T.L. Langford Profile Banner
T.L. Langford Profile
T.L. Langford

@tlangford

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@TexasTribune health/human services reporter. Dog mom. Pro-outdoors. Speaks fluent health care policy. terri.langford @texastribune .org

Austin, TX
Joined August 2008
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
BREAKING: A new Texas report shows that an armed Uvalde officer, the first to arrive at Robb Elementary School on May 24 asked for permission to shoot the gunman while he was outside the school, but never heard an answer from his supervisor.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Texas: a state that thumbs its nose at fed regulation by creating its own power grid but has filed (per FEMA data) more federal disaster declarations than any other state in the nation after natural disasters and outages.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
The report released today provides new details and criticism about the level of safety for the school and mistakes made in the response.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
Within three minutes after the gunman entered, he had fired 100 rounds and 11 officers were in the hallway outside the classrooms, all wearing body armor and all appeared to be armed. Read all the new details here:
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
The report is by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training or ALERRT, based at Texas State University in San Marcos.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
Cheering on my fellow #Texas #journos from Nashville (where I've got a delayed flite to @DallasLoveField ). As a reader, I want a map with where the immigrant kids are, name of contractor, how much paid so far this year by fed taxpayers, how many kids detained. #makeithappen
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
For the full report, go here: and download it yourself.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
@DallasLoveField I want to know EVERYTHING re these contractors. What kind of license they possess or last inspection to care for kids. I want to know who their CEOs are, what lawmakers take their money. If they apply restraints on kids. #makeithappen #Texas #journos .
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
@DallasLoveField #TXjournos : I want to know what capacity is for each center. I want to know which #Texas , fed agency certified them. I want to SEE every PDF that details all protocols of feeding, caring for these kids. I want staffer/doctor/kid ratios. Names of all subcontractors. #MakeItHappen
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
There's no snark in my voice. Genuine question from many Texans today: How much is avoiding federal regulation costing us today?
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
Also, #txjournos , as a reader, I’d love to know more about all the different nonprofits, legal, medical groups on the ground trying to get access to immigrant kids. What court activity happening. #MakeItHappen
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
5 years
Thrilled to announce I am joining the terrific team at @KUT as @TexasStandard editor. Start DMing me those #Texas story tips. Especially story ideas from outside the urban triangle ( #ATX #SanAntonio , #houstontx , #Dallas ). Know you missed me, #txlege .
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Low or no regulation always comes with a trade-off.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Because I'm a selfish single person with time on my hands + no one over 65 in my house, dove into Texas govt vaccine websites tonight...to better understand all the outrage we're hearing from listeners. Walk with me, #txlege . 1/9
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
Federal border police to conduct a "crowd control exercise." In a Democratic politician's hometown. On Election Day. Nothing suspicious at all here. Border Patrol To Conduct ‘Crowd Control’ Exercise on Election Day
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
I am really hoping #txjournos break it down for me the difference between the 2014-era family detention centers and companies holding children taken from immigrant parents on the border. I see a time-lapse viz showing detention centers along border as they opened and closed 2/2
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
Other things to look at, #txjournos : contractors who are flying kids from state to state. If one detention center fills, up, the fed gov will be contracting transport companies. Start with TAGGS () ... 1/2
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
I will spend the last minutes of backup power via the hardfought tank of gas today in my car making public record requests over this. I have covered every major storm to hit Texas since 1990. Believe me when I say I have never seen anything like this, hope to never see it again.
@amanbatheja
Aman Batheja
4 years
Congressman Marc Veasey tells CNN an industry exec informed him that Texas was "minutes away from the entire grid crashing" before the state began its targeted blackouts
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
One place has done an amazing online messaging job. They ditched all the weedy text but they're not able to provide vaccines everywhere. However, their website game is solid. No surprise here. It's @HEB . 7/9
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
My money is on the moms.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Holy shit.
@19thnews
19thnews
4 years
We have a new addition to The #19thRepresents virtual summit — Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex. The Duchess will join us on our final day of programming, Friday, Aug. 14, for a conversation with our co-founder and CEO, @eramshaw . Register to attend:
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
Some personal news. In June, I will join the talented staff at the nonprofit news org: Honolulu Civil Beat (). I'll be reporting on criminal justice and legal affairs. #Texas #Hawaii . Tips, story ideas? Email terri.langford @gmail .com.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Even if you had no cash, state of Texas (and I know you do) to hire a weather team, you got these two. *Everyone* in Houston reads them. And I mean, *everyone.* So if you look at their forecasts beginning last week () this storm was no freaking surprise.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
If a grocery store chain can tell you want to do in less than 200 words, surely the state of Texas can too.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Been thinking about you all morning, @sarasidnerCNN . Your reporting has been fantastic. Sending hugs from Texas.
@ReporterFaith
Faith Abubéy
4 years
WOW. Powerful moment on @CNN just now. Must watch. Sending you lots of love @sarasidnerCNN
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Facing my older neighbor's teary eyes this morning after I brought her more firewood and told her sheepishly I may decamp for a place with power has me completely undone. For now, I'm staying. But my god, Texas.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 months
Some job news. Excited to announce I’m returning to reporting, focusing on health care @TexasTribune joining the terrific @eklib , @Steve55Simpson . More details to come but send those tips y’all to terri.langford @texastribune .org, text 713.876.0854.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
We need to end *now* the reporting practice of throwing entry-level journalists on the police beat. Thankfully, there was video. But @StarTribune was fortunate to have veteran police reporter @StribJany on the story from the get-go who had sources telling him *this* was bullshit.
@chrisvanderveen
Chris Vanderveen (yep…me)
3 years
Reminder to all journalists... This is how Minneapolis initially reported the death of #GeorgeFloyd
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
1 year
I get asked a lot about what I wish I had known before my parents got older to prepare for their health declines and death. Made this list this morning for a millennial friend and am passing along:
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
Pls not 1 more Austin “press release” asking the public to be patient when you knew this was coming for a week. Are you sending out stagecoaches and carrier pigeons to “assess” damage or what? That sound isn’t ice. Everyone’s nerves are snapping after paying property taxes/rent.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Now imagine you’re 75 years old. Or disabled. Or about to run out of minutes on your cell phone plan. Or have no internet. Or trying to hold down a job while calling for your elderly parents. Lordy, Texas, you can do better than this. #txlege 6/9
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Did I just sleep through a statewide emergency prep PR campaign last week that advised Texans to gas up, stock up ahead of this storm. Oh, that's right, there wasn't one. But #ifthiswereahurricane , we'd have flashing TxDOT signs, alerts, because Texas does *do* that.
@mattlargey
Matt Largey (real)
4 years
bottled water is so scarce in Texas, cities are needing to bring it in from other states
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
It’s another busy morning @TexasTribune . At 9 a.m. CDT @TxDPS Director Steve McCraw will be testifying in the Texas Senate about the police response to the Uvalde school shooting. We will be livestreaming and info on how to watch go up in a few hours.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
“Of the top 10 big wave women in the world, there’s three getting paid,” Alms said. “The top 10 male big wave surfers own homes, travel year-round and bring their families with them.”
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
7 years
Nothing like a layoff to have your phone and email blow up. Thanks for all the tips, leads, funny messages and omg, the venmo-funded drinks;) Y'all are amazing.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
1 year
Dear national news orgs. ... There’s a big difference between “Texas prison” and “federal prison in Texas.” As you were.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
9 years
140 suicides in Texas county jails since 2009. 118 of those were hangings. Only one was a black woman, #SandraBland
@tlangford
T.L. Langford
9 years
In Texas Jails, Hanging Most Common Suicide Method http://t.co/i0kRCyd26K via @TexasTribune #sandrabland
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T.L. Langford
2 years
FWIW, neither of the accused gunmen in two of the biggest mass shootings in recent years - the El Paso Walmart shooting in 2019 or the Santa Fe High School shooting in 2018 have trial dates.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
1 year
If you read one story today, make it this one by the @eklib about the amazing Miranda Michel, who was told her twin sons wouldn’t survive. Texas law made her give birth anyway. via @TexasTribune
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Here's my lousy two cents. Tell people what to do in no more than 3 steps. Eliminate confusing language. Should people call/register for both hub/private providers? Then say that. Use big graphics vs all this text. Gimme some flow charts, better FAQs in BOLD in a colored block.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
So Texas, get busy. This is godawful. 9/9
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
9 years
Harris Co. Institute of Forensic Services (med examiner) finished #SandraBland autopsy report, refuses to release.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
5 years
Emails show Texas governor requested the voter purge that used flawed data
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Now, sure, it's not like Texas is going to hire away web designers of *this* century from @HEB . And of course, the website communication shouldn't be the only entry point. I'm not hearing radio ads, which would reach more people. I'm not seeing billboards with a 800-number. 8/9
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
Beer still here, Spam nearly gone. #hawaii #hurricane #lane
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
Breaking: An arrest warrant filed in Travis County reveals Todd Smith, political consultant for Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is suspected of selling access to hemp licenses.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
FWIW, problems at CPS, not new. Neither are #txlege 's promises to fix them. My entire 30+ journo career... #txlege swears it's going to fix CPS. And yet, here we are, 30+ years later.
@DadePhelan
Dade Phelan
3 years
Thank you @RepJamesFrank and the entire House Human Services Committee for making this a top priority. #txlege
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
1 year
Texas AG Ken Paxton impeached, suspended from duties pending outcome of Senate trial via @TexasTribune
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
Nothing endears me more to a government agency that when they act human and offer a little honesty. #BestOpenRecordsResponseEver .👏👏👏
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 months
That sonic boom you hear? The collective flashback every Texas woman had today to the time grandpa made fun of our appearance/friends during Thanksgiving. John Whitmire calls Lina Hidalgo's fiancé 'a nerd' in deleted Facebook comment via @houstonchron
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
If it seems like @GovAbbott 's move in an election year to *secure* the border seems familiar, you have a good memory...Great read. Texas has spent billions of dollars on border security. But what taxpayers got in return is a mystery. via @TexasTribune
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
7 years
#Lawyers and #news orgs: Need a freelancer/researcher in #Texas ? #journalism #legal #atx #dallas #houston Email me at terri.langford @gmail .com.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Got a call — an honest to God call — from a human in open records at a state agency today to just talk through what I wanted. No temper, no whininess. So pleasant. I cannot remember the last time I talked to a human in open records. Which one of y’all are punking me?
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
For those who have followed my woeful house hunting journey, woke up under contract for a SE ATX house. Great feeling but it really shouldn't be so hard for single homeowners. NYT/WaPo/WSJ/LAT et al may not write about you all but I see you. It is Hunger Games out there for us.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Again. Eight months to come up with this current vaccine messaging system in a state with one of the largest social service bureacracies in the country.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 months
Only one thing to do when a @pamelacolloff story drops. Pull up a chair, make a cup of a coffee and dig in because this is a master at work. Been waiting for this one all year. The DA Says He’s Innocent. He Might Spend Life in Prison Anyway.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
I interrupt your doomscrolling to say, sellers' signed, keys are now mine...and while, no, it's not a mansion it's giving me the Laura Dern vibes right now.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
28 days
Starting my new health care reporting gig next week @TexasTribune . Talk to me about about health care access, cost, programs, etc in Texas. Email: terri.langford @texastribune .org.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
Any chance we can get Temple Grandin on the ERCOT board?
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Yep. I talked to a man yesterday who drove from El Paso to Pecos for a vaccine. 230 miles. He'll do it again in two weeks. In search of COVID-19 vaccines, some rural Texans are driving hundreds of miles across the state via @TexasTribune
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
Pretty awesome, #Hawaii . Today is the first time the Aloha State offers same day voter registration. I just did. #mindblown . With a voting process this easy there is no excuse for low voter turnout.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
9 years
We asked @TxDPS why no time stamp on #SandraBland arrest video, why newer upload 3 mins shorter. Here's the answer: http://t.co/bBcmWZ3OkP
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T.L. Langford
4 years
I back out and go to the @TexasDSHS vaccine availability map. What fresh hell is this? . So I have to click on every dot to find out? Whut? 5/9
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
One postscript. Better messaging on FB would also help. This vaccine info vacuum is producing some of the most panicky messages on neighborhood FB pages because the @TexasDSHS FB page sends you back to the dense website.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Ugh, these demographics. 10 of 13 members are over the age of 70. Presidential Debates: Time To Change Commission Leadership by @yashar
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
And it tells you to click to two other places. Let's click hub provider page. First, you notice only 53 of the state 254 counties have a hub. So I've got some Qs. What if I live in a smaller town or a county not listed? Do I have to drive to these places? No answer here. 4/9
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
1 year
Top Texas A&M officials were involved in botched recruiting of journalism professor, who will receive $1 million settlement via @TexasTribune
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
Texas DPS tells @TexasTribune Uvalde PD/CISD officers are cooperating with Texas Rangers but Uvalde CISD Chief Pete Arredondo has not responded to @TxDPS Texas Rangers’ requests for a follow-up interview.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
6 years
My best journo layoff tips to those today in #Texas . 1. Breathe. 2. Have a drink.Have another. 4. Call @TXworkforce 800-939-6631 and create your acct and pin. Takes up to 4 weeks for 1st check. People answering phones are VEHRY nice. (Yeah, I complimented Texas agency).
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
Next week I join @TexasTribune as their health and education editor. But I've been a financial supporter of the Trib since the *night* it went live on the web in 2009. You too, can donate here: . And keep those health and education story ideas coming.
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T.L. Langford
9 years
We've asked Waller Co why #SandraBland 's MH form has "yes" to attempted suicide Q on one form and "No" to "Attempted Suicide? No answer.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
Exclusive: Watch Uvalde school shooting video obtained by Statesman showing response via @statesman
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
So...it was enough to go to a grand jury in February but after you charge her and paste her mugshot across the internet, you figure out now it's not a criminal matter? So many questions...
@eklib
Eleanor Klibanoff
2 years
BREAKING: The District Attorney who charged #LizelleHerrera with murder for a "self-induced abortion" is dropping the charges. "The issues surrounding this matter are clearly contentious, however based on Texas law and the facts presented, it is not a criminal matter."
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T.L. Langford
2 years
Want to give a shout out to Texas reporters this morning. Try to take a moment for yourself when you can. Having covered Killeen, Waco, Jasper, 9/11 know how devastating this assignment has been. You are doing great work and the information you demand from officials, vital.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
Wow. Not one report to the Uvalde school system of behavior issues with the shooter before May 24. Juxtaposition that with interviews done with friends, family. So many stories of the gunman’s history of cruelty to animals, treatment of girls.
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
9 years
Houston's KPRC: Waller Co DA to release autopsy results of Sandra Bland | News - Home http://t.co/CXqHu68X0T
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
@mindfulomnivore @EmilyRPeck No. Paid parental leave is the clearest sign your employer is a decent one who will accommodate you when you are sick or have an emergency to tend to. We should all be for it whether we have kids or not.
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T.L. Langford
1 year
So let me get this straight. A university that wants a woman with a storied professional career to restore your collapsed program with no guarantee of job security. Hard pass.
@James_Barragan
James Barragán 🌟
1 year
Texas A&M watered down an offer it had made to a UT professor it had recruited to revive its journalism program after conservative backlash. Not even being an alumna could save the recruited professor. via @TexasTribune
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
2 years
Uvalde officer asked permission to shoot gunman outside school but got no answer, report finds via @TexasTribune
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
Update: there are 18 Texas nursing homes that had to evacuate.
@tlangford
T.L. Langford
4 years
So at least five nursing homes in Texas have had to evacuate the residents because of power outages, per @TexasHHSC . I have no other details and have been trying to get the facilities’ names this week. So Texas reporters: worth asking about in your regions.
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T.L. Langford
2 years
Younger journos to me this week: “So you were in Waco in 1993?” (Me, “Yes.” Green jacket, white AP hat).
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T.L. Langford
2 years
Interesting that the Uvalde County DA is married to Uvalde’s former assistant chief of police and a program manager for the Texas Municipal Police Association.
@RolandForTexas
Senator Roland Gutierrez
2 years
BREAKING #UVALDE NEWS: Days ago I requested a full report for what happened in the school hallway. DPS Director has informed me DA Christina Busbee ordered reports not be sent to me. There are people that want this go to away. We are not going to let that happen #JusticeForUvalde
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T.L. Langford
2 years
After Roe, architect of Texas abortion law sets sights on gay marriage and more
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@tlangford
T.L. Langford
3 years
Court upholds order stopping child abuse investigation into Texas trans teen’s family via @TexasTribune
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