The state’s effort will get a boost from the federal government thanks to a new executive order from President Donald Trump.
Stephen Simpson
Stephen Simpson is the mental health reporter, based in Austin, where he covers behavioral health in schools, treatment in the judicial system, substance abuse and the state mental health system, among other topics. He previously worked in his home state of Arkansas as a politics reporter, where he covered the state's Supreme Court, House of Representatives and correctional system for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 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.
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Health care
After conversion therapy ruling, therapists torn on future of Texas’ gender care ban
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled conversion therapy is free speech. Some LGBTQ+ advocates say the ruling applies to gender-affirming therapy, too, while others say the courts won’t protect them.
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Health care
At least 175 measles cases reported in Texas this year, most of them in West Texas Detention Facility
Texas has added 28 more measles cases in the last two weeks. Most infections so far this year have occurred inside West Texas Detention Facility in Hudspeth County.
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Health care
Texas’ ban on smokeable hemp cannabis is in effect. Here’s what you need to know.
New rules from state health officials ban smokeable intoxicating hemp products, including pre-rolled joints and hemp flower.
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Health care
“Don’t take me to the hospital”: Undocumented immigrants in Texas are delaying medical care
Since Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas hospitals to start asking patients for their citizenship status in November 2024, reported visits by undocumented immigrants have dropped.
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Transportation
Long lines linger at Houston’s biggest airport as TSA agents miss work during partial government shutdown
Wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport are expected to worsen over the weekend as agents miss a second paycheck and increasingly call in sick.
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Health care
Measles spike in federal detention facility reaches the Texas public, records show
Most of the state’s measles cases reported so far this year are inside the West Texas Detention Facility in Hudspeth County, where four infected El Paso residents worked.
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Demographics
Texas suburbs lead U.S. for population growth as international migration slows, census finds
Waller County, near Houston, was the second fastest growing county in the U.S. Another three Texas counties were among the 10 fastest growing in U.S.
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Health care
Texas hemp businesses fear an uptick in police raids after more than 15 in the last two years
Attorneys for hemp businesses say the raids have hurt their revenue and reputation, while police said they’re necessary to root out products with illegal levels of THC.
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Criminal Justice
DA won’t refer police who killed Austin shooter to grand jury
Travis County District Attorney José Garza faced intense criticism over a policy that would have sent the officers before a grand jury, before he said his office would not seek charges against “heroes.”
