Public schools got little help from lawmakers this year to address the state’s chronic teacher shortage, so they’ve turned to other creative solutions — like leaning on cultural exchange programs to recruit international teachers.
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.
Posted in
Health care
Most Texas border counties lack adequate medical facilities and staff. Local leaders are trying to fix that.
More than 90% of Texas’ 32 border counties don’t have enough primary care services, sites or providers to meet local medical needs, according to federal data.
Posted in
Higher Education
As Israel-Hamas war sparks tensions on Texas campuses, universities struggle with how to respond
A series of incidents across Texas campuses have brought attention to universities’ handling of heated political debates about the war.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2023
Texas superintendents say lack of school safety funding may lead to budget cuts
The fourth special legislative session this year ended without any increased funding for school safety — even though public schools have complained for months they don’t have enough money to meet new safety mandates approved this year.
Posted in
Politics
Mary Nan Huffman declares victory over Tony Buzbee in Houston City Council race
Buzbee challenged Mary Nan Huffman, the incumbent, who was backed by the Texas GOP and local Republican officials.
Posted in
Politics
State Sen. John Whitmire elected Houston mayor, AP reports
Whitmire defeated U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to be the next mayor of Texas’ largest city and the fourth largest city in the U.S.
Posted in
Politics
Ted Cruz pushes for car manufacturers to keep AM radio, a tool for emergency communication and conservative talk
Cruz on Tuesday requested a unanimous consent decision on his AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The legislation was blocked by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, who said the mandate on private companies would be an overstep of congressional power.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2023
McKinney state Rep. Frederick Frazier pleads no contest to charges he impersonated a public servant
Frazier was indicted in June 2022 on two charges of impersonating a public servant, a felony offense. He pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges as part of a plea agreement.
Posted in
Politics
Senate confirms Texas Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez to 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
Ramirez is currently a U.S. magistrate judge for the Northern District of Texas, serving in that role for over two decades.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2023
After school voucher bill falls apart, supporters and opponents get ready for future fights
The Texas House’s vote to block education savings accounts disappointed voucher advocates and likely spelled doom for additional public school funding. Both bands say they’ll keep pushing for their priorities during next year’s primary elections and the 2025 legislative session.
