Becca Aaronson

Becca Aaronson was the first product manager at the Tribune, where she worked from 2010 to 2018. As product manager, Becca managed the Tribune's website redesign, coordinates cross-departmental projects and conducted user research to improve reader experience. She previously worked on the Tribune's data visuals team as a developer and project manager, contributing to several award-winning investigative projects. She covered health care from 2012 to 2014, making waves with her coverage of women's health and the Wendy Davis abortion filibuster. She has a bachelor’s degree in cultural theory from Scripps College in Claremont, Calif.

Past Contributions

Smoking Ban Officially Snuffed?

By Becca Aaronson May 26, 2011

Hope for a smoke-free Texas seems officially snuffed. State Sen. Bob Deuell, R-Greenville, said today that a statewide smoking ban would not live on as an amendment to Senate Bill 1811. Full Story

Credit: Andhi J
House Sends Animal Cruelty Registry Bill to Conference

By Becca Aaronson May 26, 2011

The debate over whether to set up an animal cruelty registry continues. In a close vote, 63 to 78, the House sent HB 1103 to conference. Full Story
Payday Lending Bill Moves to Governor

By Becca Aaronson May 26, 2011

Payday lending could soon become much more transparent for borrowers looking for a quick money fix. The House concurred with the Senate version of a bill today that would require payday lenders to disclose interest rates and fees associated with the loans. The bill now moves to the governor for final approval. Full Story
Radio Host Storms Capitol Over TSA "Groping" Bill

By Becca Aaronson and Thanh Tan May 25, 2011

Notorious radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones led a raucous protest at the Capitol over the Legislature's failure to criminalize invasive airport pat downs. "Every one of [those senators] is an enemy of the Republic and the Republic of Texas!" he bellowed. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Kolkhorst Holding Nelson's Health Bill Hostage

By Emily Ramshaw and Becca Aaronson May 25, 2011

Rep. Lois Kolkhorst is holding Sen. Jane Nelson's health reform bill hostage. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Updated: Texplainer: Is TSA "Groping" Bill Junk Legislation?

By Becca Aaronson and Christopher Smith Gonzalez May 25, 2011

Hey, Texplainer: Can Texas really stop the TSA from touching my privates when I go through airport security? Short answer: No. Full Story
Federal Threat Shuts Down TSA "Groping" Bill

By Becca Aaronson May 24, 2011

A threat from the federal government to shut down Texas airports or cancel flights may have killed legislation by Tea Party conservatives in the Capitol to prohibit federal agents from conducting "invasive searches." Full Story
Senate Approves Bill on Health Reform Costs

By Becca Aaronson May 24, 2011

In a mixed-bag swipe at "Obamacare," the Texas Senate approved a bill today that would require state agencies to report the costs — and savings — of implementing federal health care reform. Full Story

Credit: Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune
Senate Approves Anti-Cockfighting Bill

By Becca Aaronson May 24, 2011

“The roosters are crowing and it’s time to go noodling,” said Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, today before the Senate passed a bill to crackdown on cockfighting rings. Full Story

Credit: Brandi Grissom
Senate OKs "Reptile Bill"

By Becca Aaronson May 24, 2011

The Senate passed the "reptile bill" today, which creates regulations for hunters who want to collect snakes and horny toads along Texas highways. Full Story