Past Contributions

• Video: Perry, Lawyers React to Judge's Ruling

  By Alana Rocha Jan. 28, 2015

  At a news conference this morning in downtown Austin, Rick Perry addressed a judge's decision not to dismiss indictments against him. The former governor's legal team has appealed the ruling. Full Story 

• Looking to Be Better Prepared for the Next Public Health Emergency

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 28, 2015

  Lawmakers will consider ways to improve the state’s preparedness for public health emergencies. Dallas County officials identified shortfalls in the system last fall when the country's Ebola case was diagnosed. Full Story 

• Tuition Program for Veterans is Popular, but Funding Concerns Climb

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 27, 2015

  The state’s university systems bear the brunt of the costs of educating Texas veterans for free through the Hazlewood Act. And the well-regarded program has grown exponentially in recent years. Funding the program is poised to be an issue this session. Full Story 

• Roundup: Perry, Pomp and Patrick's Senate

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 23, 2015

  In the Roundup: Rick Perry performs one of his last acts as governor, the inauguration of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick brings thousands to Austin, and the Senate votes to do away with a 70-year-old tradition. Full Story 

• A Debate Over Fracking and Local Control

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 23, 2015

  After Denton voters decided to ban fracking, other Texas cities could weigh similar moves. Legislators are expected to look at ways to avoid a city-by-city fight over drilling regulations. This is the fourth video in our eight-part State of Mind series. Full Story 

• Finding a Texas Way to Cover the Uninsured

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 22, 2015

  Texas hospitals want legislators to find a way for the state to draw down billions in federal Affordable Care Act dollars to cover the uninsured and alleviate the burden on local taxpayers. This is the third video in our State of Mind series. Full Story 

• Video: Inauguration Celebration a Daylong Party

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 20, 2015

  Texans celebrated the inauguration of Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick with plenty of fanfare Tuesday in Austin. Here's a look at some of the festivities and what the new officials said about how they’ll lead. Full Story 

• Proponents Renew Their Bid to Put Brakes on Texting While Driving

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 20, 2015

  For the fifth straight legislative session, Texas lawmakers will consider bills proposing a statewide ban on texting while driving. There’s more momentum to get it passed, but a difference of opinions among the state’s new leadership could stand in its way. Full Story 

• A Look Back at the 83rd: How Some Issues Played Out in the 2013 Session

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 17, 2015

  With the 84th Legislature underway, we've renewed our State of Mind video series, a look at various issues that communities across the state are talking about. First up, a look at some issues from the last session. Full Story 

• Roundup: Lege Convenes, Perry Signs Off and a Gun Debate

  By Alana Rocha and Justin Dehn Jan. 16, 2015

  In the Roundup: The 84th Legislature's long-awaited kickoff, gun rights advocates make weapons at the capitol and Gov. Rick Perry bids lawmakers farewell after more than a decade in office. Full Story