Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Stephen Simpson
How to Get a Job on Wall Street
There never seems to be a shortage of people who want to work on Wall Street. Because of the above-average compensation, the finance industry has little trouble attracting talented professionals who want to become analysts, traders or managers. Like any industry, there are no set rules for getting a foot in the door. That said, there are a few tried and true paths to a career on the Street, as well as certain strategies that can significantly boost one’s chances of success. Here are three tips.
Economic Advantages of Rising Oil Prices: 4 Key Benefits
Key Takeaways Rising oil prices can drive economic activity in sectors like energy exploration and production, offering expansion opportunities. Higher oil prices increase the competitiveness of alternative energy sources, stimulating innovation and investments in cleaner technologies. Elevated oil prices often lead to reduced consumption, encouraging more efficient practices among consumers and companies.
Top Agricultural Producing Countries
Key Takeaways KEY TAKEAWAYS: Agriculture is a vital global industry essential for food security, health, and economic stability. The United States, China, India, and Russia are major producers of cereal and vegetable crops. The U.S. leads in agricultural exports, followed by Brazil and the Netherlands. Developed nations use advanced technology to boost yields, while developing nations prioritize infrastructure.
Conversion therapy is legal. Therapists are torn on whether this will help LGBTQ+ Texans
Flags fly outside the U.S. Supreme Court on April 1, 2026. The U.S Supreme Court has ruled against states’ ability to ban licensed mental health providers from providing conversion therapy on the grounds that it violates free speech. In a twist of fate, national LGBTQ+ advocates and law experts say the decision proves Texas can't ban gender affirming care from the therapy room, but local mental health providers are pessimistic.
‘Don’t take me to the hospital’: Undocumented immigrants in Texas are delaying medical care
A 54-year-old woman from Edinburg holds her hands as she poses for a photo at her home in the Rio Grande Valley on March 18, 2026. After suffering a bad fall in October, she refused to go to the hospital over fears she could be deported. After missing her chair and falling on the tile floor during a child's birthday party last October, the 54-year-old Edinburg woman begged: "Don't take me to the hospital." Her head was throbbing and sharp pain stretched down her back.
Texas hemp businesses fear an uptick in police raids after more than 15 in the last two years | Houston Public Media
Ernesto Garcia-Dealba checks on a hemp plant before harvest at Hometown Hero’s farm in San Antonio on October 17, 2025. Dallas attorney Chelsie Spencer specializes in making sure Texas businesses that sell hemp-derived THC products know how to stay in compliance with state and federal rules and regulations, an area that can be very confusing.
Texas AG Paxton sues Snapchat, accuses it of inappropriate, addictive content
The lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton alleges that Snapchat violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by listing itself on app stores as appropriate for children ages 12 and older, despite frequently exposing users to dangerous and mature content.
Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers | Houston Public Media
Julia Roubtsova Hewitt, a suicide prevention leader with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, at Crockett Park in San Antonio on Monday, January 19, 2026. For Julia Hewitt, the removal of LGBTQ+ services from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and potential funding freezes and cuts are a personal and professional issue.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott under pressure to use emergency funds for looming SNAP crisis | Houston Public Media
With the federal government at a standstill and some red states offering up money for food assistance, Gov. Greg Abbott faces pressure to authorize the release of emergency state funding — a move he has done before — to offset the looming federal suspension of SNAP benefits this weekend for 3.5 million low-income Texans.
A rigorous accreditation program inspired Texas’ camp reforms. Here’s what that process looks like | Houston Public Media
Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune's daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Train staff on various emergencies, file emergency plans with local emergency personnel, maintain communication methods in case phone and internet services go down, and teach campers how to respond during crises.
Mental health programs could bear the brunt of $600M federal cuts to Texas schools | Houston Public Media
“Mental health programs could bear the brunt of $600M federal cuts to Texas schools” 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. Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune's daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Texas medical marijuana industry to push for hemp age limits and delta-8 ban
Texas' medical marijuana dispensaries entered into this year's legislative session with a two-prong strategy to expand: to loosen the state's rules on their industry that has made the program largely inaccessible to those who need it and to eliminate the competition, consumable hemp, which has been allowed to proliferate unregulated, cannibalizing users and profits.
Texas film incentive program proposal cut down to $300 million in the House | Houston Public Media
“Texas film incentive program proposal cut down to $300 million in the House” 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. Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune's daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Texas lawmakers are poised to ban minors from social media | Houston Public Media
The Texas Legislature is poised to impose sweeping restrictions on how minors use social media, from banning them from signing up for accounts and requiring parental consent to download applications, to placing warning labels about their dangers. House Bill 186, filed by Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, has already passed with bipartisan support in the House, and a Senate panel has indicated its support as well.
Maternal health care experts say the needs in the rural parts of Texas are vast, but can be addressed with help Original
LUBBOCK, Texas (TEXAS TRIBUNE) - Quality of maternal health care in Texas varies greatly depending on where you live. World-class medical facilities and specialists are often limited to the large metro regions of the state. And Texas women are more likely to be uninsured, miss routine check-ups, and die during pregnancy and childbirth than in almost any other state.
With too few mental health providers, more Texas patients are turning to primary care
It took one cancer patient 15 years ago to convince Barbara Chapman that the model of mental health treatment needed some serious work. It was 2009, and she was an advanced practice nurse working in a Dallas primary care practice when she met a female patient diagnosed with breast and lung cancer. The same woman had also been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
With too few mental health providers, more Texas patients turn to primary care
The former Nix Behavioral Health Center at 1975 Babcock Road closed in late 2019. While primary care is experiencing its own workforce shortage, that segment is shouldering more mental health screenings to help bridge the behavioral health provider gap. The new psychiatric unit at Kerrville State Hospital was completed in September 2022, but the state struggles to hire staff for it.
With too few mental health providers, more patients turn to primary care | Houston Public Media
It took one cancer patient 15 years ago to convince Barbara Chapman that the model of mental health treatment needed some serious work. It was 2009, and she was an advanced practice nurse working in a Dallas primary care practice when she met a female patient diagnosed with breast and lung cancer. The same woman had also been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Clubhouse programs take pressure off overwhelmed Texas mental health hospitals Original
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — When Jonathan Denhart was discharged from the psych ward at Austin Oaks Hospital last year, he was prepared to be back very soon. For more than 40 years, Denhart has cycled through rehabs, sober housing, mental health hospitals, and 12-step programs to treat his bipolar and substance use disorders, but nothing worked. The 60-year-old Austin resident couldn’t find or keep a job, and he knew once he left the hospital, the temptations of the outside world would be too much again.
Texas emergency management chief believes the state needs its own firefighting aircraft Original
PAMPA, Texas (AP) — Texas’ top emergency manager told a panel of lawmakers that the state should establish its own firefighting aircraft division after a series of wildfires, including the largest in state history, scorched the Panhandle region this year.
Texas emergency director calls for firefighting air force after historic Panhandle fires | Houston Public Media
PAMPA — Texas' top emergency manager told a panel of lawmakers Tuesday that the state should establish its own firefighting aircraft division after a series of wildfires, including the largest in state history, scorched the Panhandle region earlier this year. But the local landowners tasked with helping the Legislature investigate the fires that were responsible for at least two deaths and burned through more than 1 million acres raised doubt over the state's ability to handle such catastrophes.
Understanding the Freight Railroad Sector’s Economic Role
Key Takeaways Railroads handle 43% of intercity freight transportation in the U.S. The rail industry is largely a duopoly, with six key players in North America. Railroads are efficient, moving a ton of freight over 430 miles on a gallon of fuel. High capital requirements and fuel costs are significant challenges for rail companies. Intermodal transport increases efficiency by easily transferring freight between ships, rails, and trucks.
Maximize Your 401(k) Benefits: Essential Tips for Growth
Key Takeaways The 401(k) plan places retirement saving and investment responsibilities on employees, emphasizing consistent contributions. Roth 401(k)s, unlike traditional 401(k)s, are funded with after-tax dollars, offering tax-free withdrawals in retirement. 401(k) plans feature vesting schedules, with the U.S. Department of Labor mandating full vesting after six years. Employees can borrow from their 401(k) but must repay to avoid penalties; rolling over funds to a Roth IRA incurs taxes.
A Career in Real Estate Portfolio Management
At first glance, you might think that a real estate portfolio manager is similar to any financial asset manager. However, real estate equity portfolio or fund management differs radically from managing equities, bonds, or mutual funds. In fact, in many ways, a real estate asset manager is a lot like a corporate CEO, running a company or a facility.
How Selling Shares Can Impact Your Business’s Future
Key Takeaways Selling shares in a business can raise capital, reduce owner risk, and support succession planning. Business valuation methods include income, market, and asset approaches to determine fair value. Proper planning, including addressing tax implications and preparing the business for sale, is essential. Selling stock in a business can help owners raise capital and support long-term goals.
Buy-Side vs. Sell-Side Analysts: Key Differences and Roles Explained
Key Takeaways Buy-side analysts work for institutional investors, such as mutual and pension funds, to guide their investment decisions with in-depth research. Sell-side analysts typically develop research reports and provide stock ratings for clients of brokerage firms and investment banks. Buy-side analysts aim to make profitable recommendations for their funds, while sell-side analysts often create market buzz and influence short-term stock movements.
Key Incidents Explored
Key Takeaways Warren Buffett may be one of the world's most respected investors, but his career hasn't been without controversy. From an SEC investigation involving Blue Chip Stamps and a controversial merger involving Berkshire Hathaway and General Re, to public scrutiny over his investment in Goldman Sachs during the 2008 financial crisis, Buffet has faced significant challenges to his reputation over the years.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Stephen
Contact Stephen, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack