More than 8 in 10 people charged by state troopers since they began helping Austin police have been people of color. In Southeast Austin, a neighborhood president calls it “outright racial profiling.”
Austin
Posted in
Climate Change in Texas
Amid extreme temperatures, Texas state parks can be a respite — or a heated hindrance all their own
More than 1 million people visited Texas’ 89 state parks in June. In locations without bodies of water, park officials warn attendees not to overdo it as three-digit temperatures persist.
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Economy
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar stages “thirst strike” to advocate for federally mandated water breaks in extreme heat
There are no federal or state requirements that people who work outside receive paid water breaks. Casar, an Austin Democrat, wants to change that.
Posted in
Climate Change in Texas
As Texas’ heat wave continues, tell us how you’re coping
Texans are seeing record-breaking temperatures this summer. Tell us how the excessive heat is affecting your daily life or plans for the future and what questions we can answer about dealing with it.
Posted in
Texas Abortion Restrictions
Tearfully testifying against Texas’ abortion ban, three women describe medical care delayed
The women, believed to be the first to testify about an abortion ban’s impact on their pregnancy since 1973, are seeking to clarify when a medical emergency justifies an abortion.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Travis County won’t pursue driving while intoxicated charges against State Sen. Charles Schwertner
The Republican from Georgetown was arrested in Austin in February. But the county attorney said there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prosecute.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Gov. Greg Abbott sends more state police to patrol Austin after city leaders call for end to partnership
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson had said that troopers pulling a gun on a 10-year-old prompted the end of the agreement. A video of that encounter shows troopers with guns pointed at the ground, not the child.
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Public Education
With no new funding from the state, Texas schools are breaking the bank to pay for teacher raises
Lawmakers this year didn’t approve extra money to help schools pay for raises despite having an unprecedented $32 billion surplus — even after Gov. Greg Abbott commissioned a task force last year to improve teacher pay and retention.
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Health care
As veteran disability claims soar, unaccredited coaches profit off frustration with VA system
Austin-based VA Claims Insider says it has helped hundreds of thousands of clients. It has also touched off complaints and investigations.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
State troopers will resume patrolling Austin streets in July, with some changes in response to criticism
Texas Department of Public Safety officers were criticized for the disparate number of Latino and Black residents arrested during the first iteration of a partnership to help Austin with policing duties.
