U.S. District Judge Janis Jack, the state’s de facto foster care czar, has been overseeing the case since 2011.

More victims are speaking out claiming their SNAP benefits were electronically stolen, leaving them struggling to provide for their families.

A single mom of three is struggling to provide for her family after she says someone used her SNAP benefit card.

The state has added more beds for jail inmates who need psychiatric treatment to be considered competent to face trial. But at least a third remain empty because the state can’t hire enough people to staff them.

The Texas Department of State Health Services launched a dashboard Tuesday aimed at tracking the distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines across the state.

Question: When will the libraries reopen to visitors indoors? According to Texas Health and Human Services, libraries may be reopened and operate at 75% occupancy; however, the Houston Public Library (HPL) system remains closed due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The library system began a phased reopening on June 1, offering curbside pick-up through our HPL TO GO service. Additionally, HPL continues to offer public wifi outside of all its libraries. For updates regarding the reopening of Houston libraries, click here.

As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Ask 2: Are churches allowed to hold in-person services? Answer: Yes, places of worship are allowed to hold in-person services; however, Texas Health and Human Services’ protocols suggest that churches strongly encourage at-risk attendees to watch or participate in service remotely. Greg Abbott’s latest executive order regarding the matter states there is no occupancy limit for religious services conducted in churches, congregations, and houses of worship. Send it our way, and we will try to hunt down an answer.

HOUSTON A Katy nursing and rehabilitation facility is being investigated for a COVID-19 outbreak by the Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and the Texas Health and Human Services. HCPH reported Monday that 15 deaths six confirmed as coronavirus-related deaths and nine pending medical record reviews at Sterling Oaks Rehabilitation. The initial investigation started on July 3 after two people at the facility tested positive for the virus and were reported to county health officials. According to records, 88 residents and staff members are actively being monitored by health officials for COVID-19. Harris County Public Health released the following statement:The elderly and people with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems are at much higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19, including hospitalizations and death.

Published: May 19, 2020, 6:53 am Updated: May 19, 2020, 10:20 amHOUSTON – The coronavirus pandemic has impacted our daily lives and the mental well-being of millions worldwide. In support of mental health awareness month, observed in May, we gathered a list of resources available to Houston-area residents as they face the COVID-19 era. For a free consultation, click hereHouston therapist Dr. Ronald Swatzyna, director and chief scientist at Houston Neuroscience Brain Center , is offering free mental health sessions to first responders. Fort Bend County has different behavioral health services available for those who may be experiencing excessive anxiety or other mental well-being concerns. The Texana Center is helping those who are having a mental health crisis through its crisis hotline at 1(800) 633-5686.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services created a map to help Texans find coronavirus testing sites.

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Health and Human Services will provide more than $168 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits to help people in the state during the COVID-19 response, Gov. HHS got federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide the maximum allowable number of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size, according to a news release. Anyone receiving SNAP benefits is included. “SNAP, commonly referred to as the food stamp program, supplements the budget of the working poor. "The additional food subsidy announced today by Governor Abbott, although still supplemental, will help fill a portion of the financial gap created by the economic crisis resulting from this pandemic.