A Harris County grand jury indicted a federal immigration agent caught on video striking a pedestrian during a vehicle pursuit.
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
Demographics
Elder Black Texans pass the baton to next generation to keep up fight at ballot box
For Democrats to win in Texas, young Black voters must vote in record numbers. Harris County advocates are betting on it.
Posted in
Politics
Feds charge Fort Bend County official with theft of government money
Carmen Turner, the Democratic tax assessor-collector since 2021, was arrested Thursday morning.
Posted in
Politics
It’s not just Talarico. New Texas poll shows Dems statistically tied in key statewide races
Republicans trail behind Democrats in voter enthusiasm, a University of Texas/Texas Politics Project University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows.
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Graphics and data reporting
When a rural Texas school district struggled with growth, charter schools filled the void
The state has limited how much money it gives to fast-growing school districts, creating million-dollar gaps between what is owed and what’s given.
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Screwworm in Texas
Where is screwworm in Texas? Track cases here.
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.
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
