Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

Demonstrations in McAllen, Midland, Odessa, Austin and elsewhere in Texas were largely peaceful, as some protests went well into the night. Full Story 

Advocates say the bills will give parents more power over their children’s schools. Critics say they don’t give parents anything they didn’t already have and will only strain their relationship with teachers. Full Story 

If Hidalgo decides to seek another term, she and Parker would face off in the March 2026 Democratic primary. Full Story 

The plan would shift voters from safely red districts into blue ones. Members of the state’s Republican delegation aren’t sold on the idea. Full Story 

Education policy experts say the results align with Texas’ workforce goals but note that students still need help. Full Story 

The proposal would require the Texas Legislature to return for a special session to carry out the rare move of reshaping the state’s political boundaries mid-decade. Full Story 

An agenda driven by conservative priorities, schools’ financial duress and teacher needs led to an $8.5 billion boost, new discipline rules, more Christianity in classrooms and a DEI ban. Full Story 

Tensions flared and the debate turned personal as Republicans said their bill empowered parents and denied predictions that the ban will endanger children. Full Story 

Research shows cellphones interfere with students' ability to focus in class. Texas would join at least nine other states that ban students from using their phones during the school day. Full Story 

State Reps. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, and Salman Bhojani, D-Euless, discussed the House’s move toward the right. Full Story 

Policy experts discussed a new school funding bill, a $20 billion package to keep up with water demand and the state’s energy fund. Full Story 

Dugger launched the Observer, a fixture of the Texas media landscape known for its decidedly progressive lens to state affairs, in 1954. Full Story 

Senate Bill 12’s supporters say DEI programs use class time and public funds to promote political agendas. Full Story 

Many low-income families would see cuts in health care and food benefits. The state hopes for a big reimbursement for border security spending. Full Story 

A bill that would make it illegal to sell THC products could soon head over to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. For a cannabis store employee, lawmakers don't know enough about the industry they're trying to shut down. Full Story 

The U.S. House approved the budget reconciliation bill, which also includes preservation of 2017 tax cuts and changes to Medicaid and SNAP. Full Story 

Approval of the monument comes as the lower chamber prepares to debate the “Life of the Mother Act” bill later this week. Full Story 

The bill, titled the Universal School Choice Act, would provide a tax credit to match an amount donated to organizations that provide K-12 scholarships. Full Story 

A high school victim was one of the victims, but she and her mother fought back, with the help of Senator Ted Cruz. Full Story 

Texas’ governor joins other Republican governors making similar requests to ban purchases of candy and soda through the SNAP program. Full Story