Lisa Gray

3 weeks ago | houstonchronicle.com | Lisa Gray

James Frank Scheiner, Harris County: THC should be banned for anyone under 21 unless medically necessary. Anyone over 21 should have free access. THC use is a widespread, continuous fact of life. Prohibiting it does more damage than allowing it. Janet L. Manchee, concerned parent: All THC products should be banned. Our middle and high school students are being sent to alternative schools for their use, and often for bringing these items to school.

1 month ago | houstonchronicle.com | Lisa Gray

Marijuana isn't legal in Texas, but it doesn't seem that way anymore. In the last few years, following a change to federal hemp laws, nicely packaged cannabis products have become widely available in clean, well-lit places - grocery stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, bars and restaurants - and loads of Texans use them. Now Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is calling to outlaw all THC products, and that bill, SB3, has been approved by the Texas Senate.

1 month ago | houstonchronicle.com | Lisa Gray

Earlier this month, I asked what Texas Republicans should do to stay in power, given the usual midterm backlash against a sitting president. (I'd previously asked what Texas Democrats should do.)To my surprise, almost all the answers came from Democrats and other people who don't appreciate President Trump's performance in office. Just as surprising is the theme that emerged from their answers: What Texas Republicans are doing works, at least as far as winning elections. So why change?

1 month ago | houstonchronicle.com | Lisa Gray

Michael Falkowski is the program manager for FireSense, NASA's program to study wildfires. Based in Washington, D.C., he's one of a team of scientists who gather data using satellites, planes and other NASA technology, then analyze it with the goal of finding real-world ways to prevent and manage wildfires.

1 month ago | houstonchronicle.com | Lisa Gray

In lots of ways, there's never been a better time to be a Texas Republican. The GOP has a firm grip on both houses of the state's legislature. Republicans have held every statewide office for the last 30 years, and Republican-favoring redistricting means that the state's Democrats will often face uphill battles. Plus, as the news cycle keeps reminding us all, Republicans control the U.S. presidency, the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. But has the power of Texas Republicans peaked?