University leaders have encouraged mask-wearing and getting vaccinated, but they say Gov. Greg Abbott has prevented them from requiring either.
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
Politics
Fearful of being sued under new law, three of four San Antonio abortion facilities stop offering the procedure
The facilities had a responsibility to patients who needed other reproductive services, said Jeffrey Hons, CEO of Planned Parenthood of South Texas.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
At least 45 districts shut down in-person classes due to COVID-19 cases, affecting more than 40,000 students
Caseloads have left districts scrambling when many have said they have fewer tools at their disposal to combat the spread of the virus.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Social media companies can’t ban Texans over political viewpoints under new law
The law requires social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to produce regular reports of removed content and disclose their content regulations procedures.
Posted in
Texas Abortion Restrictions
Texas law banning abortion as early as six weeks goes into effect as the U.S. Supreme Court takes no action
One abortion provider said it was “engulfed” in treating more than 100 patients at one clinic before the law took effect Wednesday.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Retired Texas teachers closer to getting a “13th check” after House endorses legislation
The measure would allow for a one-time payment of up to $2,400 for retired teachers, counselors and other school staff.
Posted in
Immigration
Asylum-seeking families and children made up nearly half of July border crossings: “This is young mamas and daddies trying to save their families”
Migrant crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border reached a 21-year high in July. This video takes you to the epicenter: Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, where more crossings are happening than in any other region in the country.
Posted in
Economy
Businesses near Texas Tech worry Big 12 shakeup will stir financial trouble, even if Lubbock’s economy isn’t in danger
Lubbock is one of the few sports hubs in West Texas, meaning college football games draw out-of-town crowds that fill local shops, restaurants and hotels. Some business owners and leaders there worry about lost revenue once the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma stop playing there.
Posted inDemographics
Texas’ controversial new social studies law prompts McKinney school officials to cancel Youth and Government class
One of the Republican authors of the so-called critical race theory bill said the district is misinterpreting the new law’s ban on political activism. A school official called the language “vague.”
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
New Texas law allowing people to carry handguns without permits stirs mix of fear, concern among law enforcement
Starting Sept. 1, most Texans will be able to carry handguns in public without going through training or having to get permits. Law enforcement officers worry that could make their jobs more dangerous.
