Abbott’s Billion-Dollar Barrier
Texas’ border wall is rearing its head—concerns about wildlife, public thrift, and property rights notwithstanding.
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After Dobbs, Native People Face a Web of Obstacles to Reproductive Care
In addition to external constraints, many tribal governments appear reluctant to actively fight for abortion access.
Politics ⋆
$1M Donation to Glenn Youngkin Linked to Associates of Austin Area Billionaire Investor
Democratic politicians and reformers say the donation shows a major loophole in campaign finance law.
From Phoenix to Austin, Weeks of ‘Brutal’ Heat Stagger the Southwest
More than a third of the country faced some kind of heat advisory over the weekend.
Teachers Strong-Armed to Get on Board with Houston Schools Takeover
Instructors face job losses for failing to sign up for the New Education System.
Texas Wastes Renewable Energy During June Heatwave
Solar and wind input is setting records, but the state’s inefficient grid is unable to handle the full load it could deliver in the ongoing heat wave.
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Politics
Homegrown Neo-Fascist Movement Marches in Austin
Researchers have identified dozens of members of the white nationalist group—and no, they’re not “feds.”
Texas Recruits High School Kids To Be Corrections Officers
Short on guards, the state hopes to attract students enrolled in corrections career training programs once they turn 18.
Why Nurses Are Making Lone Star Labor History
One nurse thought she’d found her dream job. Now she’s part of the state’s largest private-sector nurses union, which struck this month to defend patient safety.
Environment
Texans Die from Heat After Governor Bans Mandatory Water Breaks
House Bill 2127 preempts local governments from enacting legislation in eight areas—with potentially deadly results.
Pipeline Operators Release or Flare Tons of Gas During June Heatwave
One company, Targa Resources, vented more than 500,000 pounds of toxins into the air during 17 reported events over a week-long period of extreme heat.
June Heat Wave Sends Hundreds to Texas ERs
Prolonged triple-digit temperatures also dramatically increased 911 calls for heat-related illness.
Culture
Strangest State: There’s No Place Like … Texas
What’s weirder than K-Pax? Not much, but here’s a couple of other Lone Star oddities.
200,000 Steps on the Lone Star Hiking Trail
This 96-mile journey from Richards to Cleveland offers respite from the pandemic and urban sprawl.
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July/August 2023
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