Texas News & Current Events | Public News Service

Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Vietnam War. (Congressional Medal of Honor Society)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Heroes welcomed for Medal of Honor Museum opening in TX

North Texas leaders are celebrating today's opening of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington. The museum is dedicated to highlighting the …

Reducing new clean energy projects would increase air pollution in Texas by over 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2030 and 83 million metric tons in 2035, equivalent to the annual air pollution from four and 21 coal-fired power plants, respectively. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Report: Cuts to Inflation Reduction Act would impact TX economy

Texas would be one of five states to suffer the most if the Trump administration repeals the Inflation Reduction Act, according to a report from the …

PoliChic Engagement Fund says it's critical Texans make sure lawmakers are voting in their public interest. (JHVEPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Texans encouraged to use their voices during current legislative session

Many Texans feel strongly, one way or another, about the proposed school voucher bill before state lawmakers. Gov. Greg Abbott has proposed a plan to …

Research shows students' sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment in school and is protective for mental health. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

As the immigration debate continues, many children of immigrants in Texas who are American citizens are caught in the middle. An elementary school …

Clean=energy advocates say wind and solar projects in Texas are reducing air pollution, saving water, supporting the grid and combating the global warming that threatens native ecosystems. (Peter Adams/Adobe Stock)

Legislation could hinder TX wind, solar projects

Clean-energy advocates in Texas are closely monitoring a bill before the Legislature that, if passed, could stop the development and operation of …

Expanded oil and gas subsidies, included in current versions of upcoming federal tax legislation, would support a massive expansion of LNG projects to more than double national export capacity by 2030. (Jeeraphun/Adobe Stock)

Religious leaders gather in TX to fight oil and gas subsidies

Forty religious leaders from different denominations gathered in Texas this week to call for an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and expansion of related …

Nationally, the average cost of a dozen large eggs was $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Nitr/Adobe Stock)

Report: Bird flu not cause of rising egg prices in TX

A new report by the group Food and Water Watch said egg companies are exploiting the bird flu outbreak for profit. On average, the price of a dozen …

When it comes to solutions to address non-medical factors for those facing the most barriers to good health, 70% of Texans said it was

High cost of health care negatively affects many Texans

Almost two-thirds of Texans have skipped or postponed some form of health care in the past year because of cost. That's according to a survey by …

During a recent American Federation of Teachers-Texas town hall meeting, educators from around the state, including former Department of Education employees, said they are confused by some of the job and spending cuts already made. (ahmed/Adobe Stock AI)

TX educators eye changes at the Department of Education

Educators in Texas are concerned about the Trump administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education. One of the Department's primary …

The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill to require all Texas prisons to have air conditioning by 2029 but the prison system only has to comply if the state provides the funding. (pict rider/Adobe Stock)

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in TX prisons

Only 30% of prisons in Texas have central air conditioning and faith leaders and advocates for those incarcerated are raising concerns about inhumane …

The Texas Department of State Health Services says a dose of MMR is given to unvaccinated people within 72 hours of their exposure to the measles to lessen the severity of the illness if they get sick from their exposure to the virus. (Luci/Adobe Stock)

TX doctors concerned about vaccination rates during measles outbreak

Health officials across Texas remain on high alert after a deadly measles outbreak in the South Plains region. The state health department said one …

Texas is already experiencing the effects of climate change, with rising temperatures creating intensified heat waves across the state. In 2023, Texas recorded its second-hottest summer on record. (Kasper/Adobe Stock AI)

Texans encouraged to 'decarbonize' buildings to fight climate change

School districts and county governments across Texas are being encouraged to consider building decarbonization to combat climate change. The process …

Plaintiffs in a pair of new lawsuits against the Trump administration noted leaders in both political parties, thousands of businesses and millions of Americans support permanently protecting our coasts from offshore drilling. (paxphongtrinh/Adobe Stock)

Trump administration faces lawsuits over oil and gas drilling

Several environmental groups concerned about increased offshore drilling have a filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit …

Researchers say although federal relief money is no longer available, states could be targeting federal Title I and state funding to implement intervention programs. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19 learning loss still being felt in TX schools

Texas ranks 31st among states in terms of the change in math achievement between 2019 and 2024, and 8th in reading. That's according to a study that …

Oil and gas operators seeking to reduce their methane emissions have many options, with 266 companies offering more than 18 categories of cost-effective technologies and services. (peterschreiber.media/Adobe Stock)

TX leads nation in methane mitigation

The methane mitigation industry has experienced a surge in Texas and around the nation over the last decade. A recent study found Texas has 293 …

One contributing factor to seasonal affective disorder, the technical name for wintertime blues, is a lack of sunlight, which is a crucial source of vitamin D and helps regulate wake/sleep cycles. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Texans missing the sunshine could be suffering from winter blues

Cold temperatures, decreased sunlight and fewer interactions with family and friends are some of the reasons Texans might suffer from seasonal …

When biosolids containing PFAS are used as fertilizer, the chemicals leach into soil and groundwater, and are then taken up by plants, which are then consumed by humans, livestock and wildlife. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

North TX county declares disaster due to PFAS contamination

A north Texas commissioners' court has declared a county disaster because of PFAS contamination. Johnson County Commissioners are asking Gov…

The Texas Department of Agriculture hopes to reach children in rural areas who haven't previously participated in Summer Meal Programs because of transportation barriers. Eligible sponsors in those areas can apply to distribute meals outside of the required group settings and meal service times. (chomplearn_2001/Adobe Stock)

Sponsors needed for TX Dept. of Ag summer feeding programs

The Texas Department of Agriculture is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program and the …

Attorneys representing an undocumented father in Lubbock said he faces deportation proceedings after a traffic stop by police. (Thanyalak/Adobe Stock)

Northwest TX father faces deportation

A northwest Texas family is waiting to hear from agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a recent traffic stop. Jose is in the country …

Adrian and Shane Potter adopted siblings Isaiah, Jordan and Sophia in 2021. (Photo courtesy of The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Collaboration helps TX foster kids find forever homes

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services are working together to find homes for foster-care childre…

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)

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)

$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)

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…

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