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 Houston-region reporter, where he covers the fast-growing city and its surrounding areas. He joined the Texas Tribune in 2023 and previously served as the mental health reporter. Prior to that, he was a politics reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, where he covered the state's Supreme Court, House of Representatives and correctional system. 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.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Harris County to spend $3M on community safety programs leaders say have driven down crime
One domestic violence care advocate said the county’s program that provides money to survivors to pay for basic needs could be a model for the rest of the state.
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Politics
Texas Supreme Court blocks Galveston County from using districts redrawn after the primaries
Redrawing political boundaries between the primary and general election raises serious constitutional concerns, the court said.
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Texas affordability crisis
1 in 5 Texans experience food insecurity as food banks struggle to keep up with demand
More Texans have become food insecure due to a rise in natural disasters and less qualifying for SNAP benefits. Rural food banks in particular face additional pressures.
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Environment
Edouard causes flooding in East Texas, dumping more than 20 inches of rain in places
Forecasters warned that the risk of flooding could continue in East Texas into Thursday as the tropical storm’s remnants move slowly north.
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2026 Texas Elections
Trump visits Texas to fundraise for Ken Paxton’s Senate bid
The president’s trip, which includes a GOP event and a NASA ceremony, comes as the Texas attorney general trails his U.S. Senate challenger James Talarico in the polls and fundraising.
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Criminal Justice
Flock cameras face growing backlash across Texas counties, but getting rid of them is complicated
Some government officials said they understand the community’s anger, but warn that many of these contracts fall outside their jurisdiction.
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Courts
Texas THC ban continues as federal judge rejects emergency motion
Hemp businesses and consumers asked to block state regulations on THC, but their lawsuit remains pending.
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Houston ICE Shooting
Harris County DA says independent investigation into fatal ICE shooting will cost $2.5 million
District Attorney Sean Teare said his office may need to sue to see evidence in the July shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo because federal agencies aren’t cooperating.
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Courts
Hemp industry files new lawsuit over Texas THC ban claiming job losses, medical marijuana monopoly
Members of the hemp industry are suing Texas, claiming that the ban on hemp-derived THC products impose an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce.