Democratic lawmakers wanted to replace a defunded agency by creating a new office that would look at health inequities across the state. But after Republicans pulled it into ongoing debates about transgender rights and critical race theory, the bill died in the Senate.
Stories by Texas Tribune fellows
The Texas Tribune welcomes a group of student fellows into our newsroom each spring, summer and fall. Here is a sampling of their work. Learn more about the fellowship program here.
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Operation Lone Star
Greg Abbott sends state troopers, National Guard to border after increase in fentanyl seizures
Abbott said the increase in fentanyl seizures correlates with President Joe Biden taking office in January and implementing new border policies.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas GOP’s bills targeting transgender children have exacted a mental health toll, even if they don’t become law
GOP bills that sought to restrict or punish transition-related health care, like puberty blockers, missed key deadlines. But LGBTQ advocates say the mere specter that such measures could become law does mental health damage to transgender people.
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Criminal Justice
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals upholds “revenge porn” law
In 2018, a lower court ruled that a state law that prohibits posting someone’s intimate photos online without their permission violated the First Amendment. Wednesday’s ruling overturns that decision.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Bill that would make it a felony for Texas protesters to obstruct emergency vehicles heads to the governor’s desk
The Senate passed House Bill 9, filed in response to last year’s nationwide protests against police brutality, on a 25-5 vote. Gov. Greg Abbott has already indicated his support.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Jobless Texans say Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to end federal unemployment benefits will worsen their already dire situations
Jobless Texans say they’re desperate to return to work, but they haven’t had any luck when applying to multiple jobs every month. For some, one month isn’t enough time to apply for and find a job.
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Coronavirus in Texas
What it’s like to be a doctor in training in the middle of a pandemic
After years of studying how to practice medicine, they quickly learned how to treat COVID-19 patients, relay difficult news to loved ones and manage their own mental health during a pandemic.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas House bill could shield companies from liability after commercial vehicle crashes
HB 19’s sponsors say the bill will prevent excessive lawsuits against companies, but road safety advocates say the bill would make Texas roads more dangerous and prevent victims of crashes from receiving justice.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Senate resumes push to ban transition-related medical care for transgender children, days after bill failed in House
Days after the House failed to pass a ban against gender confirmation medical care, the Senate pushed its own attempt forward.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Jobless Texans will lose all federal unemployment benefits, including extra weekly $300, after Gov. Greg Abbott opts out of the program
The extra $300 federal benefit will end June 26 for jobless Texans. Abbott also cut off another federal benefit that extended aid to gig workers, self-employed people and others who aren’t traditionally covered by unemployment insurance.
