What We're Reading

Proposals Floated for Streamlining Broadband Permitting (Route Fifty)

These are the best (and worst) US states for broadband access (The Hill)

Study: Texas ranked the worst state in U.S. for mental health care (Houston Chronicle)

Did Texas Gov. Greg Abbott cut mental health funding by $211 million? (The Dallas Morning News)

From guns to immigration, here's how Texas' challenges echo the country's (The Associated Press)

An Outdated Tracking System Is a Key Factor in Texas' Foster Care Shortcomings (KFF Health News)

House expels North Texas lawmaker for alleged sexual misconduct, obstructing investigation (The Dallas Morning News)

Houston leaders, worker groups sound alarm over bills limiting local power (Community Impact)

Global energy producer Midland–Odessa seeks economic stability, end to boom-and-bust (Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas)

Texas leads the nation in babies born with syphilis. The problem is getting worse. (Houston Chronicle)