Menefee, 38, unseated U.S. Rep. Al Green, 78, to represent a redrawn Harris County congressional district. The men faced off after Republicans combined parts of their current districts into one.
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.
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Guides
What to know about screwworm in Texas
The first case of New World screwworm in 60 years has been confirmed in Zavala County, near the Mexican border. The flesh-eating fly poses a threat to the state’s $15 billion cattle industry.
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Politics
In Harris County judge runoff, a Democratic upset underscores voters’ desire for new blood
Former Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer defeated longtime local politician Annise Parker to win the Democratic nomination for Harris County judge in what political experts say might be a sign of the changing of the guard.
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Hill Country floods
Texas summer camps have closed, scaled back operations due to state’s new regulations
There are 66 fewer active summer camps in Texas compared to December, according to the state.
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Health care
State asks to continue monitoring Dallas-area foster care contractor until August
The state said EMPOWER needed more time to improve conditions after two children died under the contractor’s care over the years.
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Health care
Hours after statewide ban is reinstated, smokeable hemp is temporarily back on Texas shelves, court rules
After a dizzying string of court actions on smokeable hemp this week, Texas 15th Court of Appeals agreed to allow the sale of the drug.
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State Government
Texas lifts safety rule enacted after deadly flood, clearing the way for some summer camps to reopen
Nineteen camps had sued over a regulation that required fiber optic connectivity. An agreement with the state allows sites to operate with other broadband internet service.
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Health care
Texas wants to ban in-home ketamine and add more physician oversight during treatment
Ketamine industry leaders say Texas Medical Board’s proposal to require physician supervision or limit treatments to two people at a time will force clinics to close.
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Health care
Michael and Susan Dell become UT Austin’s first $1 billion donors
The couple’s latest $750 million investment will help build a new Austin medical center that will provide specialized care, such as MD Anderson cancer treatment, and integrate AI into care.
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Health care
Texas will launch its own clinical trials into ibogaine psychedelic after failing to find a drug company to help
The state’s effort will get a boost from the federal government thanks to a new executive order from President Donald Trump.