Democrats say Abbott has used his authority during COVID-19, the Uvalde shooting and border operations to free up emergency funds.
Stephen Simpson
Stephen Simpson is the mental health reporter, based in Austin, where he covers behavioral health in schools, treatment in the judicial system, substance abuse and the state mental health system, among other topics. He previously worked in his home state of Arkansas as a politics reporter, where he covered the state's Supreme Court, House of Representatives and correctional system for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 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. Read Articles by Stephen Simpson
Posted in
Higher Education
Trans Texas college students bearing more hostility as officials push binary gender definitions
Once considered a safe haven to explore identity, Texas campuses are invalidating and alienating trans people, students say.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Texas youth camps say cost of implementing new safety requirements will force them to close
During a Friday state hearing, parents of July 4 flood victims said camps should prioritize the safety even if costs are high.
Posted in
Health care
$68 million COVID-era federal funding loss and other potential cuts threaten Texas opioid fight
In addition to the cuts, local nonprofits are also having problems accessing federal help for opioid reversal medication, such as Narcan.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas health agency adopts emergency rule banning consumable hemp sales to anyone under 21
Two state agencies have now adopted the temporary rule while they work to adopt formal rules to limit who can buy THC products.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas Tech’s limits on gender identity discussion deepen fears of politics breaching academic freedom
Professors are afraid to publicly speak out, system leaders left key questions unanswered and advocates worry for LGBTQ+ students’ mental health.
Posted in
Health care
Audrey O’Neill named commissioner of Texas’ foster care agency
O’Neill is the fifth commissioner of the beleaguered Texas Department of Family and Protective Services since 2012.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Bill making ivermectin an over-the-counter drug signed by Gov. Greg Abbott
Some people use the drug to treat COVID, even though it’s not approved by the FDA for such use.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
THC ban stalls out down the homestretch of Texas special legislative session
High priority bills that propose banning THC have not moved through the Texas House, as the current overtime session could conclude in the coming days.
Posted in
Health care
A rigorous accreditation program inspired Texas’ camp reforms. Here’s what that process looks like.
More than 75 Texas camps have met dozens of safety standards to become accredited by the American Camp Association, which can be a lengthy and costly process.