Reread this investigation by the Tribune and NerdWallet into the rent-to-own industry, which has a special tool in Texas law that lets it file criminal charges when customers don’t pay their debts — while other businesses have to use civil remedies.
Shannon Najmabadi
Shannon Najmabadi was a reporter at the Tribune from 2017 to 2021, most recently covering women's health. Her stories — on higher education and other topics — have prompted lawmakers to change three state laws, including one involving a very narrow definition of the word “pickle.” She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and Columbia University.
Posted inState Government
Court filing claims Starr and other Baylor leaders helped student accused of sexual misconduct
A motion filed in federal court this week claims that former Baylor University President Ken Starr and other school officials helped a student they knew had been accused of sexual harassment.
Posted in
State Government
“Poison is in the water”: Internal strife plagues billion-dollar Texas Facilities Commission
Documents and interviews with people who work at the Texas Facilities Commission portray an agency gripped by internal dysfunction, complaints of special treatment and fears that major building initiatives are falling prey to petty squabbles.
Posted in
Environment
After Harvey, some South Texans more wary than ever about plan to build landfill near floodplain
Months after Hurricane Harvey rainfall triggered the leak of hazardous waste, new scrutiny is being paid to a company’s plan to develop a landfill outside Laredo near a floodplain.
Posted inState Government
Texas General Land Office official to head regional EPA office
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that Anne Idsal – a top official in the Texas General Land Office – will become the agency’s Region 6 administrator.
Posted inState Government
New state-funded sensors are tracking earthquakes across Texas
A new interactive website from state-funded researchers is tracking tremors across Texas – part of an effort to understand the link between earthquakes and oil and gas production.
Posted inState Government
Judge strikes down Texas ban on common abortion procedure
A federal district judge handed a victory to abortion rights groups Wednesday when he struck down part of a Texas law curbing access to the most common second-trimester abortion procedure, called dilation and evacuation.
Posted inState Government
Gov. Greg Abbott calls for more resources following Border Patrol agent’s death
State and national leaders called for more resources to go to border security after a U.S. Border Patrol agent died in the line of duty Sunday.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
He thought he had a free court-appointed lawyer. Then he got a bill for $10,000
Defendants in Texas and across the country are sometimes asked to reimburse the government for the cost of their court-appointed lawyer through a practice called recoupment.
Posted inState Government
Benefits, burdens of Texas abortion procedure ban debated in 5-day trial
Arguments wrapped up Wednesday in a trial over part of a state law restricting access to the most common second-trimester abortion procedure.
