The junior senator was among only six Republicans who opposed advancing a bill that would expedite the processing of hate crimes against Asian Americans by the Justice Department.
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 Legislature 2021
Texas Senate revives push to block cities’ paid sick leave ordinances
Supporters say Senate Bill 14 will make it easier for businesses to operate in multiple cities. Opponents call it an “existential threat to Texas workers.”
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Marvin Scott III died in Texas police custody. His family will protest until the officers involved are arrested.
Though seven of the sheriff’s officers have been fired after initially being put on administrative leave and another resigned while under investigation, the family and protesters say they don’t plan to stop until the officers have been charged with a crime.
Posted in
Courts
Texas Supreme Court voids orders that jailed Dallas salon owner for disregarding COVID-19 precautions
Dallas County issued Shelley Luther a temporary restraining order to close her business. But the Texas Supreme Court said the order was too vague.
Posted in
Politics
Texans sue Attorney General Ken Paxton, accuse him of violating First Amendment for blocking them on Twitter
The lawsuit argues that being blocked from viewing the attorney general’s tweets is a violation of the First Amendment because it limits the right of people to participate in a public forum and access Ken Paxton’s statements.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Congress allocated $19 billion in federal stimulus money to Texas public education, but schools have yet to see an extra dime
Three federal stimulus packages passed during the pandemic included more than $19 billion for Texas public schools, but state leaders have yet to distribute most of the money. Local districts say they need it to cover pandemic-related costs.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
First day of STAAR testing canceled for thousands of students experiencing technical issues across Texas
Texas officials mandated that students take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness in person this year at monitored test sites, although millions of students are still learning remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Republicans have long pushed to allow “constitutional carry” of guns. Proponents say this year is their best chance.
The momentum follows a shake-up in House leadership and comes as the practice is gaining traction in statehouses across the country. Meanwhile, gun control advocates are sounding the alarm about making it easier to carry guns after recent mass shootings.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Parents sue Katy ISD for keeping mask mandate after Gov. Greg Abbott lifted statewide requirement
The lawsuit claims district policies are unconstitutional and violate Abbott’s recent executive order.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Empty chairs tell the story of pandemic’s toll at Texas kidney dialysis centers
Early on, coronavirus transmission exploded at dialysis clinics, especially in the Rio Grande Valley. It has subsided some since, but many patients have no choice but to show up at clinics for the life-sustaining treatments.
