Senate Republicans, Democrats and outside groups are mounting an offensive against Cruz’s push to withhold AI money from states that regulate the technology.
Stories by Texas Tribune fellows
The Texas Tribune welcomes a group of student fellows into our newsroom each spring, summer and fall. Here is a sampling of their work. Learn more about the fellowship program here.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?
Although Patrick and hemp industry leaders have quarreled over the risks and benefits of THC, cannabis researchers say it can be addictive but doesn’t usually cause widespread psychosis or brain damage.
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Higher Education
Proposed Pell Grant cuts threaten college access for nearly 500,000 Texas college students
Proposals in the federal budget bill would cut the maximum Pell Grant award amount by $1,500 and take away eligibility for students enrolled less than half-time.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M, university systems in other red states will create their own agency to review schools’ quality standards
The creation of the new accrediting agency comes as Republicans have criticized existing ones for reinforcing a liberal bias in the country’s higher ed institutions.
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Graphics and data reporting
Texas is getting older and its child population is growing
Texas remains younger than other states, but the number of older Texans has outpaced that of any other age group.
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Politics
Progressive Rep. Greg Casar has a playbook he wants Democrats to use in 2026
Casar, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, thinks economic populism and “authentic candidates” can win back recently converted GOP voters.
Posted in
Politics
Rep. Jasmine Crockett drops bid for influential post on House oversight panel
The Dallas Democrat had said her party should respond more aggressively to the Trump administration and pitched herself as the best messenger for the job.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Gov. Greg Abbott orders special legislative session after vetoing 26 bills
Abbott will call lawmakers back to Austin to tackle Senate Bill 3, a proposed ban on THC products that he vetoed, as well as five others from his veto list.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin student’s lawsuit over arrest during pro-Palestinian demonstrations may proceed, judge rules
Ammer Qaddumi alleges UT-Austin violated his First Amendment rights. He is also challenging his suspension from the university.
Posted in
Health care
San Antonio cannot fund trips for abortion, court rules
Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the city in April after it approved $100,000 to help residents travel out of the state for abortions.