Texas News & Current Events | Public News Service

Traveling nurses found improved quarters in Houston thanks to a pandemic-loan program designed to help small minority-owned businesses rebuild. (voltamax/Pixabay)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

SOAR Fund Lifts Up Small Businesses Hit by Pandemic

HOUSTON, Texas -- Minority-owned businesses across the South are benefitting from a program designed to help them get back on their feet post-…

The mission of the 'Buy Nothing Project' is to promote the giving of goods and services within hyperlocal circles. (bfleeson/Pixabay)

"Buy Nothing" Movement Gains Pandemic Momentum

AUSTIN, Texas -- Supply chain delays have some holiday shoppers stressed that gifts won't be on store shelves on this "Black Friday," or won't arrive …

The Texas counties of Pecos, Nacagdoches and Hutchinson have the highest numbers of "orphan wells," according to data compiled by Native State Environmental. (nativestateenvironmental.org)

Conservatives Seek Reforms for "Orphan Wells" on Public Lands

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Build Back Better Act making its way through Congress includes reforms for oil and gas production on public lands first …

Texas' population grew by 13.7% between 2010 and 2020, with Black, Latino, and Asian American and Pacific Islander residents representing the three fastest-growing groups. (brennancenter.org)

Lawsuit Claims Texas Redistricting Maps Disenfranchise Minority Voters

AUSTIN, Texas -- Legal challenges are piling up in Texas over newly-drawn congressional and legislative district maps, with the latest alleging they …

Collapse of the 90-year-old Lake Dunlap Dam spillway in 2019 because of aging structural steel highlighted infrastructure needs in Texas. (Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority)

U.S. Infrastructure Bill Signed, 'Build Back Better Act' on Deck

AUSTIN, Texas -- With the massive infrastructure bill now signed into law by President Joe Biden, environmental advocates are keeping the pressure on …

Veterans Day, a federal holiday in the United States, is observed annually on Nov. 11. (Adi_Schnadi/Pixabay)

Texas Museum Will Honor Veterans' Stories

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Today the country takes time to acknowledge those who served in the U.S. military, and by next Veterans Day may see a museum …

At nearly 1.5 million, Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the country. (27707/Pixabay)

Veterans, Military Families Acquire Easier Access to Health Care

AUSTIN, Texas -- Newly returned veterans or even those who've been back for years face obstacles, and a big one is how to pick the best health care…

Galveston Bay will receive settlement funds from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to build oyster reefs made mostly from limestone, recycled oyster shells or concrete. (ancolek1998/Pixabay)

Deep Horizon Oil Spill Settlement Funds to Help Restore TX Oyster Reefs

HOUSTON -- Storm damage, pollution and other factors, some related to climate change, are reducing the oyster population, but settlement funds from …

There are 28 million American kids between the ages of 5 and 11 now eligible for the pediatric version of the coronavirus vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (drfuenteshernandez/Pixabay)

COVID Battle Enters New Phase With Childhood Vaccinations

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Health officials are optimistic that broad immunity against COVID-19 can be achieved for children, now that the Centers for …

Vitamin- and nutrient-filled jack-o'-lantern make nutritious treat for birds, squirrels and pigs. (onegreenplanet.org)

Leftover Pumpkins? Make Pigs Squeal With Delight

AUSTIN, Texas -- The trick-or-treaters are gone, but that doesn't mean your jack-o'-lantern has to be sent to the trash after Halloween. To help the …

About 7% of Texas children ages 3 to 17 reported anxiety problems even before the pandemic, according to a new study by the United Health Foundation. (marcisim/Pixabay)

Study: Concerning Stats for Women and Children's Health

AUSTIN, Texas -- Access to mental-health resources is not always available under insurance plans, but those with such services should take advantage …

In 2015, nearly 200 countries agreed to individual plans to fight global warming in the historic Paris climate agreement. (TheDigitalArtist/Pixabay)

COP26: Another Attempt to Avert Climate-Change Catastrophe

AUSTIN, Texas -- As climate scientists warn time is running out to reverse the worst effects of climate change, some Texans will be among those …

Under the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, employers would be required to notify all new employees of their rights under the National Labor Rights Act, and post those rights where employees congregate. (ufcw.org)

Unions Push for PRO Act Provisions in Reconciliation Bill

HOUSTON -- Even before last year's election, President Joe Biden expressed his support for unions. Now it is up to Congress to decide if laws …

The Texas Main Street Program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. (the.texas.gov)

Revitalizing America's 'Main Street' One Town at a Time

HOUSTON -- Many U.S. communities with bustling downtowns were better prepared to weather economic fallout from the pandemic, thanks to a decades-old …

Texas has more registered firearms than any state in the nation. (bradyunited.org)

Are Lenient Texas Gun Laws Tied to Latest School Shooting?

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas has some of the weakest gun laws in America, and gun-control advocates say the permissive attitude may be why a student …

Between 2000 and 2010, Texas' population increased by nearly 4.3 million, more than in all other states, with Houston adding 200,000 residents. (act014/Pixabay)

TX House Takes Up Redistricting Map That Lacks Minority Representation

AUSTIN, Texas -- Data from the 2020 U.S. Census showed 95% of Texas' population growth came from minorities, but the proposed redistricting map …

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Dec. 1 in a Mississippi case that could overturn the decades-old abortion protections established under Roe v. Wade. (guttmacher.org)<br /> — The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Dec. 1 in a Mississippi case that could overturn the decades-old abortion protections established under Roe v. Wade. (guttmacher.org)

Texas Health-Care Providers Face Abortion-Law Whiplash

HOUSTON - Two court rulings in one week over the controversial Texas abortion law have providers questioning how to proceed. Last Tuesday, a federal …

A student loan waiver announced this week will bring more than 550,000 borrowers closer to loan forgiveness, according to the U.S. Department of Education. (OTheFool/Pixabay)

Are You Eligible for Revamped Student-Loan Forgiveness Program?

AUSTIN, Texas -- Hundreds of thousands of teachers, nurses, social workers, military officers and others in public service can breathe a sigh of …

In the United States, 100,000 children are trafficked every year, according to New Friends New Life. (fbi.gov)

TX Program Aims to Help Child Victims of Human Trafficking

AUSTIN, Texas - Countless children who are victims of human trafficking are getting help through a new grant program in Texas. A bill passed by the …

Four years ago last month, Hurricane Irma slammed into Texas with 100 mph winds and torrential rainfall. (harriscountysheriff)

How Texas Could Benefit from "Build Back Better"

HOUSTON -- How much would the Lone Star State benefit from the Biden administration proposals for clean energy and infrastructure? More than most…

"Your Shot Texas" is a statewide pooled COVID-19 vaccination fund designed to reach people of color and under-resourced rural and urban communities. (news.calpers.ca.gov)

TX Health Workers Target ZIP Codes to Tackle Lagging Vaccination Rates

HOUSTON - Door-to-door and "ZIP-code-by-ZIP-code" is how some COVID-19 health workers in Texas are reaching the vaccine-hesitant. The "Your Shot …

As deaths from COVID-19 approach 700,000 in the U.S., some families have endured multiple losses, including parents, children and siblings. (photosforyou/Pixabay)

Scammers Cheating COVID Victims Out of FEMA Funeral Funds

AUSTIN, Texas -- Many people are not aware the Federal Emergency Management Agency has a program to reimburse funeral expenses up to $9,000 dollars …

A new survey finds the nation's community colleges educate more people than coding boot camps, apprenticeship programs and government job training combined. (trapezemike/Pixabay)

Survey: Community College Workforce Programs Prove Popular

AUSTIN, Texas - A new national survey of community and technical colleges highlights the importance of job-focused education and training. It finds …

In 2018, there were an estimated 1,115,000 career and volunteer firefighters in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. (TheHilaryClark/Pixabay)

PFAS: A Plague for Humans, Especially Firefighters

DALLAS -- Lawmakers and regulators are increasingly mobilizing behind efforts to crack down on so-called "forever chemicals" known as Perfluorinated a…

In the first five months of 2021, five governors signed bills banning transgender individuals from sports in some capacity. (geralt/Pixabay)

TX Governor to Try Again to Ban Transgender Student Athletes

AUSTIN, Texas - As part of a special session called by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, legislators will try again next week to pass a bill requiring …

The Muslim community in Austin will participate in the Sept. 11 "National Day of Service and Remembrance" by feeding the hungry and offering free COVID-19 shots. (Ronile/Pixabay)

TX Muslims Engage Community With Vaccines, Hot Food to Mark 9/11

AUSTIN, Texas -- Tomorrow marks 20 years since the fateful events of 9/11, with followers of Islam reflecting on progress in the treatment of …

The latest report by the world's top climate scientists confirms less than a decade remains to dramatically cut greenhouse-gas emissions from fossil fuels to avoid catastrophic impacts, such as those inflicted by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. (andrewtheshrew/Pixabay)

Report: Media Complacent in Not Linking Extreme Weather, Climate Change

AUSTIN, Texas -- New research suggests the nation's most trusted news sources are dropping the ball when it comes to helping voters in Texas and …

Texas has enacted 26 abortion restrictions in the past decade, including the recent six-week abortion ban and a ban on all abortions that would go into effect if Roe v. Wade was overturned. (MarkThomas/Pixabay)<br /><br /> — Texas has enacted 26 abortion restrictions in the past decade, including the recent six-week abortion ban and a ban on all abortions that would go into effect if Roe v. Wade was overturned. (MarkThomas/Pixabay)

Supreme Court Bows Out, White House Wades into TX Abortion Battle

AUSTIN, Texas -- President Joe Biden stepped into the abortion battle in Texas Thursday, tasking federal agencies to see what steps can be taken to…

Starting today, Texas is the most populous state among two dozen that allow residents to carry an unregulated handgun. (skotselby/Pixabay)

Texas Becomes Most Populous State with Permitless Gun-Carry Law

AUSTIN, Texas - Texans age 21 and older can carry handguns without a license or training starting today, despite opposition from instructors who …

Burnout among college students rose from 40% to 70% from August 2020 to April 2021, according to at study by The Ohio State University. (Engin-Akyurt/Pixabay)

Texas A&M Students Use Wearables to Track Stress, Mental Health

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The pandemic upended normal college life causing mental-health challenges that are now being studied at Texas A&M University …

Advocates for children say they need more support this school year after a study by McKinsey Global Institute shows the pandemic led more high school students to drop out of school. (Sofia_Shultz_Photography/Pixabay)

Kick-Starting TX School Performance Amid COVID-19 Redux

AUSTIN, Texas -- Starting the school year off on the right foot has probably never been more important as Texas kids return to classrooms. New …

Based on its 2020 census data growth, Texas will be one of six states to gain Congressional seats, and the only state to get more than one. (dixoncain/Pixabay)

2020 Census Data Puts Spotlight on Texas' Growing Suburbs

AUSTIN, Texas -- Many states have implemented independent commissions to oversee redistricting based on the 2020 Census count, but Texas is not one …

There are 818 bridges in poor condition in Texas, according to a Biden administration report on the country's infrastructure. (heiyeuiu/Pixabay)

How Much Will Infrastructure Bill Benefit Texans?

DALLAS, Texas - As the largest investment in the country's infrastructure inches forward, Texas stands to benefit considerably from new jobs and …

The U.S. Justice Department says Texas is attempting to unlawfully create its own "immigration regime" by restricting the transport of migrants. (127071/Pixabay)

Texas Order Restricting Migrant Travel Returns to Court

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso will be the site of a court hearing tomorrow over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's order barring transportation of migrants…

Americans who miss the Aug. 15 special enrollment deadline to obtain health coverage through the Affordable Care Act will need to wait until Nov. 1 for another chance to apply. (aarp.org)

Deadline Approaches for Special ACA Health-Insurance Enrollment

AUSTIN, Texas - One week remains before the window closes for Texans to take advantage of a special enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act…

The pandemic year of 2020 saw at least a 27% drop in kids' doctor visits, according to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute. (Ben_Kerckx/Pixabay)

COVID, Lockdowns Cited as Cause for Reduced Childhood Vaccinations

AUSTIN, Texas -- Many of us lost track of days and months during the pandemic, and that may be why some parents skipped their kids' well-child visits …

Texas is home to the Regional Center of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development, one of only seven centers in the United States and 168 worldwide based on a United Nations program to develop global sustainability goals. (anncapictures/Pixabay)

Connecting Texas' Sustainability Goals, Nationally and Beyond

ARLINGTON, Texas - Three Texas cities are taking part in a challenge this year to create Sustainable Development Goals that help eliminate poverty…

Juvenile justice has its origins in the adult criminal-justice system, and can create similar racial injustices. (yos.org)

Texas Juvenile-Justice Racial Gap Improves, But Slowly

AUSTIN, Texas -- When kids get in trouble with the law, it is far more likely they'll be incarcerated if they're Black or brown, and that has created …

A new pilot program in Texas is teaching college students about the agriculture industry and career options they might not otherwise have considered. (ionlfox/Pixabay)

TX Farm Bureau Recruits College Students for Pilot Program

AMARILLO, Texas - The American Farm Bureau Federation hosts more than 100 college level chapters across 35 states, but this is the first time its …

The 2017 4th National Climate Assessment project concluded that, for the 83% of Americans who live in cities, the experience of extreme heat can vary across neighborhoods by as much as 20 degrees. (avMachine713/Pixabay)

Houston Site of Study on Extreme Heat Risk in Coastal Communities

HOUSTON - Cities in the southern United States, especially large urban communities along the coasts, are facing extreme heat attributable to climate …

Homebound seniors who are not tech-savvy can be difficult to reach with information about the COVID-19 vaccine. (jcfrog/Pixabay)

"Your Shot Texas" Boosts Vaccinations with Nonprofit Grant Money

AUSTIN, Texas -- "Your Shot Texas" is set to give additional nonprofit, community-based organizations money for programs that increase access to …

Senior champion Jeff Salter, age 50, says riding an e-bike illustrates that people can do more with a little assistance than they can alone. (Veronica Yankowski)

Amarillo By Morning: Cyclist Raises Awareness, Money for Seniors

SAN ANTONIO -- The 65-and-older population has grown by over one-third in the past decade, which prompted a Texas man to take a cross-country bike …

Ahead of today's meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel, President Joe Biden received a letter from 130 organizations calling on him to press the German leader about a patent waiver for COVID-19 vaccine production in developing nations. (12019/Pixabay)

Texas Trade Group Joins Demonstrations Over Global Vaccine Production

AUSTIN, Texas - As German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with President Joe Biden today, demonstrations by trade groups are scheduled in various …

Republican-controlled states including Florida, Georgia and Iowa passed restrictive new voting laws based on disproven charges by former President Donald Trump there was fraud in the 2020 election, which he lost by more than 7 million votes. (kbhall17/Pixabay)

TX Democrats Aim to Stop Voter Restrictions by Leaving Town

AUSTIN, Texas -- A majority of Democrats in the Texas House exited the state Monday in an attempt to block Republicans from passing new laws to …

As part of Latino Conservation Week, July 17-25, sites that embody the architectural, cultural and deep historical roots of the Latino community have been identified for preservation, including the Castner Range in Texas. (digie.org)

Report Identifies 2 Latino Heritage Sites in Texas Needing Protection

EL PASO, Texas -- A group that advocates for environmental issues affecting Latinos is recommending a more inclusive approach in the designation of …

Research has shown that youths in the adult criminal justice system are 34% more likely to be arrested again than those convicted of similar offenses in juvenile court. (nicolagiordano/Pixabay)

Push Continues in Texas to "Raise the Age" for Juvenile Offenders

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas is one of only three states to automatically treat 17-year-olds as adults when they are arrested, and the Texas Criminal …

A special session of the Texas Legislature begins Thurs., July 8, where work is expected to resume on a voting restriction bill that died in the final hours of the regular legislative session after House Democrats walked out of the chamber. (conolan/Pixabay)<br /> — A special session of the Texas Legislature begins Thurs., July 8, where work is expected to resume on a voting restriction bill that died in the final hours of the regular legislative session after House Democrats walked out of the chamber. (conolan/Pixabay)

Is Profit Motive Behind 2020 Presidential Election Disinformation?

AUSTIN, Texas -- Critics of the post-election presidential audits ongoing in Arizona and threatened in Pennsylvania advised to discern the truth…

Military veterans are fighting back against what they call anti-democratic, far-right extremism by forming groups such as Veterans for Responsible Leadership and We the Veterans. (Fire FX/Pixbay)

Veterans Fear Far-Right Group Membership Threatens Democracy

AUSTIN, Texas -- Veterans across the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations. Yesterday…

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