In testimony to state lawmakers, Dale Jenkins and his Panhandle peers shared the “hidden cost” of the wildfires.
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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Politics
A new Texas law allows schools to hire chaplains as counselors. So far, only one school has opted into the program.
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.
Posted in
Environment
To close or stay open? Ahead of the eclipse, Texas schools weighed logistical hurdles versus learning opportunities
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.
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Graphics and data reporting
Texas wind energy firms need more technicians. Can they drum up student interest without state support?
The wind industry promises attractive salaries. But a lack of training programs and waning political support make it difficult to find new recruits.
Posted in
Public Education
State Board of Education again delays discussion on whether to approve new Native studies course
The next opportunity for the board to review the course will not happen until its meeting in June.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin announces round of firings in latest step to comply with Texas’ DEI ban
The firings come after state leaders criticized universities for not doing enough to enforce the ban. Students say UT-Austin has already overcorrected.
Posted in
Politics
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred voted for TikTok ban despite continuing to use the app
Allred is the delegation’s most prolific user of the app. He said he voted for the legislation because of national security concerns.
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Graphics and data reporting
How Texas’ cash bail system and under-resourced jails can wreak havoc on women who are poor
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.
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Graphics and data reporting
Texas counties lead the U.S. in population growth, Census says
Kaufman County, east of Dallas, grew faster than any other in the country from 2022 to 2023. Harris County added the most new residents.
Posted in
Panhandle Wildfires
Texas wildfires: how to help and how to stay safe
As firefighters work to put out the largest wildfire in Texas history, here’s a guide to fire weather watches, safety tips and how to find organizations collecting donations to directly help local residents, including farmers and ranchers.