The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
The largest fund for those affected by the May 24 massacre is still months away from distributing most of the $16 million it has raised. Some families are turning to smaller donations to get by. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/909ca01e9e56b7b431d6255250a0215f/Alfred%20Garza%20Interview%200810%20EL%2010.JPG)
The state power grid operator has been run by an interim chief since the previous CEO was fired following the deadly 2021 winter storm that crashed much of the grid. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/5edfeda87d3417c1c01f0007e532603d/Pablo%20Vegas%20TT.jpg)
This year’s TEA ratings were done differently than in previous years. Instead of the usual A-F ratings, which were last given in 2019, the agency gave only A-C ratings. Districts and schools that would have received a D or F instead received a “Not Rated” label this year. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/5c231c2aa84fc11c77963f40ac306ce9/Classroom%20LBS%20TT.jpg)
Following a state report showing that almost 400 law enforcement officers showed up at the school on May 24, some Uvalde parents are doubtful over whether their kids will be safe in the district. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b58e53c3238d32be3d8a32c10153ce0c/Brianna%20Gonzales%200810%20EL%20TT%2007%20REEDIT.jpg)
A spokesperson told The Texas Tribune that all employees are trained before supervising youth. DFPS Commissioner Jaime Masters apologized to the child and her mother. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c095b9dfcf9b40a5ee2c10e4cd40e3ae/Texas%20DFPS%20EG%20TT%2017.jpg)
During Robert “Rich” Richman’s short tenure, he oversaw the investigation of parents who provide gender-affirming care to their transgender children and the mishandling of allegations of sex abuse at a foster care facility. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4a858e703df71e7254c7135957c258d0/DFPS%20Trans%20Youth%20Hearing%20JV%20TT%2019.jpg)
As a former foster child graduates with her master’s degree, she explains how her home situation has posed additional challenges, like remaining housed and finding a support system. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f80238fea5d9043908a2a3ae4883dad1/Foster%20Story%20Lauren%20Santucci.jpg)
While there are currently 780 confirmed monkeypox cases statewide, Texas cities are bracing for an increase in infections. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7766365c0fe5346955a72bec3da8ba71/Monkeypox%20Clinic%20REUTERS%20TT.jpg)
A Texas elections administrator from Tarrant County told a U.S. House committee there was a social media call for his violent death, and election workers nationwide have reported more than 1,000 “hostile contacts” over the past year. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/064574b07668347cc5f64dedc2a9d3ca/Elections%20GOP%20Recount%2009%20ST%20TT.jpg.JPG)
Allison, who served as a Medical Service Corps officer in the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2018, is joining the Tribune through a partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/fd713f4f45c1ea8b48b0e2eedefcd9cf/Allison%20Erickson%20TT.jpg)
Mothers Against Greg Abbott has grown into a potent political force in the governor’s race, with a membership of over 50,000 on Facebook. The group recently caught more attention after releasing ads that have gone viral on social media. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f4dc18ed695f51aefc1bcecca625efd3/Mothers%20Against%20Greg%20Abbott%20KC%20TT%2002.jpg)
A special Texas Tribune event happening this December in Austin will explore state lawmakers’ top priorities in the 2023 legislative session and what’s ahead for Texans. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/fc7d40d34c56f893115576bf9a61a64a/APreviewofthe2023LegislativeSession_Leadart-01-v1.png)
The ruling sidestepped the question of whether the state police can withhold records concerning their response to the May 24 massacre at Robb Elementary School. The judge concluded that state Sen. Roland Gutierrez had not properly filed his request under Texas’ public records law. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/24f7534aa09fae84c268d0b5535d3c57/Abbott%20Uvalde%20Presser%20EL%20TT%2018.jpg)
Locked in a potentially tight reelection race and facing criticism over the grid’s 2021 collapse, the governor is exerting unprecedented influence over what the state grid operator shares with the public — and who will be its next CEO. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b2dc9d0632fd97844c3f4b9b1b0cb0e6/Abbott%20ERCOT%20Presser%20LW%20TT%2004.jpg)
The federal agency launched the inquiry after complaints from the Harris County Attorney and Lone Star Legal Aid about how the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issues permits to plants that predominantly impact communities of color. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ffa17bfd7afc48507f846e7e737b6d7b/Easy%20Mix%20Concrete%20MG%20TT%2002.jpg)
The rate increase will help replenish a state fund to maintain and operate cellphone networks in rural Texas. A court determined the state’s Public Utility Commission needed to restore $200 million in overdue money to the fund. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/301a84669a092435a84733eb9cdb49e8/Cell%20Phone%20Stock%20KC%20TT%2004.jpg)
Democrats in 1995 enacted lawsuit reforms that limit the amount of damages plaintiffs collect. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/526f3edd3f16d8f97618b3c0da2a24dc/King%20Abbott%20Protest%20JV%20TT%2035.jpg)
The governor said Tuesday he has agreed to debate O’Rourke, his Democratic opponent, on Sept. 30 in the Rio Grande Valley. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6ce85d000bad106bd7352796f9143240/Beto-Abbott%20Split%20TT.jpg)
Without a jolt of funding, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department will struggle to hire workers and regain control over the safety and treatment of almost 600 incarcerated youth, its acting director told lawmakers at a hearing. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/adad8c0f546aefcac5e95866236e4e7f/0809%20House%20TJJD%20Hearing%20SF%20TT%2006.jpg)
Alejandro will serve as education and urban affairs editor, and Brandon as news editor. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c193bb56091ac8000d9957cad374dc40/alejandro-brandon.jpg)