Extreme Heat Roars Into Texas Early: A Reminder Of The Climate Crisis
Sudden heat shock expected to stress bodies across the state this week as 2025 continues to manifest unprecedented levels of extreme heat for Texas and the planet
The Targeting Of Trans Texans Continues
As its written, HB 229 would have a sweeping impact on over 100,000 trans Texans.
Could Texas Finally Get A Safe Needle Exchange Program?
While bills promoting safe syringe exchange programs have died for years, this weekend the Texas House is considering a targeted bill to legalize pilot programs in seven counties
A Public Education Bill Flounders
Greg Abbott wanted fanfare when he signed the voucher bill into law, but he has yet to show the same fervor for the companion piece of legislation that would actually fund Texas public schools
Author Lindy Ryan And The Vampiric Hold Of Beaumont
Ryan’s latest book is Another Fine Mess, the sequel to last year’s Bless Your Heart. The books tell the story of a matriarchal Evans clan, who operate a funeral home by day and a vampire slaying protocol at night.
Uvalde And The Weight Of 77 Minutes
Why a health museum for this exhibit? Because it lets the work be seen as part of a public health crisis.
A Better Playbook For Texas Democrats
Democrats in the Texas House actually have options to stall legislation, but using them is another matter
Politics
The Targeting Of Trans Texans Continues
As its written, HB 229 would have a sweeping impact on over 100,000 trans Texans.
Could Texas Finally Get A Safe Needle Exchange Program?
While bills promoting safe syringe exchange programs have died for years, this weekend the Texas House is considering a targeted bill to legalize pilot programs in seven counties
A Better Playbook For Texas Democrats
Democrats in the Texas House actually have options to stall legislation, but using them is another matter
How A Film Incentive Bill Cruised A Senate Committee Vote
The Texas star power of Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson helped advance a bill meant to increase film and television incentives in the state
Environment
Extreme Heat Roars Into Texas Early: A Reminder Of The Climate Crisis
Sudden heat shock expected to stress bodies across the state this week as 2025 continues to manifest unprecedented levels of extreme heat for Texas and the planet
San Antonio Council Members Call For Tracking Extreme Heat’s Impact
Advocates say the effort would begin repairing a system that fails to account for heat-related deaths across the community. But Bexar County’s partnership remains uncertain.
‘Drill baby, drill’? Not So Fast
Simple economics may complicate Trump’s plans to expand fracking and other oil and gas production.
When An Autopsy Doesn't Tell The Whole Story
Jessica Witzel’s autopsy report raises an important question: How many other heat-related deaths among unhoused residents are being erased by the failure to collect and report accurate data on climate-related mortality?
Education
A Public Education Bill Flounders
Greg Abbott wanted fanfare when he signed the voucher bill into law, but he has yet to show the same fervor for the companion piece of legislation that would actually fund Texas public schools
Uvalde And The Weight Of 77 Minutes
Why a health museum for this exhibit? Because it lets the work be seen as part of a public health crisis.
School Voucher Bill Passes Texas House
Ahead of the vote, the rotunda of the Texas Capitol was awash in red on Wednesday. That’s because hundreds of public education supporters descended on Austin.
Judge: Texas A&M Can’t Ban Drag Shows On Campus
The federal judge, who was appointed by George H.W. Bush, noted in her ruling that A&M’s campus drag ban was a blatant violation of the First Amendment.
Reproductive Rights
The Dangerous Reality Of An Abortion Exception Bill
A growing number of voices in the reproductive health community are urging lawmakers to consider the real threats posed by House Bill 44.
Potential Legal Challenges To Abortion Shield Laws
A clerk in New York refused to file a judgment against a doctor for violating Texas abortion laws, however the threat to shield laws still looms
A Frank Q&A About Reproductive Rights In Texas
Texas Signal recently spoke with Tara Mancini, the Director of Public Policy for Power to Decide, about how the organization is navigating 2025 and beyond.
Post Dobbs, Texas Experiences Decline In Birth Control Prescriptions
According to a new study, the Dobbs decision which reversed Roe v. Wade has had ramifications well beyond abortion restrictions and bans in red states like Texas. It’s also led to vast declines in prescriptions for birth control pills and emergency contraceptives. The study, led by lead author Dima