Houston Matters
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic in Houston as the national emergency ends
Posted on · Dr. David Persse, the city's chief medical officer, looks back at the last three years and discusses what still concerns him about COVID-19.
Rebecca Noel
Reporter
Health & Science
Houston-area doctor says Texas judge’s concerns on abortion drugs are ‘unfounded’
Posted on · U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ruled Friday to suspend the drug’s approval from the Food and Drug Administration, saying the FDA approval of the drug had violated federal rules that allow for accelerated approval of some medications.
City of Houston
Water rates in Houston to increase by 15%. Officials say it’s long overdue.
Posted on · Officials said many of the city's water infrastructure issues have been ignored for years as the city undercharged for water. As a result, necessary replacement and repairs have continued to add up.
Education
Students walk out of school in protest of TEA takeover of Houston ISD
Posted on · At Worthing High School on the south side of the city, hundreds of students walked out of the school at 10 a.m., some standing on a median on the road in front of the building and waving signs to passing cars.
Gun control
Gun regulations could significantly help reduce firearm deaths among young people, study shows
Posted on · Currently, Texas law does not require background checks for private gun sales, waiting periods, permits for concealed carry nor mandatory training in order to purchase a gun.
Education
Houston ISD to host hiring event for teachers, nurses, admins for next school year
Posted on · Jackie Anderson, president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, believes higher wages and better working conditions will be key to alleviating the shortage.
Education
Tensions rise at TEA’s first community meeting about Houston ISD takeover
Posted on · Attendees began questioning the absence of the man who will be choosing the board, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. “Where is Mike Morath?” shouted one audience member.
Harris County
More federal funding headed to Harris County for aiding vulnerable communities
Posted on · A total of 700 residents are projected to participate in ACCESS Harris County this year.
Harris County
Harris County considers spending $6 million to expand reproductive healthcare services
Posted on · The money, if authorized by county commissioners, will go toward increased access to contraception and screenings at clinics managed by Harris County Public Health.
Border
Politically motivated border policies, coverage of migrant caravans have done little to curb illegal immigration, Rice University study finds
Posted on · The study tracked coverage of 30 migrant caravans between 2017 and 2022 as well as the policies in place at the departure of each one.
Economy
Gas prices going up in Houston area
Posted on · Prices at the pump increased by about 10 cents during the last week and figure to keep rising because of increased demand and stagnant supply, according to a Houston consulting firm.
Health & Science
Regular trips to the dentist could help reduce chronic joint pain, study suggests
Posted on · A new study looked at how heightened levels of bacteria associated with gum disease correlated with patients reporting arthritis flare-ups.
Health & Science
Wastewater monitoring effective in detecting viral outbreaks at schools, study shows
Posted on · The study measured weekly levels of COVID-19 and influenza in wastewater samples and found that wastewater sampling data was reflective of infection rates in schools themselves.
Education
Crosby ISD becomes largest district in Texas to approve four-day school week
Posted on · While the school district found majority support for the proposal, some have concerns about how the new schedule will affect marginalized populations like economically disadvantaged families and disabled students.
Health & Science
Proposed Texas bill could penalize use of emergency contraceptive
Posted on · Aside from tightening abortion restrictions and penalizing patients directly, as opposed to abortion providers, the bill also makes a modification to the definition of an “individual” in the state penal code. The implications could mean penalties for the use of emergency contraception or in vitro fertilization treatments.