Past Contributions

• More Sports Concussions in Schools Than What's Reported

  By Madlin Mekelburg Sept. 28, 2015

  Dallas-area middle and high school students experienced 2,500 concussions last year, more than the number reflected in records kept by the University Interscholastic League. Full Story 

• Drug Price Controversy Prompts CEO to Reverse Course

  By Madlin Mekelburg Sept. 28, 2015

  The pharmaceutical company that raised the price of a life-saving drug by 5,000 percent — from $13.50 per pill to $750 — said it will lower the cost of the medication over the next few weeks. Full Story 

• Study Questions How Dietary Guidelines Are Determined

  By Madlin Mekelburg Sept. 28, 2015

  A British study has raised questions about how well the guidelines that govern food labeling, suggesting the information used to set the guidelines may be biased and based on incomplete data. Full Story 

• The Brief: Sept. 25, 2015

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds Sept. 25, 2015

  The spotlight is shining now on a June ruling by the Texas Supreme Court that open government advocates fear will lead to much more information from government contracts being kept secret. Full Story 

• Female Lawmakers Talk Inequality in the Capitol

  By Eleanor Dearman and Madlin Mekelburg Sept. 24, 2015

  Female lawmakers make up about 20 percent of both Texas legislative chambers. In a state where women and men make up an almost equal portion of the population, the lack of female voices in the Capitol raises questions. Full Story 

• Paxton Adds Heft to His Legal Defense Team

  By John Reynolds, Madlin Mekelburg and Patrick Svitek Sept. 24, 2015

  Also, Sylvester Turner airs first TV ad of Houston mayoral election, the field of potential CD-19 candidate winnows and presidential hopefuls keep flocking to Texas. Full Story 

• U.S. 281 Expansion Will Not Include Toll Lanes

  By Madlin Mekelburg Sept. 24, 2015

  There won't be any toll lanes included in the U.S. 281 expansion project through San Antonio following a Texas Transportation Commission vote Thursday. Full Story 

• The Brief: Sept. 24, 2015

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds Sept. 24, 2015

  The Steve Patterson era on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin is expected to end officially today at a special meeting of the university system's board of regents. Full Story 

• The Brief: Sept. 23, 2015

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds Sept. 23, 2015

  Rate cuts for therapy services offered under the state’s Medicaid program won’t take place on Oct. 1 as scheduled after a judge determined on Tuesday that the health of children receiving those services could be harmed. Full Story 

• Event: Texas Desal 2015

  By Madlin Mekelburg Sept. 22, 2015

  The Texas Desalination Association presents its 3rd Annual Conference, Texas Desal 2015, where the focus is on innovation and reliability. Full Story