Past Contributions

• Donald Trump's new, controversial homelessness czar has argued feeding homeless people enables them

  By Davis Rich Dec. 6, 2019

  Robert Marbut Jr. helped develop the Haven for Hope homeless shelter in San Antonio, which Gov. Greg Abbott praised as "probably the best template" for addressing homelessness. But aspects of Marbut's approach have been criticized as harsh and patronizing. Full Story 

• Fort Worth teacher who asked Trump to deport students said her tweets were protected by the First Amendment. Texas officials agreed.

  By Davis Rich and Chase Karacostas Dec. 2, 2019

  Commissioner of Education Mike Morath wrote that Georgia Clark did not waive her First Amendment rights when she signed her contract with Fort Worth ISD. Full Story 

• Prison health care costs are higher than ever in Texas. Many point to an aging prison population.

  By Davis Rich Nov. 25, 2019

  Although there are fewer people in prison than there were a decade ago, costs have surged along with the share of inmates who are older — and sicker. Full Story 

• Texas cleared homeless camps Wednesday. On Thursday, residents were already back.

  By Davis Rich and Cassandra Pollock Updated: Nov. 7, 2019

  Gov. Greg Abbott announced a five-acre plot of land for homeless camping in Austin after he took action to clear people living under state overpasses. Full Story 

• Texas executes Justen Hall for murder of woman in El Paso

  By Davis Rich Updated: Nov. 6, 2019

  Hall told a trial judge he needed "to be put down" in 2016. Lawyers questioned his mental health and asked an El Paso court to delay the execution until Hall's competency can be evaluated. Full Story 

• As Texas gets ready to clear some Austin highway encampments, Gov. Abbott and Mayor Adler at odds over homeless residents

  By Davis Rich and Carrington Tatum Oct. 31, 2019

  The governor's decision to force homeless people from under state overpasses drew the ire of city leaders and homelessness experts, who criticized Abbott's "fear-based approach." Full Story 

• Texas getting ready to move homeless residents camping beneath Austin highways

  By Davis Rich Updated: Oct. 29, 2019

  The Texas Department of Transportation began posting notices Tuesday letting homeless Austin residents know they must leave encampments under state overpasses by early next week. Full Story 

• Early voting in Texas’ constitutional amendment election starts Monday. Here’s what voters will decide.

  By Davis Rich Oct. 21, 2019

  Voters have 10 proposed constitutional amendments on their ballots. And in three special elections, some Texans will elect new state lawmakers. Full Story 

• Greg Abbott says TxDOT could remove homeless camps from Austin's highway underpasses

  By Davis Rich Updated: Oct. 18, 2019

  The governor has vowed to use state resources to clear Austin's homeless residents from public spaces since city officials began changing local ordinances dictating where people can and can't camp. Full Story 

• How hard should creating a Texas income tax be? Voters will decide with Proposition 4

  By Davis Rich Oct. 17, 2019

  Supporters want to send a clear message about Texas' business-friendly environment. Others think it's already hard enough to get such a tax passed, and future generations should be able to decide for themselves. Full Story