In today's Brief: Tens of thousands of families still don’t have a permanent home months after Hurricane Harvey, sexual assaults are being reported at statehouses around the nation and state leaders are calling for more border security after the death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Texas.
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THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES DISPLACED MONTHS AFTER HARVEY

Three months after Hurricane Harvey devastated southeast Texas, tens of thousands of displaced families are still scattered across the state and without a permanent living situation. 

For many, like Houston residents Yashica Foster, Maria Keene and their families, the seemingly interminable process of home repairs, insurance inspections and government assistance is just now beginning. 
 

SEXUAL ASSAULT TROUBLES AT STATEHOUSES

As sexual assault allegations continue to swell against powerful men, troubles are also mounting at statehouses around the country, according to a new report in USA Today — ranging from inappropriate touches and charged comments at the Arizona Legislature to "sexual favors" at the Rhode Island Capitol. 

At #txlege, detailed accounts of assault and flawed policies prompted state leaders last week to ask the House and Senate to review their chambers' outdated sexual harassment policies. The House has already sent a draft of its updated sexual assault policy to members asking for input, per the Tribune's Jolie McCullough, and may hold a meeting the first week of December to discuss the issue.

Have you experienced sexual harassment at work in Texas? Here's a glance at what federal and Texas laws say about workplace harassment — and what victims can do to get help.  
 

BORDER PATROL AGENT'S DEATH SPURS CALLS FOR MORE SECURITY

Gov. Greg Abbott and other leaders want more resources for border security after U.S. Border Patrol agent Rogelio Martinez died Sunday in the line of duty.

Abbott’s office announced Monday that the governor had approved a reward of up to $20,000 for leads on who is responsible for Martinez’s death. Details surrounding the case remain scarce; officials as of late Monday morning had not replied to requests about what incident Martinez and his partner — who was hospitalized in serious condition — were responding to.

Other stories we're watching today

• Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith is set to discuss health care reform today with U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, state Sen. Chuy Hinojosa, D-McAllen, state Rep. Oscar Longoria, D-Mission, and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine Dean John Krouse. Join us in person or watch a livestream here at noon. 

We're testing a few changes around here. What do you think? Send your thoughts to thebrief@texastribune.org. 

BEST OF THE TRIB

• State Rep. Kyle Biedermann launched an anonymous Facebook page to lobby against a local bond that eventually lost by 100 votes. 

• There's a $1.85 million civil lawsuit against Texas' new special education director over allegations that she covered up the sexual abuse of a six-year-old special education student at her old job at a small school district in Oregon.

• New in TribTalk: The federal drug discount is a good idea gone bad 

 

BEST OF THE REST

Paywall content noted with $.

Politico: Judge: Trump voter fraud commission on ice till next year

Texas Standard: Water: A new export for Corpus Christi?

Waco Tribune-Herald: Judge quashes DA subpoena, shuts down hearing in Twin Peaks shootout case 

The Dallas Morning News: New Texas transportation group vows to fight tea party on how to ease traffic jams ($)

The Austin American-Statesman: U.S. Rep. John Carter "shocked, outraged" after Statesman report on Temple VA abuses ($)

The Houston Chronicle: Evangelical Cruz challenger vows a change of "style"
 

PENCIL US IN

Join us in Houston on Nov. 30 for a conversation on health care after Hurricane Harvey with state Rep. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, Elena Marks, president and CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation, and executive director of Harris County Public Health Umair Shah. 

THE LAST WORD


"I feel like I'm in limbo right now." 

— Maria Keene, a Houston resident who was displaced during Harvey, waiting to receive an estimate on how much of her home's damage her insurance company will cover.

Thanks for reading The Brief, our daily dispatch on Texas politics, public policy and everything in between. Please shoot me your tips and feedback at cpollock@texastribune.org. Love this newsletter? Consider making a donation in support of our nonprofit newsroom. — Cassi Pollock
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