EXPLAINED: 5 | Vintage Vibes

Beto O’Rourke wants to end the STAAR tests. Here’s why he can’t.

The Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate has said several times he will end the annual standardized tests. State and federal law make it impossible.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 7, 2022

Heavy mercury contamination at Maya sites reveals a deep historic legacy

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. When leached into the natural environment, it accumulates and builds up through food chains, ultimately threatening human health and ecosystems.

The Conversation · Sep 29, 2022

EPA may try to block what could be the first seawater desalination plant built in Texas

Citing water quality concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency may refuse to recognize a permit that Texas approved Thursday for a marine desalination plant at the Port of Corpus Christi.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 22, 2022

As monkeypox spreads, health experts urge Texas universities to prepare for outbreaks

While the risk of exposure to monkeypox remains low, health experts say college students living in close proximity to each other could spur outbreaks. They encourage schools to share their plans and relevant information about the virus.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 29, 2022

Limiting crypto helped the Texas power grid weather a heat wave

Cryptocurrency mining requires huge amounts of electricity, prompting concerns over the industry’s environmental impact — and whether the state’s grid can keep up.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 16, 2022

U.S. House approves Rep. Lizzie Fletcher’s bill to protect the right to seek an abortion out of state

The bill would also shield the rights of any person or group helping someone get an abortion out of state.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 15, 2022

Abbott's lead over Beto shrinks: poll

Abbott's lead now smaller than when Republican George W. Bush ousted Democrat Ann Richards in 1994

Salon · Jul 7, 2022

Gov. Greg Abbott’s lead over Beto O’Rourke narrows to 6 points, poll finds

The Republican incumbent’s lead over his Democratic challenger shrank last month, according to a Texas Politics Project poll. The 6-point gap is smaller than when Republican George W. Bush ousted Democrat Ann Richards in 1994.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 6, 2022

John Cornyn’s disapproval among Texas voters worsened dramatically as he negotiated a bipartisan gun bill, new poll shows

The Republican U.S. senator shepherded landmark gun legislation through the Senate last month. Between April and June, his disapproval rating went from 39% to 50%, according to a Texas Politics Project poll.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 6, 2022

How to get birth control and emergency contraception in Texas

Contraception options are available through most health insurance plans and government-funded clinics.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 5, 2022