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Feds slash the budget for program that helped 65,000 Texans enroll for health insurance
Read full article: Feds slash the budget for program that helped 65,000 Texans enroll for health insuranceWith the Affordable Care Act navigator budget cut by 90%, nonprofits are seeking ways to fund their efforts to bring more of the state’s uninsured into regular health care.
Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitions
Read full article: Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitionsOnce considered a safe haven to explore identity, Texas campuses are invalidating and alienating trans people, students say.
3.5 million Texans will see food assistance halted if government shutdown continues
Read full article: 3.5 million Texans will see food assistance halted if government shutdown continuesTexas officials say food stamp benefits, which go to 1.7 million children, would not be distributed in November under an extended shutdown.
The feds are cutting off public money for all Planned Parenthoods, following a playbook that began in Texas
Read full article: The feds are cutting off public money for all Planned Parenthoods, following a playbook that began in TexasTexas’ Planned Parenthood has lost half its clinics, but they continue to see thousands of patients a year.
Texas youth camps say cost of implementing new safety requirements will force them to close
Read full article: Texas youth camps say cost of implementing new safety requirements will force them to closeDuring a Friday state hearing, parents of July 4 flood victims said camps should prioritize the safety even if costs are high.
The stage is set: Our full 2025 Texas Tribune Festival lineup is here
Read full article: The stage is set: Our full 2025 Texas Tribune Festival lineup is hereTim Walz, Carol Alvarado, Vicente Fox, Ruth Simmons and Christine Brennan join our biggest TribFest yet, for can’t miss conversations about Texas, our nation and the world
$68 million COVID-era federal funding loss and other potential cuts threaten Texas opioid fight
Read full article: $68 million COVID-era federal funding loss and other potential cuts threaten Texas opioid fightIn addition to the cuts, local nonprofits are also having problems accessing federal help for opioid reversal medication, such as Narcan.
Texas physicians group is undermining federal COVID vaccine recommendations, Paxton says
Read full article: Texas physicians group is undermining federal COVID vaccine recommendations, Paxton saysTexas Medical Association has nudged physicians to consider COVID vaccine recommendations from other medical groups.
Texas health agency adopts emergency rule banning consumable hemp sales to anyone under 21
Read full article: Texas health agency adopts emergency rule banning consumable hemp sales to anyone under 21Two state agencies have now adopted the temporary rule while they work to adopt formal rules to limit who can buy THC products.
Early voting for Texas’ 17 statewide propositions is under way. Here’s what voters need to know.
Read full article: Early voting for Texas’ 17 statewide propositions is under way. Here’s what voters need to know.A majority of the proposed constitutional amendments address tax cuts for homeowners and businesses.
Providing basic care to students does not violate Texas’ parental consent law, state guidance to schools says
Read full article: Providing basic care to students does not violate Texas’ parental consent law, state guidance to schools saysThe guidance comes in response to confusion over a new state law requiring schools to notify parents whenever students need health care services.
Gov. Greg Abbott orders minors banned from THC products
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott orders minors banned from THC productsLt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Friday called Abbott’s decision a pathway to full legalization of cannabis, including marijuana which is still federally illegal. Hemp-derived THC is legal.
Abbott expected to issue executive order setting age requirements for THC-products, other restrictions
Read full article: Abbott expected to issue executive order setting age requirements for THC-products, other restrictionsThe executive order comes after the Legislature ended a special session without the House, Senate and governor agreeing on restrictions.
Texas launches downloadable form to exempt kids from school-required vaccines
Read full article: Texas launches downloadable form to exempt kids from school-required vaccinesPreviously, parents had to wait for the state to mail them the exemption form. They still have to get the form notarized before submitting it to the school for enrollment purposes.
Former Texas Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, author of 2013 abortion restrictions, dies
Read full article: Former Texas Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, author of 2013 abortion restrictions, diesRep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, announced her passing Monday, calling her “one of the first and most effective fighters” for the anti-abortion movement.
THC ban stalls out down the homestretch of Texas special legislative session
Read full article: THC ban stalls out down the homestretch of Texas special legislative sessionHigh priority bills that propose banning THC have not moved through the Texas House, as the current overtime session could conclude in the coming days.
A rigorous accreditation program inspired Texas’ camp reforms. Here’s what that process looks like.
Read full article: A rigorous accreditation program inspired Texas’ camp reforms. Here’s what that process looks like.More than 75 Texas camps have met dozens of safety standards to become accredited by the American Camp Association, which can be a lengthy and costly process.
“Bathroom bill” aimed at trans people signed into law after decade of failed attempts
Read full article: “Bathroom bill” aimed at trans people signed into law after decade of failed attemptsSenate Bill 8, which goes into effect on Dec. 4, restricts bathroom use in government buildings and schools to the sex assigned at birth.
More than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.
Read full article: More than 800 new laws went into effect in Texas on Sept. 1. Here are some of the significant ones.New laws range from school vouchers and water infrastructure funding to a ban on city and county-funded abortion travel funds.
RFK Jr. praises Texas for implementing his health vision
Read full article: RFK Jr. praises Texas for implementing his health visionSecretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. complimented Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law a prohibition on using state tax dollars on specific products with additives, among other measures.
As measles exploded, West Texas officials looked to CDC scientists. No one answered.
Read full article: As measles exploded, West Texas officials looked to CDC scientists. No one answered.Emails show how overwhelmed West Texas officials were as they asked CDC for guidance on how to respond to the explosive outbreak.
Health insurance carriers request raising ACA premiums by more than 20% on average in Texas
Read full article: Health insurance carriers request raising ACA premiums by more than 20% on average in TexasHealth insurers are hiking policy premiums in response to proposed federal cuts and rising costs in various parts of the health care sector.
“My daughter was stolen from me": Grieving parents point to Texas camp failures at Capitol hearing
Read full article: “My daughter was stolen from me": Grieving parents point to Texas camp failures at Capitol hearingSenate Bill 1, which would require more oversight of emergency plans and evacuation procedures at summer camps, was advanced after the emotional hearing Wednesday.
Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender people
Read full article: Texas Senate fast tracks THC ban, flood prep and bathroom restrictions for transgender peopleSenators moved fast on Gov. Greg Abbott’s agenda for the second special session. With House Democrats back in Texas, bills can now move through that chamber.
Vaccine exemption requests in Texas spike in July, as some experts fear more families will opt out
Read full article: Vaccine exemption requests in Texas spike in July, as some experts fear more families will opt outFederal funding cuts to immunization efforts and a new law that allows exemption forms to be downloaded, instead of mailed, could drive up exemptions in the future.
Kratom poisoning calls climb in Texas as the state fails to enforce ban on synthetic version
Read full article: Kratom poisoning calls climb in Texas as the state fails to enforce ban on synthetic versionTexas law bans the sale of synthetic kratom, but it isn’t enforced. Earlier this year, legislation died in the Texas House to ban the natural plant, too.
If Texas were to ban or regulate THC, crime labs say they would need more resources
Read full article: If Texas were to ban or regulate THC, crime labs say they would need more resourcesCrime lab officials told lawmakers Wednesday they are struggling to keep up with deadlier drugs like fentanyl and a THC ban or new regulations would add to the challenge.
Texas youth camps tell lawmakers they need better coordination, emergency plans during disasters
Read full article: Texas youth camps tell lawmakers they need better coordination, emergency plans during disastersTwo youth camp owners told lawmakers more layered disaster plans would create critical backstops and improve communication with first responders.
Senate OKs latest bill restricting use of government and school bathrooms by transgender people
Read full article: Senate OKs latest bill restricting use of government and school bathrooms by transgender peopleSenate Bill 7 would require people to use restrooms that match their birth gender and fine institutions up to $25,000 for repeated violations.
Texas bills increasing youth camp safety face long odds, even after Hill Country floods
Read full article: Texas bills increasing youth camp safety face long odds, even after Hill Country floodsCompeting legislative priorities and an industry that has pushed against certain regulations could challenge a suite of camp safety bills this special legislative session.
Some rural Texans see THC as a lifeline for their health and economy
Read full article: Some rural Texans see THC as a lifeline for their health and economyAs lawmakers continue to debate banning hemp-derived THC, some rural Texans say it helps ease addiction, health concerns and economic woes that hit their communities the hardest.
Texas hospitals, clinics spared the worst of GOP Medicaid cuts. An expected rise in the uninsured rate could change that.
Read full article: Texas hospitals, clinics spared the worst of GOP Medicaid cuts. An expected rise in the uninsured rate could change that.Texas clinics, in particular, are worried about their ability to meet patient needs once people begin losing insurance under changes from Republicans’ recent megabill.
Better testing, less vaccine messaging among lessons learned from historic Texas measles outbreak
Read full article: Better testing, less vaccine messaging among lessons learned from historic Texas measles outbreakFaced with a skeptical religious community that became the center of the outbreak, public health officials say they may have pushed too hard on vaccine messaging.
Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don’t have the resources for regulations
Read full article: Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don’t have the resources for regulationsSenate Bill 5 would ban products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid, creating criminal offenses for possession of hemp-derived THC.
Texas says undocumented immigrants visited local hospitals 80K times in three months. That’s 2% of all visits.
Read full article: Texas says undocumented immigrants visited local hospitals 80K times in three months. That’s 2% of all visits.While the state says undocumented patients cost hospitals $329 million over three months, critics say the data lacks payment information and more context.
Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities included
Read full article: Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities includedThe package includes $13.5 billion to reimburse states for border spending. It is expected to meet resistance in the House from some Texas Republicans.
Texas capital murder case attempts to severely punish abortion pill use by treating a fetus as a person
Read full article: Texas capital murder case attempts to severely punish abortion pill use by treating a fetus as a personA North Texas man charged with capital murder after slipping mifepristone into his girlfriend’s food signals another attempt to rein in abortion pills.
Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?
Read full article: Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?Although Patrick and hemp industry leaders have quarreled over the risks and benefits of THC, cannabis researchers say it can be addictive but doesn’t usually cause widespread psychosis or brain damage.
Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national exam
Read full article: Texas to create its own psychology licensing test amid pushback on national examTexas and other states have criticized a decision by the national psychologist licensing board to add another expensive test in order for psychologists to become certified.
With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcement
Read full article: With prospects of a THC ban eroded, Texas hemp industry supports age restrictions, more regulation enforcementHemp industry leaders say they agree with regulations similar to how the state regulates alcohol.
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income children
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes funding for federal summer lunch program for low-income childrenAbbott cited uncertainty over federal funding of the program as his reason for rejecting the state’s participation.
Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study finds
Read full article: Rural Americans more likely to live with chronic pain than urban peers, UT-Arlington study findsMore than 3 million people call rural Texas home, and many lack access to a primary care doctor.
Texas is illegally keeping people with disabilities in nursing homes, federal judge rules
Read full article: Texas is illegally keeping people with disabilities in nursing homes, federal judge rulesA federal judge determined the state illegally institutionalized severely disabled people for decades, often in poorly run facilities.
Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cuts
Read full article: Meals On Wheels waiting lists grow as Texas braces for federal funding cutsState chapters of the nonprofit group that provide meals to seniors are waiting to hear from Washington how much of a hit their battered budgets will take.
What the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on gender-affirming care ban means for Texas
Read full article: What the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on gender-affirming care ban means for TexasThe court split 6-3 along ideological lines on a case from Tennessee. About two dozen states have similar bans in place.
Some Texans fear a looming THC ban could return them to opioids, illegal options
Read full article: Some Texans fear a looming THC ban could return them to opioids, illegal optionsTexas hemp users stockpile products and consider moving out of state as ban looms, saying the medical marijuana program is currently an untenable alternative.
With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics research
Read full article: With Rick Perry’s backing and $50 million from the state, Texas set to become a leader in psychedelics researchLawmakers have approved funding clinical trials for ibogaine as a treatment for addiction and brain trauma. It comes as Texas contemplates banning THC.
Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental health
Read full article: Amarillo breaks ground on psychiatric hospital, part of the state’s $1.5B investment in mental healthThe facility will bring mental health resources closer to the largely rural region that’s home to nearly 436,000 people.
Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summer
Read full article: Texas foster care agency chief to step down this summerTwo years after Stephanie Muth became Department of Family and Protective Services commissioner, staff turnover is down and the number of children without a placement has dropped.
Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costs
Read full article: Texas will begin a summer lunch program in 2027, but only if feds don’t raise costsThe program would give low income families an extra $120 per child for summer lunches, but federal debate about food benefits could endanger the program.
Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative session
Read full article: Texas reined in recreational THC for more medical marijuana this legislative sessionTexas passed sweeping changes to cannabis policy, including expanding the medical marijuana program and banning hemp products, while also boosting psychedelics research.
School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular session
Read full article: School vouchers, THC ban, property tax cuts: Here’s what Texas lawmakers did in the 2025 regular sessionThe Legislature wrapped up without the same drama that defined the end of the last two sessions, with state GOP leaders checking off nearly everything on their to-do lists.
How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in Texas
Read full article: How RFK Jr., Democrats and Republicans found common ground over food labels in TexasTexas is poised to lead the country in an initiative to inform denizens of what’s in their food. Food industry experts say it’s going too far.
Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax relief
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves $338 billion two-year spending plan with a focus on property tax reliefA boost in public school spending, school vouchers, and money for water systems are other highlights of the state budget, which was bolstered by a $24 billion surplus.
Texas will require state documents to reflect sex assigned at birth
Read full article: Texas will require state documents to reflect sex assigned at birthMany trans Texans have changed the sex listed on their birth certificate, driver’s licenses and other documents. They say their identities will be invalidated under bill headed to governor's desk.
Texas lawmakers expand medical marijuana program eligibility amid looming hemp ban
Read full article: Texas lawmakers expand medical marijuana program eligibility amid looming hemp banHouse Bill 46, which awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s approval, would include more patients with chronic pain and allow for prescribed vaporized and aerosol products, such as vapes.
New limits for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits may become a reality in Texas
Read full article: New limits for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits may become a reality in TexasThe House made changes to the proposal that leave open ways for victims to be compensated beyond medical bills.
Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after Senate agrees to House changes
Read full article: Ban on THC products in Texas heads to Gov. Abbott’s desk after Senate agrees to House changesThe governor has not addressed whether he supports the ban, as hemp industry leaders have urged him to veto Senate Bill 3.
Texas Legislature approves making vaccine exemption process easier
Read full article: Texas Legislature approves making vaccine exemption process easierInstead of waiting for the state to send them one, parents would be able to print out vaccine exemption forms at home if they want to skip school-required shots. Critics believe the bill would increase infections.
Food aid cuts and other changes: What the U.S. House spending bill could mean for Texans
Read full article: Food aid cuts and other changes: What the U.S. House spending bill could mean for TexansMany low-income families would see cuts in health care and food benefits. The state hopes for a big reimbursement for border security spending.
"See how we do things": Austin cannabis shop invites Texas lawmakers wanting to ban THC
Read full article: "See how we do things": Austin cannabis shop invites Texas lawmakers wanting to ban THCA bill that would make it illegal to sell THC products could soon head over to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. For a cannabis store employee, lawmakers don't know enough about the industry they're trying to shut down.
Texas may require medical records list patients’ sex assigned at birth
Read full article: Texas may require medical records list patients’ sex assigned at birthThe bill, which is poised to become law, creates up to a $250,000 fine for medical professionals who change a patients’ listed sex outside of certain exemptions.
Long-running lawsuit against Texas’ foster care system appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court
Read full article: Long-running lawsuit against Texas’ foster care system appealed to the U.S. Supreme CourtLawyers representing foster children asked the high court to reinstate a contempt order against the state, and the judge who issued it.
Juvenile detention, imported shrimp, forever chemicals among hundreds of bills cut off by House deadline
Read full article: Juvenile detention, imported shrimp, forever chemicals among hundreds of bills cut off by House deadlineSome measures that made it through before midnight dealt with jail bonds, an unconstitutional ban on gay sex, and the liability of vaccine manufacturers.
Abbott wants to stop allowing federal benefits in Texas to be spent on unhealthy, high-processed food
Read full article: Abbott wants to stop allowing federal benefits in Texas to be spent on unhealthy, high-processed foodTexas’ governor joins other Republican governors making similar requests to ban purchases of candy and soda through the SNAP program.
Bill requiring Texas hospitals to report the citizenship status of patients killed in House
Read full article: Bill requiring Texas hospitals to report the citizenship status of patients killed in HouseIt is unclear whether the House bill could come back as an amendment to another measure before the legislative session ends June 2.
Texas lawmakers propose abortion pill bill that can’t be challenged in state courts
Read full article: Texas lawmakers propose abortion pill bill that can’t be challenged in state courtsThe bill contains many provisions legal experts say are likely unconstitutional, including one that says it can’t be challenged in state court.
Texas House votes to strictly define man and woman, excluding trans people from state records
Read full article: Texas House votes to strictly define man and woman, excluding trans people from state recordsIf it becomes law, the bill would define sex based on reproductive organs and require state documents and policies to comply with that framework.
Attempt to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips in Texas could stall in the Senate for a third time
Read full article: Attempt to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips in Texas could stall in the Senate for a third timeOpponents fear that fentanyl test strips will increase the usage of the deadly drug.
Bill that would make vaccine exemptions easier to obtain clears Texas House
Read full article: Bill that would make vaccine exemptions easier to obtain clears Texas HouseThe bill would allow a vaccine exemption form to be downloadable. Currently, a form must be requested from the state and mailed to the recipient.
Weary from COVID deaths, Hispanic Texans embraced vaccines. It saved their lives.
Read full article: Weary from COVID deaths, Hispanic Texans embraced vaccines. It saved their lives.In the deadly summer of 2020, Hispanics in Texas were half of all COVID-19 deaths, spurring many to vaccinate. Today, in a startling flip, Hispanics make up less than a quarter of deaths from the disease.
In visit to Texas, RFK Jr. said autism, diabetes deserve more attention than measles
Read full article: In visit to Texas, RFK Jr. said autism, diabetes deserve more attention than measlesDuring a visit to College Station, the U.S. health secretary said Europe has a worse track record with the virus, which gets too much media attention.