Past Contributions

• Puppy Mill Law Faces Legal Challenge

  By Audrey White Nov. 28, 2012

  A Texas law that aims to prevent puppy and kitten breeders from abusing animals faces a court challenge, but advocates have come forward to defend the law. Full Story 

• Senate Committee Hears Testimony on Open Records Law

  By Audrey White Nov. 26, 2012

  The Senate Committee on Open Government heard testimony Monday surrounding the Texas Public Information Act. Among the discussions was one focused on reducing “frivolous and overly burdensome” requests. Full Story 

• Abortion Opponents Back Fetal Pain Bill, More Physician Restrictions

  By Becca Aaronson and Audrey White Nov. 23, 2012

  Anti-abortion advocates in Texas championed a string of successful measures in the 2011 Texas legislative session. For the upcoming 2013 session, they are trying to up the ante. Full Story 

• LCRA Approves Compromise Plan to Release Water for Rice Farmers

  By Audrey White Nov. 14, 2012

  The board of the Lower Colorado River Authority voted Wednesday to release water to rice farmers next spring if Central Texas' Highland Lakes, already diminished by drought, do not drop below 38.5 percent full. Full Story 

• More Than 250 Bills Fly Out of the Legislative Gate

  By Audrey White Nov. 13, 2012

  In a preview of the impending 83rd legislative session, lawmakers filed more than 250 bills on Monday. The proposals would affect just about everything from public school testing to health insurance and how we buy milk. Full Story 

• Get to Know the Newest Lawmakers From Texas

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project, and Nick Swartsell and Audrey White, The Texas Tribune Nov. 8, 2012

  The state House, state Senate and U.S. House delegations from Texas have more than four dozen new members between them. Get to know their backgrounds and faces. Full Story 

• Powers: Prop 1 Passage Huge Step for UT, Texas Health Care

  By Audrey White Nov. 7, 2012

  University of Texas officials on Wednesday lauded the passage of a tax increase to help fund a medical school in Austin and laid out aggressive plans to have medical students in place as soon as 2015. Full Story 

• A Compilation of Texas Newspaper Endorsements in Key Races

  By Ryan Murphy, The Texas Tribune, Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project, and Nick Swartsell and Audrey White, The Texas Tribune Oct. 25, 2012

  As Election Day nears, editorial boards at newspapers across Texas have begun endorsing candidates. Here's a list of official endorsements in particularly competitive or noteworthy races. We'll update the list as endorsements come in. Full Story 

• "Victory or Death" Letter to Return to Alamo for Exhibit

  By Audrey White Oct. 24, 2012

  After addressing concerns about security and preservation, the Texas Library and Archives Commission voted to allow Col. William Travis' famous 1836 letter to be displayed at the Alamo in February as part of a special exhibit. Full Story 

• Study: Women to Lose Care if State Nixes Planned Parenthood

  By Audrey White Oct. 11, 2012

  A state-funded Women's Health Program that excludes Planned Parenthood won't be able to provide the same level of care as the current system, according to a new study from George Washington University. Full Story