation will require student athletes to play on school sports teams that don't align with their gender identity. Full Story 

A new law going into effect Sept. 1 will also increase the cap of THC in medical marijuana to 1%. Full Story 

The state’s “fetal heartbeat” law going into effect Sept. 1 is considered one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the nation. Full Story