Amid Texas Measles Outbreak, Conservatives Double Down on Anti-Vax Crusade
Spread of the virus is due to low immunization rates in certain communities. Meanwhile, some legislators are cheering for more “medical freedom.”
joelledipaolo
Joelle DiPaolo is the Observer’s legislative intern covering the 2025 session. She is currently a senior journalism major at the University of Texas at Austin, where she spent three years as an editor and reporter at the Daily Texan. She previously interned for the Austin Chronicle and Texas Monthly.
Articles by joelledipaolo
What a Drag: Nate Schatzline
The Fort Worth state rep spends another session waging a “spiritual battle” in the Texas House, with bad bills and incessant posting.
Speaker Burrows Remodels Texas House with All-Republican Chairs
The new leader of the lower chamber finally announced committee assignments, formalizing a new order in the lower chamber.
Trans Texans Are Under Attack (Again), but Advocates Aren’t Giving In
With another legislative session that could pile on even more anti-trans policies, LBGTQ+ groups grapple with how to protect their communities.
Abbott’s Familiar Priorities Include Property Taxes, Vouchers, Cracking Down on Bail
In his biennial address, the governor declared seven emergency items.
Texas Foresees Strong Revenue, Full Rainy Day Fund. Who Will Benefit?
In his biennial budget projection, Comptroller Glenn Hegar says the state will have a healthy surplus, plus a full economic stabilization fund for the first time in history.