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Megan Menchaca was a reporting fellow at The Texas Tribune in 2021 after two semesters as an engagement fellow. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Megan previously worked as an audience engagement intern at The Dallas Morning News, a digital intern at the Austin American-Statesman and a news intern at the Austin Chronicle. She was also the managing editor and news editor at The Daily Texan.
In 2019, Texas legalized hemp, but not marijuana. The new law led to confusion about which marijuana products are legal in Texas. Meanwhile, support for legalizing the drug remains high in polling, and other cannabis-derived products like delta-8 have emerged. Full Story
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Jobless Texans say they’re desperate to return to work, but they haven’t had any luck when applying to multiple jobs every month. For some, one month isn’t enough time to apply for and find a job. Full Story
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The extra $300 federal benefit will end June 26 for jobless Texans. Abbott also cut off another federal benefit that extended aid to gig workers, self-employed people and others who aren’t traditionally covered by unemployment insurance. Full Story
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House Bill 4509 would mandate that students study documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Federalist Papers. The bill’s author added speeches from Black historical figures after criticism at a hearing last month. Full Story
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It’s unclear if Paxton has unblocked others on Twitter who were not named in the lawsuit. Full Story
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Representatives of the Lamar County Democrats met Tuesday to consider the resignation of Gary O’Connor, the local party chair. O'Connor called U.S. Sen. Tim Scott an "oreo" following his rebuttal to the president's congressional address. Full Story
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A runoff date has yet to be scheduled in the race, which drew 23 candidates vying to replace U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, R-Arlington. Full Story
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Before moving to Minneapolis, Floyd had been a longtime Houston resident. That city's mayor on Tuesday said he and the Houston Police Department would be announcing police reforms next week. Full Story
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The lawsuit argues that being blocked from viewing the attorney general's tweets is a violation of the First Amendment because it limits the right of people to participate in a public forum and access Ken Paxton's statements. Full Story
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Price, who is leaving office after 10 years, also spoke with The Texas Tribune about her city’s response to the pandemic, political divisions and the 2021 legislative session. Full Story
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