One study estimates that an outbreak the size of the one in West Texas earlier this year costs about $12.6 million.
Health care
In-depth reporting on public health, healthcare policy, hospitals, and wellness issues shaping communities across Texas, from The Texas Tribune.
Stephanie Muth, former foster care head, named Texas health commissioner
Muth left the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in July.
How Texas’ law banning DEI, LGBTQ+ topics in K-12 schools could fare in court
Cases challenging Florida and federal policies provide a glimpse into the possible outcome for the Texas case. It is scheduled for a court hearing in Houston on Dec. 10.
Even as SNAP resumes, new federal work rules threaten access for some Texans
Under new requirements, “able-bodied” recipients could lose access to benefits for three years if they go three months without documenting working hours.
Texas proposes hiking licensing fees for summer camps by as much as 4,000%
Some Texas overnight summer camps may start paying as much as $19,500 per year to renew their license with the state. Currently, they pay $464.
A slate of new Texas laws goes into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.
Laws include restricting transgender people’s access to public bathrooms, allowing lawsuits against abortion pill providers, and replacement of the STAAR test.
Texas summer camp owners brace for more mental health issues among youth
Mental health experts expect the July 4 floods have resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder, unhealthy hypervigilance and recurring thoughts on disasters among campers.
Lawsuit halts Texas’ $3 billion dementia fund
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blasted a “frivolous” lawsuit attempting to block the dementia research fund approved by nearly 70% of Texas voters. Plaintiffs claim voting machines were faulty.
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A pregnant Texas mother kept getting sicker. She died after she couldn’t get an abortion.
Tierra Walker, a 37-year-old mother, was told by doctors at a San Antonio area hospital that there was no emergency before preeclampsia killed her.


