Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

State Rep. Ray Lopez and Sen. José Menéndez, Democrats from San Antonio, seemed reluctant to travel to Austin if called for a special session to redraw the state’s district lines. 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 

Conservative lawmakers say DEI efforts are discriminatory and push liberal ideologies on children. Critics point to research showing a diverse teacher body helps students succeed academically. Full Story 

Student discipline, uncertified teachers and school bans on DEI and cellphones are some of the topics being debated at the Texas Legislature this session. Full Story 

Concerns about measures to enforce a ban against a lawmaker’s access to voter files led the party to drop the vote, a party leader said. Full Story 

A Texas business illegally dumped industrial waste into Skull Creek in Colorado County six years ago, then residents complained to the attorney general’s office. Full Story 

Texas Republicans are pushing the federal government to pay the state’s costs of Operation Lone Star, Gov. Greg’s Abbott’s border security initiative. Full Story 

Moghe, Rutgers University’s chief academic officer, is a biochemical and biomedical engineer and a former international student. He is expected to start in his new role later this year. Full Story