Crime lab officials told lawmakers Wednesday they are struggling to keep up with deadlier drugs like fentanyl and a THC ban or new regulations would add to the challenge.
Health care
In-depth reporting on public health, healthcare policy, hospitals, and wellness issues shaping communities across Texas, from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Texas youth camps tell lawmakers they need better coordination, emergency plans during disasters
Two youth camp owners told lawmakers more layered disaster plans would create critical backstops and improve communication with first responders.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Senate OKs latest bill restricting use of government and school bathrooms by transgender people
Senate Bill 7 would require people to use restrooms that match their birth gender and fine institutions up to $25,000 for repeated violations.
Posted in
Economy
Companies are removing artificial dyes from products. What about San Antonio favorite Big Red?
The ingredient that gives the popular soft drink its bright color, red dye No. 40, is supposed to be removed from food and beverages by the end of 2026.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas Senate passes bill to ban THC — again
The Senate’s decision signals another potential standoff with Gov. Greg Abbott, who vetoed a similar ban earlier this year as he called for more regulations instead.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas bills increasing youth camp safety face long odds, even after Hill Country floods
Competing legislative priorities and an industry that has pushed against certain regulations could challenge a suite of camp safety bills this special legislative session.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Some rural Texans see THC as a lifeline for their health and economy
As lawmakers continue to debate banning hemp-derived THC, some rural Texans say it helps ease addiction, health concerns and economic woes that hit their communities the hardest.
Posted inHealth care
Texas hospitals, clinics spared the worst of GOP Medicaid cuts. An expected rise in the uninsured rate could change that.
Texas clinics, in particular, are worried about their ability to meet patient needs once people begin losing insurance under changes from Republicans’ recent megabill.
Posted in
Health care
1.7 million Texans could lose health coverage under expiring tax credits, ACA changes in GOP megabill
Having never expanded Medicaid, Texas avoided most of the looming federal cuts other states will face. But the Affordable Care Act is a different story.
Posted in
Health care
Texas man sues California doctor in federal court, testing a new angle to crackdown on abortion pills
While state court challenges have stalled out, a new federal suit tries to advance the battle between Texas’ abortion laws and blue state shield laws.