With help from The Washington Post’s Truth Teller, we’re analyzing speeches Texas’ candidates for lieutenant governor gave at their respective state political party conventions. Here we focus on Democratic state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte.
Alexa Ura
Alexa Ura reported for The Texas Tribune from 2013 to 2023. She covered the complex dynamics of race, ethnicity, wealth, poverty and power and how they are shaping the future of Texas and Texans, in the long and short term. Alexa started at the Tribune as a reporting intern before graduating from the University of Texas at Austin and joining the staff full time. Originally from Laredo on the Texas-Mexico border, she is a native Spanish speaker and is based in Austin.
Posted in
Politics
Fact Check: Dan Patrick at the State Republican Convention
With help from The Washington Post’s Truth Teller, we’re analyzing the speeches that Texas’ candidates for lieutenant governor gave at their respective state political party conventions. Here we focus on Republican state Sen. Dan Patrick.
Posted in
Politics
Van De Putte, Patrick Show Similar Fundraising Totals
Democratic state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte and Republican state Sen. Dan Patrick, who are facing off in a fiery race for lieutenant governor, have both raised about $1 million since the end of May.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Women Want State’s Help in Pelvic Mesh Fight
While thousands of women across the country are engaged in lawsuits against manufacturers of pelvic mesh implants, a Texas group is trying to get the state to take action against a company that makes the medical devices.
Posted inState Government
In Online Ad, Van de Putte Highlights Immigration Surge
In her first online ad, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, highlights the ongoing efforts to address the surge of undocumented immigrants at the state’s southern border.
Posted in
Health care
After Drowning, State Halts Foster Care Placements With Contractor
Following the drowning of two foster children on Sunday, the Department of Family and Protective Services has halted placements by a state contractor that was responsible for overseeing the children’s care.
Posted in
Demographics
State, Waiting for Feds, Providing Vaccines for Child Detainees
In light of a recent surge of undocumented immigrants crossing the state’s southern border, the state health department has sent 2,000 state-purchased flu vaccines to a federal shelter housing unaccompanied minors in South Texas.
Posted in
Health care
Lawmakers Consider Closing Institutions for Disabled Texans
Lawmakers considered a proposal to shutter six of Texas’ 13 state-supported living centers over two days of public hearings, renewing a long-simmering debate over the future of the state’s institutions for the disabled.
Posted in
Health care
Uncertain Future for State’s Division of Blind Services
The state is considering a proposal to integrate its Division for Blind Services with other rehabilitation services. While lawmakers are largely supportive of a consolidation, advocates for the blind are voicing concerns.
Posted in
Health care
Texas Considering No Longer Licensing X-Ray Technicians
Texas is considering doing away with the licensing of X-ray technicians and 11 other types of health professionals. Some say that would put patients at risk. A Sunset Commission hearing Wednesday is set to address the issue.
