Affordability
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‘This proposal is because several children never came home’: Texans react to increase in summer camp licensing fees
Nearly five months after the Hill Country floods led to the deaths of at least 136 Texans, including children, state officials have proposed new summer camp licensing fees to help increase safety measures.
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Texas proposes hiking licensing fees for summer camps by as much as 4,000%
In their latest effort to boost camp oversight in the wake of the deadly July 4 floods, Texas officials have proposed hiking annual licensing fees for operators by thousands of dollars and slashing the number of camp representatives on a statewide committee that advises on industry regulations.
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WIC benefits remain secure for now as SNAP delays continue during federal shutdown
As Texas heads into its second week of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits being delayed, recipients are unsure if they will receive even a portion of their usual payment to help cover groceries. Meanwhile, another crucial nutrition program—WIC—is holding steady, though officials warn a prolonged federal shutdown could put it at risk.
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Why health insurance is so expensive this year — and what you can do about it.
This year’s Obamacare open enrollment period, which started Nov. 1 in most states, is full of uncertainty and confusion for the more than 24 million people who buy health insurance through the federal and state Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
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Houston ISD expands breakfast, after school food programs as SNAP benefits continue to be delayed
As the future of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits remains uncertain during the federal government shutdown, a local school district is stepping up to make sure their students don’t go hungry.
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More than 1 million Texans will feel effects if ACA tax credits expire
Open enrollment is underway for Texans who get their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
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Best bang-for-your-buck hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth
These nine hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth offer amazing amenities, prime locations, and other cool features that make them well worth the price.
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10 completely free events to attend in the Houston area in November
As the holiday season fast approaches, we all want to save a little bit of money while still getting out of the house and enjoying the nice weather Houston has finally blessed us with. Check out these upcoming free events.
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Where to get food resources in Texas as SNAP benefits are set to pause for November
This article was last updated Nov. 2 at 3:50 p.m. As the federal government shutdown drags on, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to pause its benefits for the month of November, leaving million of low-income Texans unsure about where they’ll get their next meals. The government shutdown started on Oct. 1, due…
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Houston Food Bank partners with local agencies to help those losing food assistance due to government shutdown
As the federal government shutdown drags on, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is set to pause its benefits for the month of November, leaving hundreds of thousands of low-income families and individuals in the Houston area without valuable resources to purchase food.
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All aboard the Silver Line! Ride free between Plano and DFW airport through Nov. 8
DART’s Silver Line is officially up and running. Here’s what you need to know about its 10 station stops.
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Part-time jobs, loans and worry: Texas federal workers contend with government shutdown
Since the federal government shutdown began this month, San Antonio resident Imelda Avila-Thomas has canceled her daughter’s tutoring and removed her from after-school care.
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8 delightful things to do in Denton, Texas
There are so many fun things to do in Denton, Texas, from exploring a unique bookstore to attending a local festival.
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A new car vs. health insurance? Average family job-based coverage hits $27K
With the federal shutdown entering its fourth week, spurred by a stalemate over the cost of health insurance for 22 million Americans on Affordable Care Act plans, a new report shows that over 154 million people with coverage through an employer also face steep price hikes — and that the situation is likely to get…
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Fort Worth Stockyards: 16 events to look forward to in the rest of 2025
Celebrate the end of 2025 in style with 16 exciting events happening at the Fort Worth Stockyards. From country music to ghost tours, there is something for everyone.
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New Texas energy package could help older adults in long-term care facilities during extreme weather
A growing body of research warns that climate disasters are disproportionately dangerous for older adults, especially those in long-term care settings who rely on others for essential support. Those risks are often compounded in rural areas, where resources are scarce and emergency support is slower to arrive.
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Get ready to Empty the Shelters in Houston at BARC Animal Shelter
That’s what BARC Animal Shelter hopes will happen at the Empty the Shelters event. From Oct. 1-15, BARC Animal Shelter, along with 300+ shelters across 38 states, will be offering reduced adoptions fees through a partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation.
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Rate of uninsured children in TX tops list
Texas has the highest uninsured rate for children in the nation. That’s according to a report from Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families.
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How affordable is senior care in Texas? Find out
When older Americans contemplate retirement, and they consider whether to retire in another state, the regional costs of senior care might not cross their minds. Yet more than 80% of Americans will need long-term care at some point, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Long-term care delivers help with everyday activities,…
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Fighting a health insurance denial? Here are 7 tips to help
To control costs, nearly all health insurers use a system called prior authorization, which requires patients or their providers to seek approval before they can get certain procedures, tests, and prescriptions.
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Houston residents to see increased electricity bill due to CenterPoint Energy cost adjustments
The last thing most Houston residents want to hear is that an already potentially high electric bill could be even higher.
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Free Fare Fridays encourage public transit for the month of September in the Houston area
Houston public transit users can expect to see a little extra change in their pockets this month, as multiple transit agencies take part in Free Fare Fridays.
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Houston housing affordability improves but certain ZIP codes continue to see sky-high prices
While the housing market might be looking up for some, certain Houston ZIP codes are still seeing sky-high prices.
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Houston aims to improve water billing issues by replacing thousands of faulty meters
In Houston, long periods of heat often mean higher water use. But for some residents, the real shock comes in the mail—faulty meters have been misreading their water for years.
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Classroom doors open, but wallets stay empty for Texas teachers
A study found that Texas teachers spend about $100 of their own money on school supplies.
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Teachers and parents face record-breaking back-to-school costs in 2025
Another back-to-school season has arrived, bringing with it the familiar scramble of supply lists, clothes shopping, and, of course, financial stress. But this year hits different. There’s an elephant in the classroom that’s becoming impossible to ignore, and its crushing financial pressure is squeezing teachers and parents alike.
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3 back to school drives to help Houston-area families get prepared for the year
Back to school can be a tough time for any household. As summer break winds to a close, early mornings, homework, and the tedium of packing lunches loom over parents’ heads.
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Texans who rely on safety net programs encouraged to prepare for cuts
Nonprofit organizations across Texas serving disadvantaged and low-income groups are restructuring after the Trump administration’s budget reconciliation bill was signed into law.
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Harris County leader wants voters to extend child care efforts as pandemic funding runs out
Harris County leader wants voters to extend child care efforts as pandemic funding runs out By Jess Huff, The Texas Tribune Aug. 4, 2025 “Harris County leader wants voters to extend child care efforts as pandemic funding runs out” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans —…
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Houston drivers to see some cheaper toll rates starting in September
Toll payments can quickly add up on Houston roads—but drivers will soon see lower rates along SH 288. Starting Sept. 1, through the Texas Department of Transportation, rates will be lowered on SH 288 by almost half. “When TxDOT made the historic move to buy back this roadway, we promised drivers toll relief and that…
