August, 2017

• 13 August

  Study: Fast-Growing Texas Cities Are Hot – and Getting Hotter

  

  SAN ANTONIO – The effects of climate change on temperatures don’t appear to be deterring people from moving to some of Texas’ largest cities, according to a new report. The website Sparefoot, which helps people …

July, 2017

• 20 July

  Report: UT System Grads Get Better Jobs, Make More Money

  

  AUSTIN – Graduates from University of Texas System schools, on average, do better in their careers than students with degrees from other colleges – not just in Texas but across the nation, according to a joint …

June, 2017

• 25 June

  Boycotts Over ‘Religious Freedom’ Bills Could Cost Texas Billions

  

  AUSTIN – The predicted economic backlash against Texas has begun in protest of the state’s new laws that allow discrimination in the name of religious freedom. Last week, California banned official travel to Texas by …
• 21 June

  Report: Texas Faces Health Crisis from Toxic Oil, Gas Emissions

  

  PLANO, Texas – Methane and other toxic byproducts from oil and gas exploration will, by 2025, make Texas the worst state in the nation for public health problems from toxic pollution, according to a new …
• 19 June

  Immigrants Left in Limbo After Obama-Era Program Rescinded

  

  DALLAS – A decision by the Trump Administration last week is keeping hope alive for immigrants brought to Texas and the rest of the U.S. as children. But the news isn’t as good for their …
• 15 June

  New Texas Law Enables Comprehensive Rape Kit Reform

  

  AUSTIN — With the passage of a bill establishing a tracking system for evidence in sex assault cases, Texas has become the first state to implement comprehensive rape kit reforms. There are an estimated 20,000 …
• 13 June

  Study: Switch to Solar Power Could Save 50,000 Lives

  

  SAN ANTONIO – Thousands of Americans die prematurely from air pollution-related diseases associated with burning coal, and a new study says transitioning to solar power would save more than 50,000 American lives each year. The …
• 12 June

  Proposal in Congress Would Override Texas Medical Malpractice Laws

  

  HOUSTON – Medical malpractice laws in Texas and other states would be nullified under a measure in Congress that could be voted on this week. House Resolution 1215, the Protecting Access to Care Act, would …
• 4 June

  Texas Bill Provides Alternatives to Jail for Inability to Pay Fines

  

  AUSTIN – A measure passed by the Texas Legislature is designed to prevent people convicted of low-level crimes from being sent to jail when they can’t afford a fine or fees. Senate Bill 1913 was …

May, 2017

• 26 May

  CBO Report: 23 Million to Lose Coverage Under AHCA

  

  AUSTIN, Texas – The Congressional Budget Office says 23 million Americans would lose their health insurance by 2026 if the American Health Care Act becomes law. Some 14 million of those 23 million would lose …
• 21 May

  Report: ‘Extreme’ Gerrymandering Gives TX GOP Unfair Advantage

  

  HOUSTON — Redistricting designed to favor one political party has skewed election results in many states, and a new report says Texas is among the most extreme examples. The Brennan Center report, called “Extreme Maps,” …
• 19 May

  Bill Aims to Improve “Shamefully Poor” Conditions in TX Nursing Homes

  

  AUSTIN – The Texas Legislature could soon approve a bill to correct dangerous conditions in many of the state’s 1,200 nursing homes. Senate Bill 932, designed to close loopholes in regulations and strengthen penalties for …
• 2 May

  Bill Would Allow Climate-Change Denial in Texas Classrooms

  

  AUSTIN – A state legislative committee will consider a proposal that would allow climate-change denial to be taught in Texas public schools. Texas is among several states considering laws that would block state and local school …

April, 2017

• 27 April

  Texas Groups Oppose Congress’ Second Try at Health Care Bill

  

  AUSTIN – Congress could vote on a new version of the GOP’s American Health Care Act as early as this weekend, but a group of Texas health-care advocates is strongly opposing the bill. The proposal still …
• 19 April

  Groups Oppose Bills to License ICE Detention Centers for Child Care

  

  AUSTIN  – A bill in the Texas Legislature aims to overturn previous court rulings barring state officials from licensing federal detention centers as child-care providers. A coalition of groups is opposing House Bill 2225 and …