Stories by Texas Tribune fellows

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. Full Story 

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. Full Story 

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. Full Story 

The lawsuit claims district policies are unconstitutional and violate Abbott's recent executive order. Full Story 

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. Full Story 

It still may be hard to secure a vaccine appointment, but doctors hope increasing supply will help meet demand. Full Story 

Texans in ERCOT's service area who lost electricity were without power for an average of 42 hours, according to the study. They had been told to prepare for short-term, rolling outages. Full Story 

Some businesses are already seeing customers return. But the numbers of people seeking unemployment aid surged in recent weeks to levels not seen since July. Many of them still face problems getting through to the Texas Workforce Commission. Full Story 

Almost 2,000 vaccine doses have gone to qualifying prisoners as of Thursday, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Full Story 

Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday there is an even greater urgency this legislative session to pass laws expanding gun rights because of Joe Biden’s presidency. Full Story 

Texans face challenges trying to book a vaccine appointment through a time-consuming process that inherently favors people who have easy access to internet and transportation. The situation is contributing to inequitable access for many people in the state. Full Story 

As more people become eligible for the coronavirus vaccine, some of the most vulnerable Asian American communities struggle to access it at all. Full Story 

Tuesday’s shootings in Atlanta left six Asian women dead. Asian Texans say they’re being targeted, too. Full Story 

The deaths occurred in at least 25 counties. And 25 of the fatalities occurred in Harris County. Some Texas deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning and medical equipment failure. Full Story 

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Thursday that Troy Finner, the HPD executive assistant chief, will succeed Acevedo as police chief. Full Story 

The Senate filibuster stands as a key obstacle to Democrats’ priorities. Full Story 

Experts say testing is still a crucial step as Texas continues to deal with the pandemic, but the public messaging has shifted away from testing and toward vaccinations. Full Story 

Some schools are letting students have a full week off. Others are spreading out free days to discourage travel. And some plan on-campus alternatives to leaving for vacation. Full Story 

The city of Lubbock made plans to join ERCOT in 2015. After last month's winter storm, some feel anxious about the move. Full Story 

Under Gov. Greg Abbott’s order, universities are able to choose whether they will retain and enforce mask-wearing and other COVID-19 safety measures. UT-Austin, Baylor, Southern Methodist University, Rice and the Texas A&M System are among those that will still require face masks. Full Story