In Austin, a Rare Prosecution over Worker Death in Trench Collapse
Travis County’s progressive DA has secured indictments for the 2021 death of Juan José Galvan Batalla, remembered as a “cheerful” hard worker and beloved sibling.
Labor
Trump Would Doom the U.S. Department of Education and Harm Texas Teachers
Educators are calling for more funding, support, and a system that protects them. Removing the DOE would only perpetuate the problems.
When Will Texas Workers Finally Get Protections from Heat Exposure?
U.S. Representative Greg Casar discusses the timing and impact of a new federal workplace heat safety rule.
When Summer Heat Hits My Texas Prison
High temperatures and scarce air conditioning cause tempers to flare for prisoners and guards alike.
A Small-Town Texas Librarian’s Big Stand Against Book Bans
In Llano County, a local librarian fought back against censorship, prompting a federal court fight and national recognition but losing the job of her dreams.
Pregnant Workers’ Health and Livelihoods Face a New Threat
A Texas federal court has struck down a 2023 law creating protections for pregnant state workers based on its paltry costs.
Top 20 Stories From the Year We Nearly Went Under
After roaring back with an issue on women’s health, we exposed heat deaths at Tesla and USPS, went after Angela Paxton, and broke news on queer rights.
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Working Class Perspectives on the ‘Migrant Crisis’
NYC Mayor Eric Adams was supposed to welcome immigrants bused from Texas. That's not what's happened.
The Death Toll: An Expensive Tollway’s High Cost in Human Lives
State Highway 288 was built by a private equity firm, letting TxDOT abdicate its responsibility to both drivers and construction workers.
Disaster Declared for Texas Shrimp
The U.S. market—and seafood processors’ freezers—are overflowing with cheap farm-raised imports.