Texas News & Current Events | Public News Service

The American Federation of Teachers says schools must be safe havens, welcoming places of learning and free from racism, discrimination and the threat of deportation. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, February 6, 2025

TX teachers prepare to protect immigrant students

School districts across Texas are grappling with ways to keep migrant children safe and engaged in class now that the Trump administration has made it…

According to the nonprofit Feeding Texas, one in six households in the state are food insecure. (Stella/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

The final deadline is approaching for members of the Texas Legislature to decide on participating in the Summer EBT program, which provides grocery …

A planned battery system in Texas would reduce carbon emissions by more than 150,000 tons per year. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Monday, February 3, 2025

Possible funding freeze sparks uncertainty in TX energy projects

The back and forth over President Donald Trump's federal funding freeze raises questions about Biden-era investments in energy infrastructure in 23 st…

The Women's Foundation of the South expects to forge relationships with women of color who are nonprofit leaders in 13 Southern states by 2026. (Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits led by women of color receive support from southern charity

As many nonprofit organizations see a decrease in funding and donations, one charity is stepping up to ensure organizations run by women of color do …

The Episcopal Health Foundation in Texas wants to change the conversation and reshape the debate around health care to focus on the nonmedical drivers of health. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

TX lawmakers urged to make healthy living a priority during legislative session

The Episcopal Health Foundation wants Texas lawmakers to make health a priority during this legislative session. The nonprofit focuses on the …

The City of Dallas code states landlords must provide - and maintain in working order - heating equipment capable of maintaining an indoor temperature at least 15�F warmer than the outdoor temperature. (Nimur/Adobe Stock)

TX looks at ways to protect apartment tenants during extreme weather

Extreme weather has hit Texas over the last few weeks bringing snow to many parts of the state. During cold weather, landlords are required to …

University of North Texas students must be an approved volunteer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to take the class with incarcerated people at the Bridgeport Correctional Center. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

North TX college students participate in prison exchange program

University of North Texas students are participating in the national Inside Out Prison Exchange program. In its third year at the college, the …

Nearly 41% of children in small towns and rural areas rely on Medicaid for their coverage, compared with about 38% in metro areas. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families showed most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for heal…

The PoliChic Engagement Fund helps Texas women get involved through civic engagement to impact public policy. (Jesse B/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX women encouraged to honor MLK Jr. by exercising their rights

As the second week of the Texas legislative session gets underway, advocates want women and young girls to pay attention to bills that could impact …

According to the Texas Tree Foundation, the lack of trees and green spaces contributes significantly to the

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

By María Ramos Pacheco for The Dallas Morning News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

More than 2,000 bills have already been filed by Texas lawmakers for the 2025 session. Coming up with a balanced budget is the only task required by the Texas Constitution. (Brandon Seidel/Adobe Stock)

Vouchers, new speaker on TX lawmakers' to-do list

Members of the Texas Legislature are back in Austin for its 89th legislative session. After newly elected lawmakers are sworn in, members will vote …

The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two components of federal retirement policy: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. (sveta/Adobe Stock)

Texas educators celebrate signing of Social Security Fairness Act

Members of the teacher's union, the Texas branch of the American Federation of Teachers, are celebrating the signing of the Social Security Fairness …

If confirmed, Brooke Rollins will direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its 100,000 employees, running on an annual budget of $437 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Texan tapped as ag secretary in upcoming Trump administration

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Pres…

Roads, bridges and overpasses across the state of Texas have been treated with brine in anticipation of a wintry mix this week. (cj2a/Adobe Stock)

Texans encouraged to be heart healthy during coldest temperatures of season

Some Texans are experiencing the coldest temperatures of the season this week. In addition to staying warm, the American Heart Association said it's …

Job stress and poor pay are causing a high turnover rate for counselors at crisis centers handling calls for help from suicidal individuals, according to a report from the National Alliance on Mental Health. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates push to bring TX mental health crisis care on par with 911 services

Thousands of calls to Texas suicide hotlines are going unanswered as funding for call centers is millions of dollars short of what advocates said they…

Scientists said the E. coli bacteria can grow in the intestines of cattle and other ruminating animals without causing the animal any symptoms. When they defecate, the fecal matter is contaminated with the toxic organism. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Poor farming practices cause most toxic E. coli outbreaks

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration An…

Regional drought and fluctuating snowfall at the head of the Rio Grande basin in southern Colorado in recent years have left El Paso Water officials increasingly unsure how much water will flow through the river into the city each year. (Marcos/Adobe Stock)

Drought brought on by climate change affects West TX water supply

By Diego Mendoza-Moyers for El Paso Matters.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

The Hispanic Leadership Network works to equip faith leaders with skills so they can build healthy and strong churches to impact and serve effectively in their communities. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Hispanic pastors across TX, U.S. wanted for leadership network

The deadline to apply is approaching for pastors who want to participate in the 2025 Hispanic Leadership Network. The 10-month program teaches …

Researchers say microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size. (James Thew/Adobe Stock)

Tiny plastic pieces enter the body in ways you'd never think of

By Julieta Cardenas for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

More cities are looking into establishing a renter's right to cooling equipment, as climate change drives record-breaking temperatures across the world. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Following the TX model: Cities craft plans to protect tenants from extreme heat

By Ysabelle Kempe for Smart Cities Dive.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

Upgrades funded by a state program will improve emergency communications across east Texas. (Adobe Stock)

East TX communities granted money for emergency upgrades

Four east Texas communities will share more than $1 million in grant money to upgrade their radio infrastructure systems. The grants are funded by …

More Texans than ever have signed up for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act, with more than one in nine residents covered under government-subsidized health plans.<br />(C Davids/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Cuts to ACA, Medicaid, CHIP could affect millions of Texans

More than 3 million Texans could be affected if changes are made to the Affordable Care Act. During the 2024 campaign, President-elect Donald Trump …

Calls to 911 for GLOW users tend to occur in geographic areas where poverty is more concentrated in Longview. (MclittleStock/Adobe Stock)

East TX program connects residents to services, frees up 911

First responders in the east Texas city of Longview are getting help from a recently formed organization. The GLOW program helps connect residents …

According to an EPA report, locations tested across the country had more than one PFAS chemical in their drinking water. (samopauser/Adobe Stock)

TX Sierra Club warns about possible changes to water standards

The most current study from the Environmental Protection Agency estimated more than 143 million Americans are at risk of drinking water tainted with P…

The Texas Business Leader Alliance will elevate business perspectives on a wide range of policy areas, from workforce development and high health care costs to civic participation. (gguy/Adobe Stock)

TX business leaders form new alliance

A new Texas organization hopes to increase civic engagement among business leaders. The Texas Business Leader Alliance officially launches today…

A monarch butterfly can travel between 50 to 100 miles a day during its migration. (Derek Ramsey/Wikimedia Commons)<br /><br />

Government soon to announce decision on monarch conservation

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to decide soon whether to list the monarch butterfly as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act…

Milk is the only food that makes up an entire food group. (magdal3na/Adobe Stock)

Activist: Dairy may not be best way to get your calcium

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Wh…

Education groups say censorship of course content by the UNT Administration is an example of extreme overcompliance with SB 17. (Adobe Stock)

University of North Texas accused of extreme DEI restrictions

Educators across the state are watching the University of North Texas, as the school denies it overstepped the parameters of Senate Bill 17. The …

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

The holiday season is not merry and bright for everyone. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, lost your job or if you're going through a …

Feeding Texas is advancing policy solutions to both prevent hunger and tackle its causes and consequences. (Daniel Vincek/Adobe Stock)

Feeding Texas Network prepares for legislative session

The nonprofit Feeding Texas Network has announced its priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The food insecurity rate continues to rise in …

Episcopal Health Foundation's survey found that households with diabetes are more likely to say they should eat better and exercise more. More than three quarters (76%) of Texans in households with diabetes say their daily diet could be healthier and 74% say they should be getting more physical exercise. (ratmaner/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Diabetes in TX is a major problem

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and a recent survey by Episcopal Health Foundation shows that nearly half of adults in Texas say they …

Depending on a person's income, disability, age or health condition they could be eligible for a Dual Special Needs Plan at no additional cost. (Eric Hood/Adobe Stock)

TX seniors could benefit from extra Medicare and Medicaid coverage

Medicare open enrollment is underway, and seniors have until Dec. 7 to update their plans, if needed. Lindsey Vanderbilt, director of communications …

Someone becomes homeless in the United States every 40 minutes. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

North TX nonprofit uses technology to combat homelessness

The faith-based nonprofit Our Calling is working with unsheltered clients in north Texas to create a long-term exit plan to help them rebuild their li…

At Adamson High School in the Dallas Independent School District, 95% of eligible students registered to vote. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX teachers work to register students to vote

More than 100 former and current students from Adamson High School in Dallas are eligible to vote for the first time this year, because of the work …

Early voting turnout outpaced 2020 and 2016 in elections across the state. (driftwood/Adobe Stock)

Texas election officials: Expect long lines on Election Day

Millions of Texans stood in long lines to cast ballots during early voting. In addition to picking the next president, Texans are voting in the …

The goal of the Teen Court system is to keep young adults out of the prison system. (chokniti/Adobe Stock)

TX Teen Court gives students a second chance

By Marium Zahra for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service Collaboration …

The practice of intentionally burning excess vegetation has faced opposition from the public. (gilitukha/Adobe Stock)

Ancient technique used to fight west TX wildfires

By Keaton Peters for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

The survey shows that because of Texas abortion laws many OB/GYN physicians and resident physicians are considering or have made changes to their practices that reduce the availability of OB/GYN care in the state. (Laura/Adobe Stock)

Abortion ban prompts concern among TX doctors

A recent survey of OB/GYNs in the state shows that doctors are concerned and confused by Texas' abortion ban. 76% of doctors surveyed say they feel …

Early voting in Texas runs from Oct. 21 through Nov. 1. (DOERS/Adobe Stock)

Early voting kicks off in TX

Early voting kicks off in Texas today, and when voters cast their ballots, they'll vote for more than just the president. They'll also pick members …

Early voting in Texas starts Oct. 21. (Alan/Adobe Stock)

Rural voters in TX go to polls with 3 concerns

Rural voters in Texas and across the U.S. tend to be swing voters and may decide the outcome of this year's presidential election. According to a …

The kiosk is operational 24 hours a day. Books, DVDs, and Audiobooks can be returned at the kiosk. <br />(Photo courtesy Little Elm Library)

Library kiosks in TX expand book access in the state

With book bans in public schools increasing, public libraries have a larger purpose. The Town of Little Elm in northeast Texas has found a unique way …

Drag shows are currently banned in Montana and Tennessee. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

TX LGBTQ community fights back against drag show bans

By Nico Lang for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service Collaboration In …

Health care workers and community members work to share factual information about vaccines as we approach the cold and flu season. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

TX Hispanic leaders dispel immunization myths, encourage vaccinations

Medical professionals and advocates in the Latino community are using National Hispanic Heritage Month to encourage residents to prepare for the upcom…

A rendering depicts the proposed entryway for Teague Park in Longview, Texas. (Photo courtesy City of Longview)

East TX city receives federal grant money to improve park

The City of Longview, in east Texas, will use a $1.3 million federal grant to make upgrades to one of its largest parks. Teague Park sits in the …

If postpartum depression symptoms last longer than a few weeks, mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor. (sementsova321/Adobe Stock)

TX postpartum expert: 'reach out for help'

About 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression after giving birth. What's typically known as the "baby blues" usually lasts around three …

A blood test is the only way to determine your cholesterol levels. (jarun011/Adobe Stock)

TX among states with high cholesterol numbers

On this last day of Cholesterol Education Month, the American Heart Association is highlighting the importance of knowing your cholesterol numbers - …

The Fair collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and other local organizations to devise ways to make Sensory-Friendly Mornings beneficial and fun. (State Fair of Texas)

State Fair of TX hosts Sensory Sensitive Mornings

Big Tex is up and the Ferris wheel is spinning at the 138th State Fair of Texas. And again, this year the Fair is making special accommodations for …

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