Stephen Paulsen

Stephen Paulsen is a freelance journalist based in Houston. His work has appeared in Mother Jones, Houston Press and Leafly, among other places. Follow him on Twitter @stephentpaulsen.

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Stark Contrast

Santa Fe and Parkland: United in Tragedy, Divided by Guns

After the first major school shooting since the Florida massacre, journalists flocked to Texas, seeking sound bites on guns. Most residents wished they would just go away.

Stephen Paulsen

WELCOME TO U.S.A.

Came to America for Education, Murdered in School

A 17-year-old Pakistani girl was taken in by a Texas family to learn about U.S. culture before she was gunned down in Santa Fe High School.

Stephen Paulsen

SEEING RED

Red Cross Brought More Excuses Than Aid to Texas

The charity passed out some food and water, but couldn’t run shelters or even find trucks to distribute aid.

Joanna Purpich

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WOMP WOMP

Houston Shrugs As Trump Comes a Second Time

As President Donald Trump arrives in Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the city has reacted with a mix of optimism and indifference.

Stephen Paulsen

POWDER KEG

Burning Texas Plant Was Just Fined for Mishandling Chemicals

The disaster unfolding outside of Houston was known to OSHA and EPA officials. And Texas’ governor played a role in keeping the chemicals there secret.

Kelly Weill