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Charges dropped against doctor in trans care data leak case

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feeds.texastribune.org – By Ayden Runnels – 2025-01-24 19:13:00

Feds drop charges against Texas doctor accused of leaking transgender care data

Feds drop charges against Texas doctor accused of leaking transgender care data” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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Federal prosecutors dropped their charges against a Dallas surgeon accused of leaking the records of underage patients’ gender transition-related care in what some conservative activists are calling a win for anti-transgender activism.

The request for dismissal, submitted by Jennifer Lowery, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, did not specify why the four counts of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information against Dr. Eithan Haim were dropped.

Haim, a self-described whistleblower, was charged after he provided conservative activist Christopher Rufo with the records of children receiving gender transition-related care at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, the largest pediatric hospital in the United States.

Rufo published the material in a May 2023 article, however the records have since been removed from the piece. While transgender care for minors was legal in 2022 when the records were sourced, the hospital publicly had said it would end providing the care after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the parents of children undergoing transition-related care be investigated for child abuse. The Texas Supreme Court later ruled Abbott had no grounds to order the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate the families.

Haim never contested that he leaked the records, however he did maintain throughout the legal proceedings that no laws were broken because personally identifiable patient information was not disclosed.

The case quickly became a lightning rod for anti-transgender activists and politicians who describe Haim as a whistleblower for exposing an alleged “secret transgender program.” Transgender care in Texas, especially for minors, has long been under fire by Republicans in the state. Only weeks after Rufo published the records provided by Haim, Texas passed an outright ban on transition-related care for minors.

Transition-related care can include anything from mental health counseling and social affirmation of gender through pronoun changes or medical interventions like puberty blockers or surgery, however instances of physical treatment among youth are rare.

The dismissal follows an X post from Haim’s wife Andrea accusing Lowery of “weaponizing the DOJ” against her husband. The alleged weaponization of the justice system also has been a highlight of President Donald Trump’s campaign, who signed an executive order Monday claiming the Biden Administration had a systematic campaign of weaponized prosecution.

Texas House Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, was one of dozens of people congratulating Haim for the dropped charges, and said he spoke with Haim on the phone to congratulate him directly for the update.

“We still must get to the bottom of the potential crimes he exposed, for which he should’ve been praised… not prosecuted,” Harrison said in an X post Friday.

The case was set to begin a jury trial on Feb. 10, according to the court’s website.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/24/transgender-care-data-leak-texas-childrens-hospital/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.

News from the South - Texas News Feed

Who is Taylor Frankie Paul, the controversial new Bachelorette?

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www.kxan.com – Ava Hart – 2025-09-10 12:27:00

SUMMARY: Taylor Frankie Paul, star of Hulu’s “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” is set to be the lead on season 22 of ABC’s “The Bachelorette,” marking the first time the show has cast a Bachelorette from outside its franchise. A single mother of three and Utah-based influencer known for discussing controversial topics like Salt Lake City’s “soft-swinging scene,” Paul gained viral fame and a significant social media following. Despite challenges, including a past legal issue, she is optimistic about balancing motherhood and the show. Paul seeks a hardworking man in his 30s or 40s willing to relocate to Utah. The new season airs in 2026.

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Bystander shot during 2023 police shooting in Austin files lawsuit

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www.kxan.com – Brianna Hollis – 2025-09-09 13:25:00

SUMMARY: In December 2023, Nakole Curry, 24, filed a lawsuit after being struck in the eye by a bullet during a police shooting outside Soho Lounge on Austin’s Sixth Street, resulting in permanent blindness. The shooting occurred when a man attempted to illegally bring a gun into the bar, prompting police to intervene. The suit alleges insufficient de-escalation efforts and names the City of Austin, APD, and Soho Lounge. The officers involved were not charged, and the internal investigation closed in October 2024. Curry seeks a jury trial and damages capped by Texas law. The APD offers victim support through the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund.

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Israeli military urges full evacuation of Gaza City ahead of expanded military operation

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www.kxan.com – WAFAA SHURAFA, SAMY MAGDY, and MELANIE LIDMAN, Associated Press – 2025-09-09 07:15:00

SUMMARY: The Israeli military urged a full evacuation of Gaza City ahead of an expanded offensive targeting Hamas’ stronghold amid severe famine conditions. Despite warnings, few Palestinians have left due to exhaustion, overcrowded displacement sites, and high evacuation costs. Israel demolished 50 high-rise buildings, claiming they housed Hamas military infrastructure. Emergency responders rescued some survivors but faced equipment shortages. Protests erupted in Gaza against the evacuation, with medical staff refusing to leave. Hostage families in Jerusalem urged a diplomatic resolution. The UN highlighted the humanitarian crisis, noting displaced families lack shelter and basic needs. Meanwhile, violence continues in the West Bank, with recent killings and retaliatory Israeli measures.

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