The people who make up the Military Veteran Peer Network have overcome mental illness — or at least learned to manage it — and have made it their mission to show fellow veterans a healthy way out of their mental troubles.
Alana Rocha
Alana Rocha was the director of news partnerships for The Texas Tribune until June 2022. She was previously a multimedia reporter, after working in television and radio news for eight years. Alana covered politics for stations in Florida, Kansas and Texas and traveled the country reporting from the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaign trails. She was the lead reporter on several award-winning projects and launched “The Brief,” a daily audio update. A native of Tampa, Florida, Alana received bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Florida.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Transportation Funding Plan Now Up to Voters
Texas lawmakers have passed legislation that – pending voter approval – would mean an estimated $1.2 billion annual boost for TxDOT. But it’s not yet clear what details the agency will have ready to offer the public before next year’s election.
Posted in
31 Days, 31 Ways (2013)
State Awaits Federal Guidance to Drug Test Jobless Texans
Texans who work in some industries must already take drug tests as a condition of employment. Soon, they will also face them if they lose their jobs and seek unemployment. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After Facing Prostitution Charges, Inmates Get Help in Starting Over
Twenty women at the Harris County Jail are working to ensure that they won’t fall back into prostitution when they finish their sentences. A specialized program is helping them gain the tools to do just that.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Video: Prostitution Diversion Program Helps Inmates Start Over
Through a program at the Harris County Jail, 20 women are working to avoid returning to a life of prostitution. The program is led by a woman who knows only too well the struggles they face.
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Health care
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Filibuster, Filibuster, Filibuster
In place of this week’s Newsreel, we’ve got the story of the week — and of the political year so far: the debate and filibuster and verbal melee that marked the last day of the first special session.
Posted in
Politics
Video: Abbott Recalls Houston Roots at Campaign Stop
Attorney General Greg Abbott spoke to supporters Monday at a popular Houston restaurant about why he’s seeking to become the state’s next governor.
Posted inState Government
Abbott Says He Would Bring Different Perspective as Governor
At a campaign stop in Houston on Monday, Attorney General Greg Abbott talked about how he could relate to Texans’ physical and emotional challenges. He added that as governor, he could further help them overcome adversity.
Posted in
Health care
Video: Abortion Bill Proponents, Foes Speak Out
Republican lawmakers say that no matter how many women show up to the Capitol to protest an abortion bill, they have the votes to pass it and will in this session.
Posted in
State Government
Video: Protesters Fill Capitol Rotunda With Song
Before lawmakers gaveled in for the second special legislative session on Monday afternoon, abortion rights advocates sang their own rendition of “Amazing Grace” in the Capitol rotunda.
