In the News

Every five years, Debbie Smith watches as Congress comes to the brink of letting the federal program bearing her name expire.

But lawmakers always found a way to pass the Debbie Smith Act, which sends resources to crime laboratories across the country to test rape kits and DNA evidence from other unsolved crimes.

In an odd way, it helped keep Smith's faith in government — until now.

The 2019 Texas Tribune Festival, held Sept. 26 - 28 in downtown Austin, was the biggest one yet. Thousands turned out to hear hundreds of speakers, attend dozens of panels, watch live podcast recordings and join in countless other special events, large and small. Photographers for the Tribune were there all through the long weekend to capture this uniquely Texan festival of ideas that draws visitors from all over the state, nation and world.

There is a growing backlash over do-it-yourself rape kits, products that makers say are meant to give victims a way to collect evidence if they are unwilling or unable to go to a hospital. But mounting legal threats may keep them off the market.

Founder Madison Campbell says she developed the MeToo Kit after she was sexually assaulted during her junior year of college. She, like many other survivors, says she was afraid to report the attack.

"I did not even feel like touching myself, let alone letting someone else touch me," said Campbell.

While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday announced a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, there are some House Democrats who aren't fully on board yet.

While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday announced a formal impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, there are some House Democrats who aren't fully on board yet.

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a formal impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump on Tuesday. This comes after allegations surfaced that Trump solicited Ukraine's president to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden's son, Hunter.

Voters in Houston said they were fed up with the drama in Washington. Some say this was all a political tactic from the Democrats. Others said they hope this won't end up backfiring.

There is a growing backlash over do-it-yourself rape kits, products that makers say are meant to give victims a way to collect evidence if they are unwilling or unable to go to a hospital. But mounting legal threats may keep them off the market.

Founder Madison Campbell says she developed the MeToo Kit after she was sexually assaulted during her junior year of college. She, like many other survivors, says she was afraid to report the attack.

There is a growing backlash over do-it-yourself rape kits, products that makers say are meant to give victims a way to collect evidence if they are unwilling or unable to go to a hospital. But mounting legal threats may keep them off the market.

Founder Madison Campbell says she developed the MeToo Kit after she was sexually assaulted during her junior year of college. She, like many other survivors, says she was afraid to report the attack.