Construction began in July to bring water to Cochran, one of several colonias along the border not served by public water systems. The project is expected to be completed by October.
Liz Crampton
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Relaxed Food Stamp Rules to Help Felons
Starting Sept. 1, a new Texas law will allow people with felony drug convictions to qualify for food assistance, ending the lifetime ban they currently face. Supporters hope the change will reduce recidivism as it helps felons get back on their feet.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Taking New Steps to Put an End to “Revenge Porn”
Texas has joined about two dozen states in passing a law taking aim at “revenge porn,” which refers to sexually explicit images of individuals posted online without their consent. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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State Government
Racing Commission Hopes to Stave Off Closure
With its funds dwindling, the Texas Racing Commission plans to meet Aug. 25 and reverse its earlier decision allowing historical racing at Texas tracks, hoping to placate angry lawmakers and free up its funding.
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Criminal Justice
Police Associations Ask Rep. Coleman to Apologize
Several law enforcement organizations are calling on state Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, to apologize after saying he was “treated like a child” during a traffic stop. But Coleman said he doesn’t see a reason why he should apologize.
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State Government
Judge: Texas Must Name Gay Spouse on Death Certificate
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Texas must recognize the same-sex marriage of a Conroe resident by naming him as the surviving spouse on his late husband’s death certificate. The judge also ordered Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to appear in court.
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Guides
Texplainer: If Convicted, Will Paxton Have to Leave Office?
Paxton has indicated he won’t resign after being indicted Monday on three felony securities fraud charges. But, hypothetically, what would happen if the case makes its way through the legal maze and Paxton is found guilty?
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Higher Education
Former UT President Joins Law Firm
Former University of Texas at Austin President William Powers has joined the law firm of Jackson Walker, according to the firm.
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31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Law Enforcement Will Receive Training on Dog Encounters
Due to a new law mandating training on canine encounters, all law enforcement officers will spend at least four hours in a classroom and interacting with dogs. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series.
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Criminal Justice
McCraw Hammered at Hearing on Bland Case
State lawmakers grilled Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw on Thursday, voicing concerns about arrest procedures used by state police and pressing the agency head to explain the July 10 arrest of Sandra Bland, who was found hanged three days later in the Waller County Jail.