Texas desperately needs more and denser housing to keep up with the demand. But zoning restrictions get in the way, a Texas Tribune analysis found.

Think of the position as the city's Chief Financial Officer.

Pecos County rancher Schuyler Wight says the Railroad Commission continues to plug wells. But each time they do, another one starts flowing.

Get The Texas Tribune’s coverage of election results for the 2024 primary runoff elections, which includes the Texas Legislature and more.

The council has been reluctant to approve the ban since it first debated the issue last fall.

Parts of Harris County, including The Woodlands, were under flood warnings Thursday.

Local officials said the public was not put in any danger and the attempts were reported to federal authorities.

The event hasn’t happened over the last 25 years, but the school is considering an attempt to bring the tradition back, according to the Texas Tribune.

A new operator was assigned to fix the well in Midland County, which is still not compliant with state standards.

A new satellite was launched into space on Monday to help detect methane.

Get The Texas Tribune’s coverage of election results for the 2024 primary races for president, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and the Texas Legislature.

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett introduced House Bill 7412 to fix administrative issues that have created hurdles for some in rural communities.

On the ballot on Nov. 7 is Proposition 9, also known as HJR 2, which is “the constitutional amendment authorizing the 88th Legislature to provide a cost-of-living adjustment to certain annuitants of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.”

Like many regions in Texas, the county jails and hospitals have been at capacity with people needing mental health help. Local leaders hope a new 200-bed facility will alleviate pressure.

In this week’s episode, we discuss the half-million people booted from Texas’ Medicaid rolls and the state’s deployment of razor wire and buoys along the border in Eagle Pass.

The Texas Tribune analyzed previously unreported air monitoring data and records from the 2019 ITC chemical disaster near Houston and found that high benzene levels lingered in the air for two weeks after public health measures were lifted. Experts say more shelter-in-place advisories should have been issued.

The Texas Tribune is streaming the 2023 legislative session live from the Texas House and Senate chambers. The session runs from Jan. 10 to May 29.

It’s been fun. It’s been real. It’s been a calling more than a job. And it’s been an honor — the honor of my lifetime.

In his nearly seven years as Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner has led the nation’s fourth-largest city through some of the most tumultuous times in its recent history. He helped guide the Bayou City through Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020 and the collapse of the state’s power grid in 2021.

Voters elected Christian Manuel Hayes to House District 22 in Beaumont, Venton Jones to HD-100 in Dallas, Salman Bhojani to HD-92 in Tarrant County and Suleman Lalani to HD-76 in Fort Bend County.

In three key local elections, the Austin mayoral race will be decided in a runoff, Republican Tim O’Hare won the Tarrant County judge race and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins won reelection.

Fellowships will be available in spring, summer and fall for Texas graduate and undergraduate students at historically Black colleges and universities.

KPRC 2 will be closely covering the candidates and want them address the issues residents care about most. So, tell us Houston-area residents, what is the most important issue for you right now? Please vote in our poll below and we will ask each candidate how they plan to address your concerns. If your biggest concern is not included, let us know in the comments below.

Flores’ district director, Aron Peña, was accused of touching and kissing an intern without her consent. He denies any wrongdoing.

In this week’s epsidoe, we discuss how the busing of migrants to New York is affecting Texas, New York and the migrants themselves.

In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Jayme about how this week’s rain likely won’t mean the end of the drought. And he speaks with Eric about the soon-to-be-over congressional career of Louie Gohmert.

The chief of Uvalde’s school district police force is defending the response to the Robb Elementary massacre that left 19 children and two teachers dead.

The Uvalde School District is holding a board meeting which began at 6 p.m.

The COVID-19 pandemic also cut down on clinics’ revenue and underscored broadband access disparities in rural Texas, health care providers said in a conversation with The Texas Tribune.

On this week’s episode, Matthew, Evan and Alexa reminisce with Texas Tribune co-founder and Executive Editor Ross Ramey as he wraps up his last day of work.

Republican and Democratic state legislators joined Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith in a panel at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Wednesday.

In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Reese and Mitchell about the fallout from sexual abuse allegations at a state-contracted children’s shelter and Russian threats against Texas’ energy infrastructure.

She will connect readers with resources, demystify politics and public policy and look for ways to reach Texans whose questions often go unheard.

Andy Alford, Bobby Blanchard, Darla Cameron, Ayan Mittra, Matthew Watkins and I are ready to take The Texas Tribune’s journalism to new heights.

Leaders at higher education institutions are trying to attract students by offering flexibility with instructional modes — and they said that flexibility is here to stay.

Huang is an accomplished photojournalist who has built an impressive body of work in Texas and Latin America.

Public health officials have played a crucial role in vaccination efforts and tracking the spread of the virus. But different needs from their communities and insufficient aid have complicated the work.

Texas is home to the fast highway in the United States.

As state officials pressure schools on books and coronavirus measures, Stephanie Elizalde says her district will do what’s in students’ “best interests.”

At KPRC 2, we’re dedicated to keeping Houstonians informed. As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston.

Supporters of Proposition A argued that boosting the ranks of the police force was necessary to combat the city’s growing homicide rate, a trend seen in cities nationwide. Opponents and city leaders warned it would lead to fewer firefighters, medics and librarians.

The list of questions is as long as the list of issues for the new session.

González, of Dallas, and fellow state Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, discussed Senate Bill 7, which failed to pass during the regular legislative session, and what's next for legislators.

González, of Dallas, and fellow state Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, discussed Senate Bill 7, which failed to pass during the regular legislative session, and what's next for legislators.

Three medical professionals discuss what they have learned about where Texas is — and where it is going — in the COVID-19 pandemic.

House Bill 1535 expands eligibility for the Texas Compassionate Use Program to people with cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder. It's effective Sept. 1.

The bill would add an extra four months of health insurance for low-income women, who now get Medicaid coverage from pregnancy until two months after delivery. It now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for signature.

Abbott has the power to veto individual line items he objects to.

The Senate Nominations Committee never took up Hughs’ nomination, requiring her to leave office at the end of the legislative session.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit, filed Friday, argues that the Trump-era extension of the federal 1115 Medicaid funding waiver was lawful and that overturning it was a political move.

Sonia Wood, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner, treats a patient at Carousel Pediatrics in Austin. Three million children are currently on Medicaid, but most of their parents do not qualify. Credit: Spencer Selvidge for the Texas Tribune

El Paso Electric's Rio Grande Power Station on the New Mexico/Texas state line. Credit: Justin Hamel for the Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. On this week's episode, Patrick speaks with Ross, Cassi and Alexa about state leaders' disagreements over electricity repricing after the winter weather crisis. They also discuss new legislation that Gov. Greg Abbott is backing to crack down on local efforts to expand voting.

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – At least 57 people died in Texas as a result of last month’s winter storm, according to preliminary data the state health department released Monday. The largest number of deaths — at least 25 — occurred in Harris County, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported. The deaths occurred in at least 25 counties between Feb. 11 and March 5, the state agency said. The majority of verified deaths were associated with hypothermia, but health officials said some were also caused by motor vehicle wrecks, “carbon monoxide poisoning, medical equipment failure, falls, and fire.”The preliminary data is “subject to change” as state disaster epidemiologists gather additional information and additional deaths are verified, the agency said. The information will be updated weekly, it said.

AUSTIN, Texas – Racist emails sent to the University of Texas amid a debate over the school song “The Eyes of Texas” were “abhorrent and hateful” but don’t truly represent the Longhorns’ alumni and fans, university President Jay Hartzell said Tuesday. AdSince Monday, at least two former players have tweeted they received threats from Texas fans for protesting the song. “A few extremist views in the sample of emails the Texas Tribune reported on do not speak for the 540,000 proud Longhorn alumni who actively support our students and university. Out of the many emails I received this fall, a very small number included comments that were truly abhorrent and hateful. The title of the song is taken from a favored saying of a former school president who had mimicked remarks by Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

The chairwoman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the agency that regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, resigned Monday, according to a resignation letter provided to the Texas Tribune. Governor Greg Abbott-appointed commissioners came under public criticism in the aftermath of Texas’ power crisis that left millions of people in the dark for days and claimed the lives of dozens. Dan Patrick called for PUC chairwoman DeAnn Walker and Electric Reliability Council of Texas CEO Bill Magness to resign. The PUC is charged with overseeing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, a nonprofit entity that manages and operates the electricity grid that covers much of the state. Lawmakers probed how much information she had on whether the state’s power system could withstand winter storms, and questioned why she didn’t raise concerns about the possibility of outages sooner.

Less than two hours after The Texas Tribune contacted the Texas GOP about Whitt on Monday afternoon, the party said it had fired him. "This is the door of the Capitol," Whitt says. The conspiracy theory, which emerged ahead of the 2016 election, claims that Democratic elites are running a child sex-trafficking ring out of the pizzeria. The restaurant and its employees have been repeatedly harassed and threatened by people who believe the conspiracy theory. AdIn the video, Whitt asks the woman how she feels about working "in a restaurant that is known for pedophilia."

How can I find a Texas mental health provider? Texas contracts with nearly 40 regional mental and behavioral health authorities that deliver and coordinate affordable mental health services in their communities. School districts should also provide special education accommodations for children experiencing mental health challenges that interfere with their academic progress. Mental Health America provides information on how to find support groups, including online communities, for mental health recovery. The Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative has mental health resource pages specifically for young people and their families.

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – President Trump is preparing to visit the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday, in the midst of planned impeachment proceedings following a violent week at the U.S. Capitol. The Rio Grande Valley is the site of furious legal and construction activity related to the border wall as U.S. Customs and Border Protection races to build new miles of fencing ahead of Inauguration Day. Earlier this week, CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan said the agency aims to award new contracts for 300 miles of new fencing before Jan. 19. He previously visited McAllen in 2019 in the midst of a partial government shutdown related to his push for border wall funding. But even as fencing has gone up at an accelerated pace in other parts of the border, construction in South Texas has bedeviled the Trump administration.

Remote learning has been challenging for students this fall, especially because Texas gave schools little time and few resources to prepare. The Texas Tribune talked to one of those students: 18-year-old Isabel Suarez, who cares for her siblings during the day while their mother is at work. We asked her to record moments throughout a typical day of virtual school and show us what it's like to be a high school senior during the pandemic. Like many other Texas high school students this year, she is struggling to stay caught up on her assignments and pass all of her classes. Our evening roundup will help you stay on top of the day’s latest updates.

This event takes place Dec. 7-11. Join us online Dec. 7-11 during lunch — from 12-1 p.m. Central — to preview the priorities and likely hot-button topics of the 2021 legislative session. The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. Tribune events are supported through contributions from our investors and members. Though donors and corporate sponsors underwrite Texas Tribune events, they play no role in determining the content, panelists or line of questioning.

DALLAS – Less than two months before the Texas Legislature begins its next session, the yearslong battle over a controversial high-speed rail project is expected to spark more legislative skirmishes. Kyle Workman, president of Texans Against High-Speed Rail, said that he expects to see similar bills filed as well. Company still lacks key permitsThe Texas Central high-speed rail project has been in the works for more than eight years, and the company has promised to fund the project with the support of private investors and without public funds. But that’s not the case with high-speed rail, he said. When other companies tried to bring high-speed rail to Texas in the 1980s, Texas created a regulatory agency, the Texas High-Speed Rail Authority.

The Daily Texan reported that a message sent to band members by leader Scott Hanna said the survey results wouldn’t affect whether the band performs at future games. Band members are “evenly divided” overplaying the song, the student newspaper reported, but responses from certain instrument sections would prevent the band from playing this week. The message from Hanna said many band members wanted to have further discussions about the song, which he said he would facilitate. Only then can we reimagine its future.”Removing “The Eyes of Texas” song was not the student’s only demand this past summer. Disclosure: Baylor University, Texas Christian University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.

Join us online Oct. 26-30 to discuss some of the most pressing issues impacting higher education in Texas. What does higher education in the age of COVID look like? Tune in to this page Oct. 26-30 during lunch — from 12-1 p.m. Central — to discuss some of the most pressing issues impacting higher education in Texas, including best practices in online learning, serving students in need, economic challenges, college sports and more. The Texas Tribune thanks its sponsors. Though donors and corporate sponsors underwrite Texas Tribune events, they play no role in determining the content, panelists or line of questioning.

Credit: Emily AlbrachtThe Texas Tribune is tracking cumulative early voting and mail-in ballot totals during the 2020 general election in the state’s 10 largest counties. [ Read more ]

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – (Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) Brittani Castle says she's a COVID-19 “long-hauler.” Since becoming infected with COVID-19 nearly three months ago, she continues to experience shortness of breath, digestive issues and a foggy memory — symptoms that linger even though she's tested negative for the virus. The Houston woman is out of work and has encountered problems collecting unemployment. In the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, listen to why she says the coronavirus has come to dominate her life.

Question: How much postage is needed to send my mail-in ballot? According to the USPS, completed ballots are classified as First-Class Mail and require proper postage to help ensure timely processing and delivery. Voters are responsible for affixing the appropriate postage on their return ballot envelope. According to Texas Tribune, postage for mail-in ballots will vary by the county due to differences in the ballot style and size. The First-Class Mail postage rate for a standard-sized, rectangular envelope starts at $0.55.

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – Senior officials in the Texas Attorney General’s Office have asked federal law enforcement to “investigate allegations of improper influence, abuse of office, bribery and other potential crimes” by their boss, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to a new report from the Austin-American Statesman and KVUE-TV. The brief letter, dated Oct. 1, says the officials notified law enforcement of a potential crime on Sept. 30, but does not provide detailed accusations. The officials also say they notified Paxton himself of the accusation via text message on Oct. 1. A spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office said in a statement that "the complaint filed against Attorney General Paxton was done to impede an ongoing investigation into criminal wrongdoing by public officials including employees of this office. Making false claims is a very serious matter and we plan to investigate this to the fullest extent of the law.”She declined to comment further, citing an open investigation.

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – A U.S. district judge has blocked Texas from eliminating straight-ticket voting as an option for people at the polls this November. Straight-ticket voting allows voters to register support for all of their party’s candidates on the ballot with a single mark. Democrats had sued the state in March to overturn the Texas Legislature's decision to kill straight-ticket voting. "Texas Democrats will have to continue to win at the ballot box to protect the right vote. Until the new Texas majority wipes out these out-of-touch Republicans, Texas Democrats will never stop fighting for Texans in court.”This developing story will be updated soon.

Use The Texas Tribune's voter guide to learn more about voting during the pandemic, mail-in voting, voting in person, Texas candidates and key dates for the 2020 general election. [ Read more ]

Protesters march in downtown Austin on July 27, 2020. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) On this week's Tribcast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Alex and Ross about Texans' role at the Democratic National Convention, a new front in the local control fight and what concerns about the U.S Postal Service mean for Texas.

Armed protesters guard the memorial of Garrett Foster, who was shot and killed during a protest against police brutality in Austin on July 25, 2020. Last: A man with a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder stands among protesters who have gathered at the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin. Jordan VonderhaarFirst: Mounted officers from the Austin Police Department clash with protesters on the corner of Fourth Street and Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas TribuneMembers of the far-right Proud Boys militia stand on Congress Avenue across from the Garrett Foster memorial in downtown Austin. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas TribuneA police officer sprays a protester with pepper spray as demonstrators clash with police in downtown Austin Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – The Texas Workforce Commission paid out over $20 million in benefits Thursday to those who are eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. The federal program allows people who are self-employed, freelancers or seeking part-time employment to be eligible for benefits. This week, the commission converted 145,000 unemployment claims to the PUA program, comprising about 40% of the more than 365,000 new claims this week, commission spokesman Cisco Gamez said at a media briefing Friday. Workers eligible for PUA must submit their 2019 tax forms to the commission by Dec. 26. Once the tax forms are received, the Texas Workforce Commission verifies past wages, and workers might become eligible for more weekly benefits, which can be backdated, Gamez said.

A morgue trailer, currently not in use, at the Nueces County Medical Examiner's office in Corpus Christi on Friday. Their deaths come as counties prepare for a surge in fatalities, some by requesting trailers to expand their hospital and county morgue capacities. County medical examiner Dr. Adel Shaker has requested an extra morgue trailer, provided by FEMA to local authorities. A morgue trailer was in place at the beginning of the pandemic, but it was released early, Shaker said. In Houston, a spokeswoman at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences insisted that no extra capacity is needed at the county morgue right now.

George Floyd's death in May sparked a new wave of protests and reinvigorated a nationwide movement against police brutality and racial injustice. Floyd, a Black man, died in police custody when a white Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck for nearly eight minutes. The protests in Texas and the nation have stretched on for days and weeks in cities across the state and the country. Those calling for reform said police actions during protests highlight broader issues with policing culture and responsibilities. The Texas Tribune spoke to criminologists, policy makers and advocates to hear their perspectives on what the current moment means for Texas and what happens next.

Temporary visas for highly skilled noncitizen workers are key for Texas businesses, but they could be in short supply soon. The process was already under intense scrutiny before President Donald Trump ordered a limit on foreign workers. Denial rates increased from 13% in 2017 to 33% through the second quarter of 2019, according to the National Foundation for American Policy. Some Texas small-business owners say losing out on the chance to hire skilled foreign workers hurts their businesses and thats bad for the states economy. But President Donald Trump has said his immigration policies are designed to put American workers first and only give visas to foreign workers with extraordinary skills.

I freaked out, said Prince, who plans to quarantine for two weeks and get tested if COVID-19 symptoms arise. Also Tuesday, the state reported that at least 2,000 Texans have died from the COVID-19 disease caused by the new coronavirus. "They still have to be practiced because COVID-19 hasn't suddenly magically left the state of Texas," he said. More than 680,000 workers in the restaurant industry have lost their jobs during the pandemic, according to the Texas Restaurant Association. Disclosure: Steve Adler, a former Texas Tribune board chairman; Texas A&M University; and the Texas Restaurant Association have been financial supporters of the Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.

Patrons enjoy drinks at B.D. As of Friday, restaurants can operate at 75% capacity, while almost all other businesses can operate at 50%. Jordan Vonderhaar for the Texas Tribune(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Matthew, Emma and Shannon about record high coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, a damning report of Texas' child welfare system and a Supreme Court ruling on long-denied protections for LGBTQ workers.

Customers wait in line to enter Chupacabra Cantina in downtown Austin as Texas bars reopened on May 22, 2020. Greg Abbott said during a press conference addressing hospital capacity on Tuesday. "That is the case in Lubbock County, Bexar County, Cameron County." There have been pictures that I have seen and others have seen about these bar type settings where clearly the standards are not being followed, Abbott said. On Tuesday, Abbott noted that the state still has ample hospital capacity.

Last month, The Texas Tribune launched a new and revamped version of our Government Salaries Explorer. Watch members of the data visuals team take you behind the redesign and guide you through the latest changes and features of the explorer.

Cruz, a National Honor Society student whose house burned down during the school year, graduated from Alvin High School on Saturday. Alvin High School officials had planned to hold a virtual graduation. Viky Cruz, 18, whose house burned down during the school year, graduated from Alvin High School on Sat, June 6, 2020. Viky Cruz, 18, whose house burned down during the school year, graduated from Alvin High School on Sat, June 6, 2020. Last: A graduate is handed a diploma at the Alvin High School graduation ceremony.

Greg Abbott’s orders to reopen the economy, Austin is planning to extend stay-at-home orders, KXAN reports. “We are not going to reopen anything more than what we have already open because we think that’s the safest thing to do,” Austin Mayor Steve Adler told the TV station. But in Austin, public libraries and public swimming spots like Barton Springs and Deep Eddy Pool will remain closed for now. Most city offices will remain closed, too, and employees will be working from home whenever possible. — Juan Pablo GarnhamDisclosure: Steve Adler, a former Texas Tribune board chairman, has been a financial supporter of the Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.

Using data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Texas Tribune is tracking how many people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Texas each day.

Esperanza is an undocumented immigrant whose Austin-based employer deducts taxes from her checks every pay period. Thousands of undocumented immigrants file taxes using an IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, which doesn't indicate legal status or authorization to work and is only issued for tax purposes, according to the IRS. Proposals like the Coronavirus Immigrant Families Protection Act would expand health care and financial relief options for undocumented immigrants. Gavin Newsom announced the creation of a $125 million disaster relief fund to benefit undocumented immigrants. We also pay taxes.”

She said she understands landlords are being pinched in the pandemic as well, but said judges are currently not hearing eviction cases but she will make an order if needed. Hidalgo said the “stay home and work safe” order was made because the county had to stay ahead of the virus. In regards to coronavirus testing, Hidalgo said that testing is important but that it is not a treatment for the virus. Greg Abbott’s order to add religious services to essential services by saying the county is making sure its order does not conflict with the governor’s order. Hidalgo said the order will not be lifted right now because too many people are congregating in malls and other public areas.

(Texas Tribune) – Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins was expected to issue a countywide shelter-in-place order on Sunday, marking the most expansive action yet from a Texas official to combat the new coronavirus continuing to spread across the state. "All individuals currently living within Dallas County are ordered to shelter at their place of residence," the order reads. Local health officials reported that 131 county residents have tested positive as of Sunday morning. The Texas State Department of Health Services reported 30 cases there as of noon Sunday. Abbott said that the state's numbers do not include "presumed positive" cases as an explanation for why DSHS' daily figures of positive cases in Texas have consistently lagged other disclosures and reports.

In Texas, more than 200 people have now tested positive for the novel coronavirus, and five people have died. That’s according to the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Texas Tribune reports that’s a 30% increase over the 161 cases reported Thursday and an 123% increase from the 95 cases reported Wednesday. Here’s a look at some of the images that tell the story of coronavirus in Texas in the last week. People were lined up in their cars in a line that stretched over two miles to be tested in the drive-thru testing for coronavirus.

(Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. Republican President Donald Trump is projected to win Texas, according to the Texas Tribune. Trump was elected in 2016, and he is running for a second term. All of Texas’ 155 Republican delegates go to the winner of the primary election. Looking to November, Trump maintains a slight lead over each of the top Democrats in the race, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.

As the Tribune’s new Engagement Producer, Elvia will forge deeper connections with our readers.

Today we mark our eighth year in business. Happy birthday to us! And to you. Our nonprofit news org has always been for you and about you — so we all have something to be thankful for.

A majority of Texans believe the state is on the right track, while a plurality thinks the country is on the wrong track, according to a new University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.