Past Contributions

• State agencies push for better worker pay as critical staffing crunch hits Texas government

  By Karen Brooks Harper Updated: Sept. 29, 2022

  Texas agencies say they are being hammered by a historic staffing crisis, particularly when it comes to those in the trenches serving the state’s most vulnerable populations. Full Story 

• Tesla among surge of companies rushing to take advantage of Texas’ expiring tax incentive program

  By William Melhado and Karen Brooks Harper Sept. 9, 2022

  The Chapter 313 program was designed to draw business to the state, but critics say it lacks accountability and unduly burdens taxpayers. Tesla and other companies hope to take advantage of the tax incentive ahead of the program’s expiration at the end of the year. Full Story 

• Top Texas health official who led response to coronavirus pandemic is retiring

  By William Melhado and Karen Brooks Harper Sept. 8, 2022

  Dr. John Hellerstedt, who has led the Texas Department of State Health Services since 2016, will retire at the end of the month. Dr. Jennifer Shuford, the chief state epidemiologist, has been named his interim replacement. Full Story 

• Religious employers need not cover PrEP in their health plans, federal judge rules

  By Eleanor Klibanoff and Karen Brooks Harper Sept. 7, 2022

  U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor’s ruling could threaten access to sexual and reproductive health care for more than 150 million working Americans on employer-sponsored health care plans. The ruling will likely be appealed. Full Story 

• Comptroller Glenn Hegar is reminding voters he’s a Republican ahead of his November election

  By Karen Brooks Harper Sept. 6, 2022

  Hegar, who is running for his third term as Texas comptroller of public accounts, has made increasingly provocative moves in recent weeks, challenging financial companies he says are anti-oil and gas and threatening budget sanctions against Harris County over police funding. Full Story 

• Abortion-rights groups sue Texas AG, prosecutors to protect ability to help pregnant Texans seek legal abortions in other states

  By Karen Brooks Harper Aug. 23, 2022

  The suit comes two days before the state’s newest abortion ban, triggered by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, goes into effect. Full Story 

• As monkeypox cases climb and vaccine is in short supply, some Texas cities declare an emergency

  By Karen Brooks Harper and Joshua Fechter Aug. 11, 2022

  While there are currently 780 confirmed monkeypox cases statewide, Texas cities are bracing for an increase in infections. Full Story 

• This 1995 Texas law could shield Alex Jones from paying the vast majority of the $50 million defamation case judgment

  By Karen Brooks Harper Aug. 9, 2022

  Democrats in 1995 enacted lawsuit reforms that limit the amount of damages plaintiffs collect. Full Story 

• Familiar racial disparities emerge in first month of COVID-19 vaccinations for the youngest Texans

  By Karen Brooks Harper July 28, 2022

  Kids ages 6 months to 4 years became eligible for the vaccine last month. Experts say a number of factors could be hampering parents from getting their kids vaccinated. Full Story 

• Monkeypox is spreading in Texas. Here’s what you need to know about causes, symptoms and treatment.

  By Karen Brooks Harper July 22, 2022

  The virus isn’t airborne, so it isn’t as easy to contract as COVID-19. But experts say it shouldn’t be ignored. Full Story