Past Contributions

• Texas drivers vexed by toll road payment problems got little relief from state lawmakers

  By Francisco Uranga Aug. 18, 2023

  Double billing, rejected automatic payments and expensive late fees are the most frequent complaints about a toll system with different operators and rules across the state. Full Story 

• Texas education leaders brace for imminent special session on teacher pay and school vouchers

  By Francisco Uranga Updated: July 25, 2023

  Panelists in a Texas Tribune event recapped lawmakers’ hits and misses on education during the regular legislative session and shared their thoughts about the likely debates that will take place during an expected special session later this year. Full Story 

• Nearly 64,000 Texas borrowers will have their federal loans forgiven

  By Francisco Uranga July 20, 2023

  A U.S. Department of Education review identified 804,000 borrowers across the country with loans taken more than two decades ago and whose debts should have been canceled but were not because of “administrative failures.” Full Story 

• “We are dying”: Houston workers protest new state law removing water break requirements

  By Emily Foxhall and Francisco Uranga July 14, 2023

  The protesters called House Bill 2127 the “law that kills” and said it will leave those who labor outdoors at the mercy of their employers. Full Story 

• Limited regulations make Texas workers responsible for preventing on-the-job heat injuries

  By Francisco Uranga July 12, 2023

  In triple-digit temperatures, drinking water frequently and resting in the shade are minimum safety measures for avoiding injuries and deaths. But they are not applied to every job site. Full Story 

• Help us report on how the return of student loan repayments will affect Texans

  By María Méndez, Francisco Uranga and Kate McGee July 10, 2023

  Student loan repayments are set to resume in October. If you’re a Texas student loan borrower, tell us how this will affect you. Full Story 

• 1.4 million Texans’ student debts won’t be canceled. But a new loan repayment plan could bring savings.

  By Francisco Uranga Updated: July 7, 2023

  After the U.S. Supreme Court ended President Joe Biden’s debt cancellation program, advocates for lowering student loan debt say the federal SAVE plan, an updated loan repayment program, could save Texans and other borrowers a lot of money in interest. Full Story 

• As Texas swelters, local rules requiring water breaks for construction workers will soon be nullified

  By Francisco Uranga and Erin Douglas June 16, 2023

  Gov. Greg Abbott approved a law this week that will eliminate city and county ordinances like Austin’s and Dallas’ mandated water breaks. Full Story 

• With $1.4 billion investment, Texas hopes to sprint to the front of the microchip manufacturing race

  By Francisco Uranga June 12, 2023

  Microchips are increasingly present in every day life, from phones and laptops to cars and washing machines. Gov. Greg Abbott approved last week a stimulus package in an effort to shore up the supply chain after the pandemic’s disruptions. Full Story