Abbott announced that his already $4 billion border mission would provide grant funding for cities and counties, following a press conference by some local officials calling on the governor to take more drastic action to secure the border.
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
Texas 2022 Elections
John Cornyn’s disapproval among Texas voters worsened dramatically as he negotiated a bipartisan gun bill, new poll shows
The Republican U.S. senator shepherded landmark gun legislation through the Senate last month. Between April and June, his disapproval rating went from 39% to 50%, according to a Texas Politics Project poll.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
Gov. Greg Abbott’s lead over Beto O’Rourke narrows to 6 points, poll finds
The Republican incumbent’s lead over his Democratic challenger shrank last month, according to a Texas Politics Project poll. The 6-point gap is smaller than when Republican George W. Bush ousted Democrat Ann Richards in 1994.
Posted in
Politics
El Paso lawmakers say that despite polarized climate, Texas Legislature must act on guns, reproductive rights
During a Texas Tribune event, Democratic state Reps. Joe Moody and Claudia Ordaz Perez and state Sen. César Blanco said the Uvalde school shooting and the overturning of Roe v. Wade demand action in the Texas Legislature.
Posted in
Migrant Tragedy in San Antonio
At least 50 people found dead in abandoned 18-wheeler in San Antonio
The authorities said the tragedy appeared to be the deadliest migrant-smuggling operation in memory. Sixteen people were taken to hospitals.
Posted in
Politics
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Biden’s pick to lead immigration enforcement agency, withdraws from nomination
The withdrawal comes after the congressional vote to confirm Gonzalez, a vocal opponent of Donald Trump’s immigration policies, stalled for months.
Posted in
Texas Abortion Restrictions
Texas has a law that allows parents to give up newborns at fire stations or hospitals. Hardly anyone uses it.
The Supreme Court cited safe haven laws as an abortion alternative when it overturned Roe v. Wade. But Texas’ policy lacks funding and just 172 infants have been relinquished since 2009.
Posted in
Uvalde school shooting
Texas ag commissioner proposes armed guards at school cafeterias
Experts said the plan, announced at the state GOP convention on Saturday, is not realistic and possibly not legal.
Posted in
Demographics
In the shadow of Texas limits on voting rights and lessons about race in school, Juneteenth celebrates Black history, progress and families
Amid a rise in conservative efforts opposed to teaching the lingering impacts of slavery and racism, the descendants of formerly enslaved people are using the Juneteenth holiday to educate younger generations.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After extremists’ arrests in Idaho, LGBTQ Texans and Pride organizers balance safety with desire to celebrate their identities
Some LGBTQ Texans are trying to navigate plans to commemorate the catalyst of their civil rights movement with concerns about safety after 31 members of a Texas-based hate group were charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event in Idaho.
