Latest Contributions

• Federal judge finds U.S. government inaction mostly to blame for Sutherland Springs mass shooting

  By Allyson Waller July 7, 2021

  Federal Judge Xavier Rodriguez said the U.S. Air Force's failure to report the shooter's domestic violence conviction to the FBI allowed him to purchase the gun used in Texas' deadliest mass shooting. Full Story 

• Texas students of color returned to in-person learning at below-average rates. Experts say the reasons are nuanced.

  By Allyson Waller July 6, 2021

  The Texas Education Agency cited COVID-19’s disproportionate effect on communities of color as reason for lower engagement and attendance rates among students of color. Full Story 

• Academy sports chain can't be sued for selling gun used in Texas' deadliest mass shooting, state Supreme Court says

  By Allyson Waller June 25, 2021

  The gunman should not have been able to purchase an assault style rifle, but the store conducted the required federal background check, which didn't reveal his past assault conviction, the court said. Full Story 

• As most states raise their minimum wages, Texas refuses to budge

  By Allyson Waller Dec. 20, 2018

  This year alone, 18 states increased their minimum wage and 30 states now have a minimum wage that exceeds the federal government's $7.25-per-hour rate. Many of Texas' major cities have boosted pay, too. Will the state follow suit? Full Story 

• Texas still hasn't expanded Medicaid. That's leaving a gap in coverage for hundreds of thousands.

  By Allyson Waller Dec. 17, 2018

  More and more states have decided to expand Medicaid, but Texas has not budged. With more than a half million Texans in the so-called health coverage gap, will the politics of the issue shift in next year's legislative session? Full Story 

• Democratic women lead biggest shift in Texas House since 2010 midterms

  By Cassandra Pollock, Carlos Anchondo and Allyson Waller Updated: Nov. 7, 2018

  Led by female candidates, Texas Democrats picked up 12 Texas House seats from Republicans, mostly in North Texas. But Republicans still have the edge in the lower chamber. Full Story 

• Over a million Texas children could qualify for subsidized child care — but less than 10 percent of them receive it

  By Allyson Waller Oct. 31, 2018

  An increase in federal funding for subsidized child care has slashed waitlists for care across the state, but advocates argue that it's still not enough to fully serve the number of low-income children who qualify for care. Full Story 

• Texas sees huge turnout on first day of early voting

  By Allyson Waller Oct. 22, 2018

  Texas counties large and small saw substantial voter turnout on the first day of early voting for the 2018 midterm elections. Full Story 

• Can a moderate Democrat win in a Texas district held by Republicans for decades?

  By Allyson Waller Oct. 11, 2018

  In an open seat race, two political newcomers — a moderate Democrat and a conservative — are competing to win in a Republican district that Hillary Clinton won in 2016. Full Story 

• After another member is accused of sexual misconduct, the Texas Senate takes a wait-and-see approach

  By Alexa Ura, Jolie McCullough and Allyson Waller Oct. 2, 2018

  A recent allegation of sexual misconduct against a state senator highlights the ambiguity that remains at the Capitol over how Texas lawmakers respond to such cases. Full Story