INSIDER
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.
Texas high school principal cleared of child abuse charges after paddling student
Read full article: Texas high school principal cleared of child abuse charges after paddling studentThe East Texas school leader was following school district policy — and state law — which allows for corporal punishment. Texas is one of 17 states that allows it, despite one Democrats efforts to ban the practice.
These women want careers as truck drivers. They say they can’t get a job because of their gender.
Read full article: These women want careers as truck drivers. They say they can’t get a job because of their gender.The Dallas-based trucking company, Stevens Transport, said they do not discriminate against women and the complaint is based on a “misunderstanding.”
With 22 portable classrooms on one campus, a growing Texas school district is asking voters for $2 billion
Read full article: With 22 portable classrooms on one campus, a growing Texas school district is asking voters for $2 billionConroe is one of the fastest growing school districts in the state. It and other districts say they need voters to OK bonds to keep up with the influx of students.
A shift in how we build commercial buildings could be a boon for East Texas
Read full article: A shift in how we build commercial buildings could be a boon for East TexasGlobally, mass timber construction projects are expected to reach more than 24,000 by 2034. So far, at least 134 mass timber projects are in progress or completed in Texas. The first such project was a six-story office building in downtown San Antonio.
Looking for an economic rebound, an East Texas town looks to the arts — and is rebuffed by the state
Read full article: Looking for an economic rebound, an East Texas town looks to the arts — and is rebuffed by the stateA town of 34,000 people, Lufkin sits deep in the Piney Woods, a region dotted with rural towns. Local civic leaders hope a long list of efforts can revitialize the city’s downtown and reboot its economy.
A Texas neighborhood became a target of the right over immigration. Locals are pushing back
Read full article: A Texas neighborhood became a target of the right over immigration. Locals are pushing backA booming Texas residential development is pushing back after being put into an unwelcome national spotlight over immigration.
In the shadow of James Byrd’s murder, city leaders can’t agree how to move this East Texas town forward
Read full article: In the shadow of James Byrd’s murder, city leaders can’t agree how to move this East Texas town forwardJasper’s second Black mayor wants to help residents pay their bills while a younger city council wants to invest in the city’s culture. Residents call their heated arguments at city council meetings “foolishness” and “embarrassing.”
Texas inmate killed by cellmate during a statewide prison lockdown
Read full article: Texas inmate killed by cellmate during a statewide prison lockdownThe killing of inmate Billy Chemirmir in the Coffield Unit occurred during a statewide lockdown of prisons, promoted by a rise in inmate homicides. A day before the lockdown, another incident at the same prison resulted in the firings of seven correctional officers and the resignations of another six.
An East Texas principal was arrested after paddling a student, renewing debate over corporal punishment
Read full article: An East Texas principal was arrested after paddling a student, renewing debate over corporal punishmentTexas is one of 17 states that still permits hitting, spanking and paddling in schools. Republican lawmakers stood by the practice earlier this year in part because they say it was permitted in the Bible.
These 2 senators were the only Republicans to vote for Paxton impeachment articles
Read full article: These 2 senators were the only Republicans to vote for Paxton impeachment articlesKelly Hancock and Robert Nichols broke from the rest of their party, but longtime observers said they weren’t surprised.
Watch former Prairie View A&M President Ruth Simmons talk about her new memoir
Read full article: Watch former Prairie View A&M President Ruth Simmons talk about her new memoirSimmons talked with The Texas Tribune about “Up Home: One Girl’s Journey,” which depicts an era long gone but whose legacies of inequality still persist.
How a state effort to fund Texas schools equitably is shortchanging dozens of rural districts
Read full article: How a state effort to fund Texas schools equitably is shortchanging dozens of rural districtsFor decades, the Texas comptroller’s office has double-checked property valuations across the state, which help determine how much school districts can levy in property taxes. But when state and county appraisers disagree, districts can end up with big holes in their budgets.
As the death toll in stifling Texas prisons climbs, congressional Democrats ask for investigation
Read full article: As the death toll in stifling Texas prisons climbs, congressional Democrats ask for investigationMost Texas prisons lack air conditioning. At least 41 prisoners have died of heart-related or undetermined causes since the unrelenting heat wave began.
Woman shoots ex-boyfriend who attacked her, tried to shave her head in Texarkana
Read full article: Woman shoots ex-boyfriend who attacked her, tried to shave her head in TexarkanaAccording to the Texarkana Police Department, the shooting happened at about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday at an apartment complex.
Rural Texas may lose out on billions in broadband infrastructure funding due to federal regulations
Read full article: Rural Texas may lose out on billions in broadband infrastructure funding due to federal regulationsGrant applicants are required to have a line of credit from a major bank and put up 25% of the project cost ahead of time. That will likely disqualify many small internet service providers in rural areas.
EPA will decide if the state is doing enough to reduce pollution in two East Texas counties
Read full article: EPA will decide if the state is doing enough to reduce pollution in two East Texas countiesThe federal agency has settled a lawsuit the Sierra Club brought over pollution from a coal-burning power plant. The agreement requires the EPA to weigh in on the state’s plan to improve air quality in Rusk and Panola counties.
Limited regulations make Texas workers responsible for preventing on-the-job heat injuries
Read full article: Limited regulations make Texas workers responsible for preventing on-the-job heat injuriesIn 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.
Giraffe named Twiga, who was among the oldest cared for by humans, died at age 31 at East Texas zoo
Read full article: Giraffe named Twiga, who was among the oldest cared for by humans, died at age 31 at East Texas zooA giraffe named Twiga who died over the weekend at an East Texas zoo at the age of 31 was among the oldest giraffes being cared for by humans.
Charges filed against five more people in San Antonio smuggling tragedy that killed 53 migrants
Read full article: Charges filed against five more people in San Antonio smuggling tragedy that killed 53 migrantsA year after the nation’s deadliest human smuggling event, federal prosecutors say seven people face a maximum of life in prison. One of the suspects, who was not identified, has not been arrested.
Heat wave has US South sweltering, from tornado-ravaged West Texas town to Florida beaches
Read full article: Heat wave has US South sweltering, from tornado-ravaged West Texas town to Florida beachesCommunities from Houston to New Orleans are opening cooling centers to bring relief as steamy hot temperatures settle across a broad swath of the U.S. South.
“This is pretty devastating”: Three dead, more than 100 injured after tornado strikes Perryton
Read full article: “This is pretty devastating”: Three dead, more than 100 injured after tornado strikes PerrytonMore than 100 people were injured in the tornado that hit the Panhandle town. Gov. Greg Abbott sent emergency crews to assist with recovery efforts.
Texas towns are starving for capital and lack the resources to apply for grants. This group hopes to help.
Read full article: Texas towns are starving for capital and lack the resources to apply for grants. This group hopes to help.Texas Rural Funders hopes a one-stop resource for grant applications and writers could help small towns win money to fund innovation and capital needs.
Texas will spend billions to connect the state with broadband. But is it clear which neighborhoods need help?
Read full article: Texas will spend billions to connect the state with broadband. But is it clear which neighborhoods need help?On the eve of a historic investment in connecting the Lone Star State, advocates worry maps that will help establish which communities get funding have bad information.
Watch: 25 years after James Byrd Jr. was killed for being Black, his loved ones question how much has changed in Texas
Read full article: Watch: 25 years after James Byrd Jr. was killed for being Black, his loved ones question how much has changed in TexasThe quiet East Texas town of Jasper came together immediately after the racist murder of James Byrd Jr. Now, Texas is leading the nation in incidents of white supremacist propaganda.
Texas towns need money, technical help and compromise to save their water systems
Read full article: Texas towns need money, technical help and compromise to save their water systemsWater agencies have long resisted working together out of fear of losing their local powers. But an example from Florida could help save the Lone Star State’s water and infrastructure.
Everything you need to know about Texas’ beleaguered water systems
Read full article: Everything you need to know about Texas’ beleaguered water systemsTexas has more than 7,000 water systems. A fraction of them self-reported that they lost 30 billion gallons of water due to broken pipes and leaks in 2021.
Texas’ water infrastructure is broken, jeopardizing quality and supply for a growing state
Read full article: Texas’ water infrastructure is broken, jeopardizing quality and supply for a growing stateOn a daily basis, water managers in cities across the state move from crisis to crisis hoping to keep the water flowing to residents.
Texas House reaffirms the political maps it drew in 2021
Read full article: Texas House reaffirms the political maps it drew in 2021The 150 districts didn’t change, but the vote ensured the House met its constitutional requirement to approve new maps in the first regular session following formal publication of the 2020 census results.