Past Contributions

• Tech Advances Have “Changed the Way We Will Respond”

  By Ally Mutnick and Sophia Bollag Sept. 20, 2015

  With advances in meteorology, emergency management software and communications technology, state and local officials feel better prepared for the next big hurricane. This is part of our "Road From Rita" series, a collaboration with the Beaumont Enterprise. Full Story 

• Texas Farmers Brace for New Clean Water Rule

  By Ally Mutnick Sept. 2, 2015

  Texas farmers and ranchers say they've been given little guidance and aren't sure what to expect as new federal regulations protecting drinking water supplies kick in. Full Story 

• State Grant Program for Military Bases Gets Infusion of Funds

  By Alana Rocha and Ally Mutnick Aug. 31, 2015

  The state is refueling a grant program that helps the state's 15 military installations pay for facility upgrades. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story 

• Judge Casts EPA Rule into Muddy Legal Waters

  By Jim Malewitz, Kiah Collier and Ally Mutnick Aug. 28, 2015

  After a setback in court Thursday, can the federal government enforce its controversial "Waters of the U.S." rule in Texas? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says yes. Texas says no. Full Story 

• Bush Leads Push for Endangered Species Reform

  By Ally Mutnick Aug. 26, 2015

  Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is leading an alliance of 23 state land commissioners calling for more transparency on how animals are added to the endangered list under the Endangered Species Act. Full Story 

• Texas to Crack Down on Synthetic Marijuana

  By Ally Mutnick and Todd Wiseman Aug. 25, 2015

  Starting Sept. 1, a new law will ban 1,000 possible chemical compounds of synthetic marijuana and make it a lot harder for Texans to buy or sell the drug. This animation is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story 

• After Student Death, Texas Tech Overhauls Greek Life

  By Ally Mutnick Aug. 23, 2015

  Almost a year after an alcohol-related student death and a fraternity party that featured offensive sexual decorations, Texas Tech University is boosting its oversight of fraternities and sororities ahead of the fall recruitment period. Full Story 

• New Law Allows Texans to Cash In on Low-Value Gift Cards Starting Sept. 1

  By Ally Mutnick Aug. 14, 2015

  A new law that goes into effect Sept. 1 will allow Texans to receive a cash refund on gift cards or certificates that have a balance of less than $2.50. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story 

• UT Will Relocate Jefferson Davis Statue

  By Ally Mutnick Aug. 13, 2015

  Just days after an advisory panel recommended UT-Austin relocate some or all of its statues of Confederate leaders, university President Gregory Fenves announced that the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis will soon have a new home. Full Story 

• Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller Goes to China

  By Ally Mutnick Aug. 12, 2015

  After eight months of defending deep fryers and championing cupcakes, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is taking his agricultural prowess abroad. Full Story