Past Contributions

• George H.W. Bush in Fair Condition After Fall

  By Liz Crampton July 16, 2015

  Former President George H.W. Bush remained hospitalized Thursday, the day after a fall at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine, in which he fractured a bone in his neck. Full Story 

• Rusk County Clerk Resigns Over Gay Marriage Ruling

  By Liz Crampton July 13, 2015

  The Rusk County Commissioners Court on Monday formally accepted the resignation of County Clerk Joyce Lewis-Kugle, apparently the first Texas elected official to quit office rather than abide by the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage. Full Story 

• Texas' New Wedding Capital, Dripping Springs, Greets Gay Couples

  By Liz Crampton July 11, 2015

  When Tavanya Wright and Amber Gregg got engaged, they weren't expecting to be able to get legally married in Texas. Now, their ceremony in the newly named wedding capital of Texas will be recognized by the state. Full Story 

• Miller Defends Deep Fryers in Agriculture Address

  By Liz Crampton July 8, 2015

  Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller defended his new nutrition policy Wednesday, praising his department's decision to "abolish outdated and unneeded state mandates" and allow schools to install deep fryers and soda machines. Full Story 

• Alamo and Other Texas Shrines Win UN Designation

  By Liz Crampton July 5, 2015

  The Alamo and other historic shrines known as the San Antonio Missions have been added to a list of internationally recognized landmarks that includes the Taj Mahal and the Great Barrier Reef. Full Story 

• United Nations to Decide Alamo Designation

  By Liz Crampton July 2, 2015

  After nine years of trying, boosters of the San Antonio Missions — including the Alamo — will find out early Sunday morning if the historic Texas shrines will join a list of other internationally recognized landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Giza. Full Story 

• Big Schools Don't Fry: Not All Districts Warm to Miller's Initiative

  By Liz Crampton July 1, 2015

  Soda machines and deep fat fryers are now allowed back in Texas public schools, thanks to Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller's reversal of a 10-year ban. But many school districts say they have no appetite for reinstating the unhealthy choices for students. Full Story 

• Texas Counties' Responses to Marriage Ruling Vary

  By Liz Crampton and Sophia Bollag June 26, 2015

  Elated couples across Texas hurried into county clerks' offices Friday to apply for marriage licenses following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. Full Story 

• Supreme Court Sides With Opponents of Texas Housing Program

  By Liz Crampton June 25, 2015

  The biggest federal housing subsidy program in Texas — which awarded $9.7 billion in tax credits from 1990 to 2011 — effectively has been reinforcing segregated housing, the U.S. Supreme Court found Thursday. Full Story 

• Some Convicted Felons Eligible for Food Stamps

  By Liz Crampton June 25, 2015

  If they finish their sentences and comply with any terms of parole, Texans convicted on felony drug charges soon will be able to receive food stamps, though another strike will put them back under a lifetime ban. Full Story