The New World screwworm poses a multibillion-dollar threat to the state’s cattle industry. We’re keeping track of where these cases are reported.
Stephen Simpson
Stephen Simpson is the mental health reporter, based in Austin, where he covers behavioral health in schools, treatment in the judicial system, substance abuse and the state mental health system, among other topics. He previously worked in his home state of Arkansas as a politics reporter, where he covered the state's Supreme Court, House of Representatives and correctional system for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Stephen's earliest career experiences include reporting and copy editing at The Jonesboro Sun and The Pine Bluff Commercial. He earned a degree in online and print journalism with a minor in filmmaking from the University of Central Arkansas.
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Screwworm in Texas
Three new cases of screwworm confirmed in Texas; A&M leader tasked as federal adviser
The case in Andrews County included an infested dog. Another case included a goat in Gillespie County.
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Screwworm in Texas
Second screwworm case in Texas confirmed as Abbott expands state disaster declaration
A screwworm outbreak would threaten the state’s cattle industry and potentially increase already high beef prices nationwide.
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2026 Texas Elections
Christian Menefee’s congressional win is a generational shift backed by cryptocurrency
Menefee, 38, unseated U.S. Rep. Al Green, 78, to represent a redrawn Harris County congressional district. The men faced off after Republicans combined parts of their current districts into one.
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Guides
What to know about screwworm in Texas
The first case of New World screwworm in 60 years has been confirmed in Zavala County, near the Mexican border. The flesh-eating fly poses a threat to the state’s $15 billion cattle industry.
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Politics
In Harris County judge runoff, a Democratic upset underscores voters’ desire for new blood
Former Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer defeated longtime local politician Annise Parker to win the Democratic nomination for Harris County judge in what political experts say might be a sign of the changing of the guard.
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Hill Country floods
Texas summer camps have closed, scaled back operations due to state’s new regulations
There are 66 fewer active summer camps in Texas compared to December, according to the state.
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Health care
State asks to continue monitoring Dallas-area foster care contractor until August
The state said EMPOWER needed more time to improve conditions after two children died under the contractor’s care over the years.
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Health care
Hours after statewide ban is reinstated, smokeable hemp is temporarily back on Texas shelves, court rules
After a dizzying string of court actions on smokeable hemp this week, Texas 15th Court of Appeals agreed to allow the sale of the drug.
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State Government
Texas lifts safety rule enacted after deadly flood, clearing the way for some summer camps to reopen
Nineteen camps had sued over a regulation that required fiber optic connectivity. An agreement with the state allows sites to operate with other broadband internet service.