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East Texans united to stop a water sale to Dallas suburbs — for now
Read full article: East Texans united to stop a water sale to Dallas suburbs — for nowAfter a deal to pipe water from Lake O’ the Pines to North Texas came to light, residents voiced opposition everywhere they could to block it.
Despite Texas defendant’s death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockups
Read full article: Despite Texas defendant’s death in Louisiana prison, lawmakers unlikely to end reliance on out-of-state lockupsLawmakers are pursuing legislative changes that would keep more people locked up in overcrowded county jails while awaiting resolution to their cases.
Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texas’ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics say
Read full article: Amid support from doctors group, bill to clarify Texas’ abortion ban does little to save lives, critics saySenate Bill 31 supporters say it would clarify when doctors should intervene to save a pregnant woman’s life, but critics say its vagueness and a measure to resurrect pre-Roe laws hamper it.
Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community colleges
Read full article: Five ways a funding overhaul has transformed Texas community collegesMore than a year after Texas’ House Bill 8 took effect, some schools have offered free tuition, grown dual credit programs or helped students’ credits transfer when they move on to four-year schools.
Texas lawmaker files bill to rename part of Central Texas highway after President Donald Trump
Read full article: Texas lawmaker files bill to rename part of Central Texas highway after President Donald TrumpA Texas House Representative has filed a bill to rename a part of a busy Central Texas highway after President Donald Trump.
East Texas family to be reunited with missing dog found in Galveston animal cruelty case
Read full article: East Texas family to be reunited with missing dog found in Galveston animal cruelty caseOn Monday, 71 dogs, cats and puppies were rescued after being found in deplorable conditions on a school bus in Galveston Island State Park. On Tuesday, the Galveston Island Humane Society said they found three of the dogs had microchips and one dog had a rabies tag. They were able to identify all four dogs, A’rhx, Bentley, Pyros and Cheyenne.
“We’re in competition”: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options grow
Read full article: “We’re in competition”: An East Texas school district faces hard choices as education options growThe Lufkin school district says it must do a better job of promoting itself amid growing competition from charter schools and homeschooling.
With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this session
Read full article: With vouchers fast-tracked, other Texas public education issues to watch this sessionFrom teacher pay and preparation to special education and DEI, here are issues Texas lawmakers are prioritizing this legislative session.
Man caught hunting on private property without permission in converted port-a-potty deer stand
Read full article: Man caught hunting on private property without permission in converted port-a-potty deer standEvery so often, they come across some unusual things while in the process of doing their jobs. This past deer season was no exception.
Texas universities could face funding cuts for health care research under new Trump administration policy
Read full article: Texas universities could face funding cuts for health care research under new Trump administration policyA federal judge blocked a new National Institutes of Health policy from going into effect in 22 states that sued the agency, but Texas wasn’t part of the suit.
Illegal deer transport uncovered in Montgomery County traffic stop
Read full article: Illegal deer transport uncovered in Montgomery County traffic stopTexas Game Wardens concluded an investigation in Montgomery County that led to the arrest and conviction of two men for illegally transporting seven deer, including a captive white-tailed deer.
Texas knife shop owner goes viral after rejecting customer’s request: ‘No Nazi bulls--t’
Read full article: Texas knife shop owner goes viral after rejecting customer’s request: ‘No Nazi bulls--t’An East Texas knife shop owner is going viral on TikTok after refusing to transfer an emblem onto Hitler Youth knives, sparking widespread support online.
Officers sic K9 on wanted man they already shot at Houston-area McDonald’s
Read full article: Officers sic K9 on wanted man they already shot at Houston-area McDonald’sThe U.S. Marshals said Robert Johnson, who was wanted for sexually assaulting a child, was caught at a McDonald’s in Clear Lake, where they said he frequented often, but Johnson didn’t go down easy.
An East Texas town debates where to place EV charging stations as Trump threatens subsidies
Read full article: An East Texas town debates where to place EV charging stations as Trump threatens subsidiesSome residents see the charging stations as an economic boom to the town, while others find it an assault on the oil and gas industry in Texas.
Longtime Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards dies after battle with brain cancer
Read full article: Longtime Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards dies after battle with brain cancerRichards, the eldest daughter of Gov. Ann Richards, forged her own path as a tireless advocate for women across Texas and the United States.
Texas lawmakers eye sharing health care workers with other states to address provider shortages
Read full article: Texas lawmakers eye sharing health care workers with other states to address provider shortagesAdvocates say interstate compacts, which allow professionals to use their work licenses in multiple states, can solve Texas’ workforce shortage. Skeptics fear Texas would send more workers than it would receive.
LIVE RADAR: Wintry mess hits north Texas, heavy rain causes soggy afternoon for Houston
Read full article: LIVE RADAR: Wintry mess hits north Texas, heavy rain causes soggy afternoon for HoustonA storm system which is bringing winter precipitation to parts of North and East Texas will bring the potential of heavy rainfall to parts of the Houston area Thursday.
Here are the biggest stories from our data visuals team in 2024
Read full article: Here are the biggest stories from our data visuals team in 2024The Tribune’s data journalists helped visualize everything from voter participation and extreme weather to gaps in the state’s border wall. Here are some of the highlights.
Advocates say there aren’t enough of them in Texas long-term care facilities
Read full article: Advocates say there aren’t enough of them in Texas long-term care facilitiesOfficials hope state lawmakers will boost the budget of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman office, an independent state agency, which can often be an elderly Texan’s only lifeline to the outside world.
Farm Bill gets extension as Congress passes spending package and averts shutdown
Read full article: Farm Bill gets extension as Congress passes spending package and averts shutdownThe legislation includes financial aid and money for recent natural disasters, but farmers still will be relying on outdated provisions from the 2018 bill.
Texas Republicans want voters to provide proof of citizenship. Arizona’s law holds lessons.
Read full article: Texas Republicans want voters to provide proof of citizenship. Arizona’s law holds lessons.A Votebeat analysis shows how such requirements risk disenfranchising key voter groups, including Native Americans and college students.
A school voucher program in Texas is more likely than ever. Can lawmakers craft a bill they agree on?
Read full article: A school voucher program in Texas is more likely than ever. Can lawmakers craft a bill they agree on?Some voucher opponents are ready to compromise; others are hoping supporters will fumble over the program's size, eligibility and accountability.
Expanding college financial aid will help Texas meet workforce needs, new higher ed chief says
Read full article: Expanding college financial aid will help Texas meet workforce needs, new higher ed chief saysIn his new role, Rosser will be responsible for helping Texas meet its goal to increase the number of Texans ages 25 to 34 with a postsecondary credential to 60%by 2030.
Texas has billions pledged to expand broadband. Spending it is taking a while.
Read full article: Texas has billions pledged to expand broadband. Spending it is taking a while.Despite the efforts of local governments and others, the move to provide internet access to millions of Texans has been slow and faces new challenges.
Inside the only college class in Texas to help prepare inmates for life after prison
Read full article: Inside the only college class in Texas to help prepare inmates for life after prisonMore than 250 Texas prisoners are on the waitlist to join the Lee College reentry class. Programs like these prepare students to find jobs and help lower recidivism.
What put a Texas death row inmate’s case back in the spotlight?
Read full article: What put a Texas death row inmate’s case back in the spotlight?Robert Roberson was set to be the first person in the U.S. to be executed on a “shaken baby syndrome” diagnosis after getting convicted for killing his 2-year-old daughter. He maintained his innocence and in October 2024, his sentence was put on a temporary pause.
Will Robert Roberson have a chance to testify? Death row inmate’s next moves lie with Texas Supreme Court
Read full article: Will Robert Roberson have a chance to testify? Death row inmate’s next moves lie with Texas Supreme CourtRobert Roberson may have had his execution date postponed, but time is running out for whether he will get to testify.
Amarillo voters reject abortion “travel ban,” a rare rebuke of anti-abortion movement in Texas
Read full article: Amarillo voters reject abortion “travel ban,” a rare rebuke of anti-abortion movement in TexasTuesday’s vote was a rare chance for Texans to vote directly on abortion restrictions. The state already has a near-total abortion ban.
Texas is slashing $607 million in Medicaid funding from program for students with disabilities
Read full article: Texas is slashing $607 million in Medicaid funding from program for students with disabilitiesSchool officials says the state decision to cut federal money likely will hurt their ability to recruit and retain critical staff for students with disabilities.
How a boom in East Texas high schoolers taking college classes is transforming Kilgore College
Read full article: How a boom in East Texas high schoolers taking college classes is transforming Kilgore CollegeHigh school students that are getting a jump on college through dual credit now make up the majority of students at one East Texas community college.
As Robert Roberson’s execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silence
Read full article: As Robert Roberson’s execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silenceIt’s rare for governors to step in to halt executions. In the case of Robert Roberson, it ended up being state lawmakers who took extraordinary steps.
After Roberson ruling, upcoming Court of Criminal Appeals election in the spotlight
Read full article: After Roberson ruling, upcoming Court of Criminal Appeals election in the spotlightThree of the five judges who allowed Robert Roberson’s execution to proceed will be leaving the court after Paxton-backed primary challenges.
Texas was about to execute Robert Roberson. Then a last-ditch tactic bought him more time
Read full article: Texas was about to execute Robert Roberson. Then a last-ditch tactic bought him more timeRobert Roberson, who had been set to be the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, had his execution delayed after a dramatic few hours of legal wrangling among three different Texas courts.
A Texas board rejects clemency plea from a man facing execution in shaken baby syndrome case
Read full article: A Texas board rejects clemency plea from a man facing execution in shaken baby syndrome caseThe Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has denied a request for clemency for a man who this week could be the first person in the U.S. executed for a murder conviction tied to the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.
Bipartisan Texas House majority urges clemency for man facing execution in shaken baby case
Read full article: Bipartisan Texas House majority urges clemency for man facing execution in shaken baby caseLawmakers cite new scientific evidence that they say proves Robert Roberson, who is set for execution on Oct. 17, did not kill his daughter.
Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hours
Read full article: Abbott says potential power outages from Tropical Storm Francine will be restored within hoursTexas isn’t expected to take a direct hit when the storm makes landfall as a hurricane. But storm surge and dangerous winds are possible.
Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural Texas
Read full article: Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural TexasWhen disaster strikes, Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy takes command of her county’s emergency communication channels, including a text service and Facebook page.
In Texas, violating campaign ethics laws rarely yields repercussions. The attorney general’s office is to blame.
Read full article: In Texas, violating campaign ethics laws rarely yields repercussions. The attorney general’s office is to blame.The number of fines for breaking state campaign ethics laws has exploded in recent years as Ken Paxton’s office rarely pursues stricter enforcement.
What’s the value of planting trees? Conservation groups say a new formula can tell them.
Read full article: What’s the value of planting trees? Conservation groups say a new formula can tell them.Donors are increasingly asking conservation groups to produce data on the value of their environmental work. A group’s new method helps them show their impact.
Just as the temperature climbs, Texas towns are closing public pools to cut costs
Read full article: Just as the temperature climbs, Texas towns are closing public pools to cut costsAdvocates say public pools are necessary community infrastructure and save lives. Splash pads have become a more affordable option.
‘Clearly thought Beryl was fowl:’ Pigeons take cover outside East Texas store as Beryl moves inland
Read full article: ‘Clearly thought Beryl was fowl:’ Pigeons take cover outside East Texas store as Beryl moves inlandThe Lufkin Police Department shared photos taken by one of their officers of a group of pigeons taking cover near a store.
Bye bye Beryl: Beryl moves out, but rain chances will persist for the next few days in Houston
Read full article: Bye bye Beryl: Beryl moves out, but rain chances will persist for the next few days in HoustonHurricane Beryl made landfall early Monday morning near Matagorda, bringing destructive winds, storm surge, flooding rains and isolated tornadoes to southeast Texas.
An East Texas town wants to revolutionize how the state cares for people living with memory loss
Read full article: An East Texas town wants to revolutionize how the state cares for people living with memory lossThe ambitious project has won a federal grant. But the Texas Legislature has not yet given its blessing, a crucial step to move the facility forward.
Plans to spend billions on a flood-prone East Texas highway may not solve the problem
Read full article: Plans to spend billions on a flood-prone East Texas highway may not solve the problemTxDOT says it can’t guarantee that upgrades to one of Houston’s main hurricane evacuation routes will prevent future flooding of U.S. 59.
FEMA takes new approach to assess storm damages after East Texas floods
Read full article: FEMA takes new approach to assess storm damages after East Texas floodsAs communities in East Texas begin the process of rebuilding after a week of storms and flooding, FEMA is trying a new approach to make the process more efficient.
Recovery a faraway thought for East Texas flood evacuees as more rain is expected
Read full article: Recovery a faraway thought for East Texas flood evacuees as more rain is expectedEast Texans tried to reach their homes by boat and kayaks Saturday. Others remained pessimistic that the water would recede soon.
Hundreds rescued from flooding in Texas as waters continue rising in Houston
Read full article: Hundreds rescued from flooding in Texas as waters continue rising in HoustonHigh waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing more than 400 people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
East Texans brace for prolonged evacuation orders after rainfall drenches Polk County
Read full article: East Texans brace for prolonged evacuation orders after rainfall drenches Polk CountyEast Texas has been hit by several severe rainstorms this spring, and several counties have declared disasters.
Tarrant County DA wants Crystal Mason’s illegal voting conviction reinstated
Read full article: Tarrant County DA wants Crystal Mason’s illegal voting conviction reinstatedA Texas appeals court recently overturned Mason’s five-year prison sentence for casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 election while on supervised release for federal tax evasion.
A Texas landowner can sue the state for flood damage to his property, U.S. Supreme Court rules
Read full article: A Texas landowner can sue the state for flood damage to his property, U.S. Supreme Court rulesRichie DeVillier, who owns land east of Houston, said the state owes him damages for constant flooding after Texas made changes to Interstate 10 near his property.
Severe weather chances return to Houston this week; Here is what you can expect
Read full article: Severe weather chances return to Houston this week; Here is what you can expectWhile there will be a chance of strong storms Monday through Wednesday in southeast Texas, it appears that Tuesday and early Wednesday will be the times we will have to watch the closest.
It doesn’t look good for Houston’s chances of viewing the total solar eclipse; Here’s what we know
Read full article: It doesn’t look good for Houston’s chances of viewing the total solar eclipse; Here’s what we knowThe total solar eclipse is set to pay a visit to the United States with parts of Texas being in the path of totality on Monday. Unfortunately, it looks like many parts of the state, including the Houston area, will be dealing with widespread cloud cover at the same time the eclipse is scheduled to start.
Texas criminal appeals court takes man off death row over intellectual disability
Read full article: Texas criminal appeals court takes man off death row over intellectual disabilitySince Randall Mays was sentenced to death in 2008 for the murder of two sheriff’s deputies, his lawyers have argued his intellectual disability exempts him from execution.
Law enforcement officials in Texas wonder how they will enforce migrant arrest law
Read full article: Law enforcement officials in Texas wonder how they will enforce migrant arrest lawThe nine hours that Texas was allowed to arrest and deport migrants who illegally enter the U.S. provided a glimpse at what sort of obstacles law enforcement agencies in the state face.
Houston man jailed in East Texas, accused of killing woman who was driving vehicle he was passenger in
Read full article: Houston man jailed in East Texas, accused of killing woman who was driving vehicle he was passenger inA Houston man is being held in an East Texas jail accused of murdering a woman who was driving a car in which he was a passenger.
Travel options for Spring Break: Luxury and affordability combined
Read full article: Travel options for Spring Break: Luxury and affordability combinedExperience luxury and affordability combined with the ultimate Spring Break travel options! ✈️✨ #SpringBreakTravel #LuxuryWithinReach #ExploreTexas #AffordableOptions
Railroad Commission approves oilfield waste ponds next to Baptist camp in Permian Basin
Read full article: Railroad Commission approves oilfield waste ponds next to Baptist camp in Permian BasinMartin Water is building an oil and gas waste recycling facility next to the Circle 6 Baptist Camp in the Permian Basin despite concerns about water and air pollution.
Does UT Tyler Health Science Center’s deal with private equity shield doctors from malpractice suits?
Read full article: Does UT Tyler Health Science Center’s deal with private equity shield doctors from malpractice suits?A lawsuit claims UT Tyler Health Science Center is trying to pull the veil of governmental immunity over doctors who do all of their work for a for-profit, private equity-backed health care system.
Three years after BLM protests gripped nation, a police shooting in Lufkin draws little attention
Read full article: Three years after BLM protests gripped nation, a police shooting in Lufkin draws little attentionTexas police killed 141 people last year, according to a database. At least 22, including Aaliyah Anders, were Black.
From couch surfing to sleeping in a car: What one teen’s story tells us about homelessness in rural Texas
Read full article: From couch surfing to sleeping in a car: What one teen’s story tells us about homelessness in rural TexasGeorgia DeVries, an East Texas 17-year-old, shared her experience living in a car for one month last year on TikTok.
An East Texas school district’s flagpole raises questions about America’s separation of church and state
Read full article: An East Texas school district’s flagpole raises questions about America’s separation of church and stateThe LaPoynor school district frequently flies a Christian flag, but may not be running afoul of the Constitution because it says students are choosing to raise it.
THE RAIN IS HERE🌧️ Flood potential exists with storms this week in the Houston area; here’s what we know
Read full article: THE RAIN IS HERE🌧️ Flood potential exists with storms this week in the Houston area; here’s what we knowAfter a cold week, the temperatures will be back to normal for the rest of the week. Instead of the cold, southeast Texas will have to deal with wet weather starting tonight and into tomorrow.
Texans grapple with numerous challenges, yet many are actively seeking solutions
Read full article: Texans grapple with numerous challenges, yet many are actively seeking solutionsAcross the state, people are looking for ways to make Texas a better place to live as they tackle hunger, rural “brain drain,” health care obstacles and other impediments.
Far-right activist blasts Speaker Phelan for being "pro-Muslim" in political mailer
Read full article: Far-right activist blasts Speaker Phelan for being "pro-Muslim" in political mailerThe card insinuates that Phelan wants to wish his constituents a happy Ramadan instead of a merry Christmas. Muslim Texans say it’s Islamophobic and some Republicans say it doesn't reflect Christian values.
Year after year, most Texas police departments report zero hate crimes. Here’s why.
Read full article: Year after year, most Texas police departments report zero hate crimes. Here’s why.A Texas Tribune analysis of hate crime data found that 82% of Texas law enforcement agencies that report to the FBI tracked no hate crimes last year. However, one suburban North Texas police agency is creating a new model of collecting hate crime data.
Judge overrules Texas, strikes down air pollution permit for Gulf Coast oil terminal
Read full article: Judge overrules Texas, strikes down air pollution permit for Gulf Coast oil terminalA judge reversed a 2022 decision by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that involved its controversial “one-mile rule” to deny hearing requests.
In this East Texas town, a 45-foot tall oil pump is a holiday symbol and connection to the past
Read full article: In this East Texas town, a 45-foot tall oil pump is a holiday symbol and connection to the pastRudolph the Red-Nose Pumping Unit has long been a holiday tradition in Lufkin. The machinery, now used worldwide to extract oil from the ground, was invented by a local businessman.
How one man's open records obsession sparked a fight over transparency and power in East Texas
Read full article: How one man's open records obsession sparked a fight over transparency and power in East TexasOnce a tool of journalists and concerned citizens to hold government accountable, open records requests have been increasingly used by political opponents and conspiracy theorists to slow down the pace of government.
Seeking lower electricity rates, residents in two East Texas towns hope the state will intervene
Read full article: Seeking lower electricity rates, residents in two East Texas towns hope the state will interveneLivingston and Jasper residents hope a lawsuit will force their municipality-operated utility company to offer lower rates and create more transparency in setting rates. They’re among the 5 million Texans living outside the state’s deregulated market and cannot choose their energy provider.
Bison return to Texas Indigenous lands, reconnecting tribes to their roots
Read full article: Bison return to Texas Indigenous lands, reconnecting tribes to their rootsIndigenous ranchers in Texas are receiving help from nonprofits to rebuild bison herds in the state. One family in Sulphur Springs that received five bison last month invited Texas tribal members to see the herd in person.
How a small East Texas school district replaced its gas-guzzling buses with an all-electric fleet
Read full article: How a small East Texas school district replaced its gas-guzzling buses with an all-electric fleetThe Martinsville Independent School District used a federal grant to replace four buses, which started transporting students last month. The principal believes he will save enough money on gas to hire a new teacher.
Texans approved billions for water and broadband infrastructure. Now what?
Read full article: Texans approved billions for water and broadband infrastructure. Now what?The legislation behind the historic investment directs state agencies to send money to the state’s smaller, cash-strapped towns that have difficulty paying for upgrades. Federal money is also expected to flow to regions that need broadband.
Texans may approve billions for energy, water, parks and broadband on Nov. 7
Read full article: Texans may approve billions for energy, water, parks and broadband on Nov. 7At stake in next week’s constitutional amendment election is $13 billion in infrastructure spending. Supporters say it’s an opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime investment.
One of Texas’ oldest towns needs $200 million for upgrades. It’s asking voters to approve $44 million this fall.
Read full article: One of Texas’ oldest towns needs $200 million for upgrades. It’s asking voters to approve $44 million this fall.The East Texas town is one of 218 local governments asking voters to approve new debt for repairs and upgrades to city infrastructure. Local leaders say inflation isn’t helping them keep up with capital needs.
Man serving 50-year sentence for killing potential witness in brother’s murder trial has died in East Texas prison
Read full article: Man serving 50-year sentence for killing potential witness in brother’s murder trial has died in East Texas prisonA man serving a 50-year sentence for the shooting deaths of a couple in 2017 has died in an East Texas prison.