New state law seeks to reduce the number of child brides in Texas
A new state law prohibits anyone under 16 from getting married and requires people under 18 to get a judge's consent before marrying. Full Story
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Alex Samuels
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Alex Samuels was a reporter for The Texas Tribune from 2017 to 2021. She helped with national campaign coverage, wrote stories about the intersection of race and politics in Texas, and covered the hottest political news bubbling out of local communities. She was also one of the primary authors of The Blast, the Tribune’s subscription-only daily newsletter for political insiders. Alex began at the Tribune as a fellow in 2016. She graduated in 2017 from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. She originally is from Massachusetts and is the best pingpong player at the Tribune.
Past Contributions
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Facing federal confusion, Texas "Dreamers" prepare for looming DACA deadline
As the Trump Administration sends mixed signals about the fate of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — or DACA — an upcoming deadline could determine the status of many of the program's recipients. Full Story
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![DACA supporters held a press conference in front of the Texas Attorney General's Office in Austin on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, after the Trump administration announced the program was ending.]()
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Hey, Texplainer: How is FEMA distributing money to areas hit by Harvey?
Following Harvey, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott requested money from the federal government, which has sent nearly $1 billion since the federal disaster declaration issued by President Donald Trump on Aug. 25. Full Story
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![Floodwaters threaten the Grand Vista neighborhood in Richmond on Aug. 28, 2017. Residents were forced to evacuate due rising water from the Brazos River.]()
Credit: Pu Ying Huang for The Texas Tribune -
Within days, this Austin company hopes to start legally growing marijuana
If everything goes according to plan, scientists and manufacturers working out of Compassionate Cultivation will soon begin selling cannabis oil to patients with intractable epilepsy. Full Story
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![If everything goes according to plan, Compassionate Cultivation will be an operating medical marijuana dispensary in Austin before too long. CEO Morris Denton, left, and Director of Processing Chris Woods step into a small room where the extraction of cannabidiol will take place.]()
Credit: Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune -
Hey, Texplainer: What assistance is available to those affected by Harvey?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is offering aid to people displaced by Harvey, but not everyone qualifies for their assistance. For those still in need of help, there are other options. Full Story
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![Evacuees and volunteers line up at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Houston is on the long road to recovery. Here's what you should know today.
The floodwaters are beginning to recede, and Houstonians are preparing for a long road to recovery. Here's the latest. Full Story
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![Rubble from Harvey flooding piled in front of a home in the Stable Gate subdivision in Cypress on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017.]()
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Hey, Texplainer: Can Texas lawmakers tap the Rainy Day Fund to help with Harvey relief?
Tapping the Rainy Day Fund has always been a political hot potato, but a debate has already started over how much of the $10 billion fund the state should use for Harvey disaster relief. Full Story
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![Part of Interstate 45 underwater in downtown Houston on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2017.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Beaumont loses water supply after flooding from Harvey
The outage was caused flooding near a pump station located along the Neches River, officials said in a statement Thursday morning. The city also lost its secondary water source at the Loeb Wells. Full Story
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![Beaumont's main intake water pump station surrounded by floodwaters on Aug. 31, 2017.]()
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It’s been one week since Harvey hit Texas. Here’s what you need to know.
It’s been one week since Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast. While the rainfall may be in decline, the floodwaters are only beginning to recede. Here’s what you need to know. Full Story
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![Evacuees flee flooding in a boat with a nearly submerged Houston sign behind them, on Aug, 29, 2017.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Here’s what you need to know about filing Harvey-related insurance claims
Stephanie Goodman, the Texas Department of Insurance’s deputy commissioner for public affairs, talks about what policyholders need to know about filing property damage claims before a new insurance law takes effect Friday. Full Story
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![Flooding in a Clear Lake neighborhood from heavy rains after Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 27, 2017.]()
Credit: Courtesy Mia Mullins