Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

In testimony to state lawmakers, Dale Jenkins and his Panhandle peers shared the “hidden cost” of the wildfires. Full Story 

Many independent school districts, including the largest ones, do not allow chaplains to serve as counselors, which is now allowed under a new Texas law. Full Story 

Some districts will close for the day expecting traffic jams and busy city services. Others will stay open for parents who can’t find child care. Full Story 

The wind industry promises attractive salaries. But a lack of training programs and waning political support make it difficult to find new recruits. Full Story 

The firings come after state leaders criticized universities for not doing enough to enforce the ban. Students say UT-Austin has already overcorrected. Full Story 

Allred is the delegation’s most prolific user of the app. He said he voted for the legislation because of national security concerns. Full Story 

The next opportunity for the board to review the course will not happen until its meeting in June. Full Story 

In Texas, money can make a difference in how much time people who are legally presumed innocent sit behind bars awaiting the outcome of criminal cases. Full Story 

During the panel conversation, the panelists talked about what inspires them to do the work they do and how they see their role in driving dialogue, activism and change. Full Story 

Kaufman County, east of Dallas, grew faster than any other in the country from 2022 to 2023. Harris County added the most new residents. Full Story 

On March 22, the board will discuss clarifying what counts as a medical exception to the state’s abortion restrictions. Full Story 

Weber, who has disagreed with the hard-right caucus’ tactics during the House Speaker election last year, said Caucus Chair Bob Good expelled him after missing some of the group’s weekly meetings. Full Story 

More than 80 musicians and panelists say they will no longer appear at the nine-day festival, citing the U.S. Army’s support for Israel amid war with Hamas. Full Story 

Hemphill County Judge Lisa Johnson said the region has been overwhelmed with the response of support, but work remains. Full Story 

President Joe Biden used the term during the address in response to heckling by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia. Full Story 

The state had been investigating IDEA Public Schools since 2021 and raised questions on its spending on things like a luxury driver and private jet. Full Story 

Johnson narrowly avoided a runoff to replace U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. Brian Williams, who was in second place, has conceded. Full Story 

Sheila Jackson Lee defeated Amanda Edwards in the most competitive primary of her congressional career. Full Story 

Teare, a former prosecutor in Ogg’s office, defeated the two-term incumbent at Tuesday’s primary and will face the Republican nominee in November’s general election. Full Story 

Many who voted Tuesday said they weren’t excited about their choices. “Morale feels low,” said one Houston voter. Full Story