Texas News & Current Events | Public News Service

Monday, April 29, 2024

ACLU of TX concerned about arrests at pro-Palestinian demonstrations

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas says it is monitoring protests at college campuses, after almost 60 students protesting the Israeli-…

Among his recommendations for the coming legislative session, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is asking lawmakers to make recommendations about school safety and

TX educators react to Lt. Gov. priorities for next legislative session

Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick has released 57 "interim charges," the topics he wants Senate committees to study in preparation for the 89th …

Migrants are put on buses from Texas to other states, often without knowing where they are going. (afishman64/Adobe Stock)

Concerns raised about migrant children's mental health

The future of Senate Bill 4 is still tangled in court challenges. It's the Texas law that would allow police to arrest people for illegally crossing …

New research from the Episcopal Health Foundation showed the Texas economy could save billions of dollars, simply by breaking the cycle of preventable health disparities. (Colored Lights/Adobe Stock)

New study shows health disparities cost TX billions of dollars

Health disparities in Texas are not only making some people sick, but affecting the state's economy. A new study shows Texas is losing $7 billion a …

By 2031, good jobs accessible to people with only a high school education will represent just 6% of all jobs. (bodnarphoto/Adobe Stock)

TX leaders work to improve job opportunities for rural students

Work is being done in rural areas across Texas to make sure students are prepared for the workforce even if they intend to stay put after graduation…

Gas flaring has persisted from the beginning of oil production more than 160 years ago. (supakitmod/Adobe Stock)

TX faith, environmental groups hopeful about new EPA methane rule

Oil and gas companies have until 2025 to reduce the emissions they release into the air through the practices known as venting and flaring. You may …

The Texas Diversity Council works with various groups to foster environments where people from marginalized groups feel seen and heard. (Ana Baraulia/Adobe Stock)

Texas Diversity Council remains steadfast in face of adversity

Since 2004, April has been designated "Celebrate Diversity Month," a time to recognize, understand and honor the differences between people. One …

It's estimated that Direct File would save the average user $160 in filing fees, and hours of their time, each year. (Parradee/Adobe Stock)

Free IRS tool can help Texans file taxes

CLARIFICATION: In last paragraph, it is estimated that 4 million Texans are eligible to use the Direct File program, not that 4 million will actually …

All libraries that are awarded funding through Libraries for Health are part of a collaborative learning cohort. (Liz Moskowitz)

For Central Texans, libraries can be a mental health resource

This is National Library Week, honoring the many roles that libraries play in their communities. In central Texas, a pilot program is using the …

Lake Creek runs along the northern boundary of nearly 1,000 acres to be protected within the Houston metropolitan area. (Photo courtesy Bayou Land Conservancy)

Houston metro residents benefit from conservation easement

A conservation easement nine years in the making will benefit a local Texas community by preserving almost 1,000 acres. The Bayou Land Conservancy …

Only two humans in the U.S. have been infected with avian flu in the United States. A case in Texas this month is the first time it has been linked to exposure to cattle. (syhin_stas/Adobe Stock)

Texas officials address human avian flu case

The cattle industry and health officials in Texas are on alert after a person contracted avian flu while working around infected cattle in the Texas P…

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says

TX watchdog group targets pipeline leaks, Railroad Commission priorities

A Texas group is on a mission to reform how the state monitors and repairs oil and gas pipeline leaks. More than 480,000 miles of pipeline run …

Financial pressures, lack of mental health resources in rural areas and a stigma about using them all contribute to a suicide rate among farmers that is triple the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association. (primipil/Adobe Stock)

TX works to address wildfire survivors' mental health

Residents in the Texas Panhandle are starting to put their lives back together after surviving the largest wildfire in the state's history. The …

Embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agrees to deal to have felony securities fraud charges dropped against him. (Alice Linahan, Voices Empower/Wikimedia)

TX Attorney General gets deal but legal issues not over

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has emerged from a long court case with another win. After nine years and multiple delays, prosecutors …

As of Oct. 2023, the average teacher salary was $68,000 a year, which is 8% less than the average for U.S. workers overall. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

University of Texas El Paso targets teacher shortage

It's estimated that nearly half of all schools in the country don't have enough teachers. To help change that, the University of Texas in El Paso …

Broadband funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are expected to connect more than 2.5 million households in Texas.(ThomBal/AdobeStock)

TX nonprofit helps rural towns secure infrastructure improvement grants

A lack of staff and know-how often means rural towns miss out on grants to improve their communities, and a Texas group is trying to balance the …

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 43% of public school students attend schools where a majority of them are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. (Adobe Stock)

Texas food bank, schools team up to help needy families

To reach more hungry families, one Texas nonprofit is setting up mini food markets in schools. The Tarrant Area Food Bank in North Texas provides 60…

Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows Texas to begin enforcing Senate Bill 4, calling the decision a

Texas’ SB 4 in limbo again after late-night court decision

Story has been updated to reflect late-night 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision.(8:01 a.m. MST, Mar. 20, 2024) The U.S. Supreme Court handed …

Out-of-state money is pouring into Texas as the contentious issue of

Voucher, 'school choice' advocates work to influence Texas elections

By Jimmy Cloutier for OpenSecrets.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for Texas News Service reporting for the OpenSecrets-Public News Service Collaboratio…

Raging wildfires damaged more than 1 million acres of land in the Texas Panhandle. (yelantsevv/Adobe Stock)

TX legislative committee to investigate Panhandle wildfires

Several members of the Texas Legislature have been appointed to a committee to investigate wildfires that ravaged the Texas Panhandle and parts of Okl…

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will carve a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states, including Texas. (Rob Goebel/AdobeStock)

'Umbraphiles' plan Texas trip to view total solar eclipse

In less than a month from today, thousands of eclipse-chasers will travel to Texas for a dimming of the sun. And one city is making the most of the …

The Empowering Rural America program represents the largest investment in rural electrification since implementation of the 1936 Rural Electrification Act. (Courtesy Rural Power Coalition)

'Power to People' film highlights 'New ERA' for rural electric co-ops

A film debuts in Texas today to help member-owned utility customers learn more about opportunities coming their way from the 2022 Inflation Reduction …

Texas's effort to opt out of the federal immigration system and create its own rules has been blocked by a federal judge. (MaxSafaniuk/Adobe Stock)

Texas' battle over right to arrest suspected illegal immigrants will continue

A law aimed at immigrants crossing the border in Texas will not take effect tomorrow, after a federal judge halted enforcement until a court battle …

The Texas teacher turnover rate in the 2022-2023 school year was 21.4%, an 81% increase from 12-years earlier, according to the Texas Education Agency. (Adobe Stock)

TX teachers say they are burned out, majority want to exit public education

Two-thirds of those who make the public schools function in Texas say they want to leave, according to a new survey and the teachers union said …

Despite a goal of 95% on-time delivery, the most recent report from the U.S. Postal Service showed it is about 83%. (MicroOne/AdobeStock)

Understaffed, unnerved TX postal workers speak out about delivery delays

Texas postal customers, especially in rural areas, are experiencing delays in mail delivery, and some letter carriers feel it could get worse…

Vast tracts of Texas land can accommodate traditional agriculture, including grazing, and solar farms. (trongnguyen/Adobe Stock)

Texas on track for rapid transition to solar-generated power

Texas is showing a flair for solar power generation, demonstrating renewable energy transitions are indeed possible. Dennis Wamsted, analyst at the …

Texas' Travis and Collin counties had the highest percentage of people with an associate degree or higher in 2022. (Gorodenkoff/AdobeStock)

The TX college conundrum: Long-term vs. short-term rewards

Texas is making progress in the percentage of individuals who complete higher levels of education, but still lags behind the national average…

School choice proponents in Texas argue their children's academic needs can't be met without options such as tuition vouchers. Straxer/AdobeStock)

Stagnant state funding leaves Texas public schools reeling

Texas public schools rank 41st in per-student funding, and that may not improve anytime soon. A large education funding package failed in the …

Dentists say daily flossing is key for avoiding the development and progression of periodontal disease. (NewAfrica/Adobestock)

Dentists: Good oral hygiene, heathy diet prevent most tooth decay

Like the saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," good dental habits developed by children early in life can keep cavities at bay and prevent …

The National PTA says setting boundaries and monitoring children's screen time is a responsibility, not an intrusion. (DimaBerlin/AdobeStock)

PTA urges parents, caregivers to participate in 'Safer Internet Day'

Most adults know it is dangerous to provide personal information online but children may not, and today's "Safer Internet Day" is meant to raise …

Rural America represents 12% of the nation's workforce, but only 5% of the computer and math jobs. (BullRun/Adobe Stock)

Innovative tech jobs needed to help rural America rebound

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for Texas News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Col…

Election officials worry technology such as AI is growing faster than the regulatory tools available to keep it in check. (MoiraM/AdobeStock)

AI has potential to disrupt 2024 election in Texas, other states

The rise of artificial intelligence is raising alarm bells for election officials across the country. In Texas, Feb. 5 is the last day to register …

Neighborhoods lacking sidewalks can discourage people from getting exercise which could improve their health. (JacobLund/AdobeStock)

TX health foundation broadens focus beyond the doctor's office

There are Texas ZIP codes where people with lower incomes and few health services have a 20-year difference in life expectancy than those who are more…

A new report shows most states have increased their performance expectations for public schools in the past 15 years, but also reduced funding. (Victor/Adobe Stock)

Persistent state budget cuts create inadequate funding for TX schools

A new report shows persistent state budget cuts in 80% of U.S. states -- including Texas -- deprive public schools of the funding they experienced …

More than half of students surveyed by YouthTruth said school math problems fail to inspire them. (Svitlana/Adobe Stock)

Making math matter to America's high school students

Of all the classes taught in school, many students say math is the hardest and their least favorite subject, but many jobs require math and experts …

The Texas Department of Transportation has approved a historic $142 billion in roadway spending over the next decade. (ABCDstock/Adobe Stock)

TX highway expansion comes with a human death toll

Texas road construction workers die at a higher rate than in any other state, and some believe it's because contractors aren't held accountable for …

Government data show 44 million Americans owe $1.77 trillion in federal student loan debt. (VitaliiVodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Americans are getting billions in student loan debt canceled

Public service is its own reward for many -- but as tuition costs soar, it is also an effective tool to reduce college loans. The Public Service …

The U.S. Supreme Court has previously ruled that immigration laws can only be enforced by the federal government. (diy13/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuits mount over Texas' plan to jail illegal immigrants

Texas is the epicenter of the U.S. immigration debate, and now faces a lawsuit over plans to jail those whose enter the state illegally. The U.S…

Despite being one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the United States ranks lowest in life expectancy, for both men and women, among comparable countries. (flysnow/Adobe Stock)

Study: Voting benefits your health as much as democracy

Voting is not only good for democracy - it's also good for your health, according to one of the nation's largest medical associations. The American …

Among the Texas small business owners responding to a survey, 81% said the cost of health care constrains their ability to grow. (MaksymYemelyanov/AdobeStock)

Study: TX small businesses want lower health care costs, higher transparency

A new survey of the nation's small business owners showed a major challenge to successful operations is trying to provide health care for their employ…

An American labor union hopes that by helping high school students learn the construction trade, they will help fill the nation's workforce shortage. (NathanHutchcraft/AdobeStock)

TX students learn basics in construction trade to fill future jobs

America's construction industry needs more workers, and a labor union has a program to encourage high school students to make it their future career…

The risk of cardiovascular disease increases as people age. (rocketclips/AdobeStock)

Report: Texans have fewer chronic health conditions but more heart disease

Eight chronic health conditions are on the rise across the U.S., with cardiovascular disease a particular concern in Texas. Overall, Texas had a low …

$Oil and gas rigs that emit methane, volatile organic compounds and other pollutants can cause respiratory illness in children and adults. (fracktrack.org) <br />$

2024 will bring comprehensive methane monitoring at Texas well sites

Combating climate change is a major goal of the Biden administration, but new rules governing methane emissions also seek to improve health - …

Across the United States, enrollment at traditional public schools has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. (Nina/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Opponents of Texas' HISD takeover get funds for grassroots mobilization

Parents and educators in the Houston Independent School District (HISE) have new funds to keep up pressure over the controversial takeover of the stat…

Gun raffles have become a popular way to raise money for local causes, but in the wake of deadly shootings, some have been cancelled. (boyrcr420/Adobe Stock)

Texas town calls off rifle raffle after newspaper questions legality

Mass shootings across the U.S. have many calling for more gun restrictions. But it wasn't until a Texas newspaper raised legal questions about a …

Young farmers, ranchers and others want issues of equitable land access, retention and transition addressed in the next Farm Bill. (StockMediaProduction/AdobeStock)

Eager but cash-strapped farmers seek Farm Bill solutions

Advocates for America's small farmers say younger folks express a growing interest in agriculture, but without necessary capital, they can't get a …

A decline in local news is often correlated with the decline in voter participation, according to research by Northwestern University. (V.J. Matthew/Adobe Stock)

Study: Rural vibrancy diminishes with death of local newspapers

The media landscape has dramatically changed in the past 20 years, evidenced by a new study that shows three million residents in more than 200 …

In addition to accelerating global warming, methane emissions can cause or exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions. (Hihitetlin/Adobe Stock)

New EPA rule expected to affect Texas oil industry emissions

A new rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency could reduce the amount of methane escaping from equipment in Texas oil fields. Last …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - April 29, 2024

2024Talks - April 29, 2024

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