Past Contributions

• Zika Virus Raises Questions About Cost of Care

  By Madlin Mekelburg June 6, 2016

  Concerns about spread of the Zika virus are rising as more cases of the mosquito-transmitted virus are diagnosed in the U.S. The lifetime cost of care for a microcephalic child is estimated at between $1 million and $10 million. Full Story 

• Concussion Research Continues Without NFL Funding

  By Madlin Mekelburg June 6, 2016

  A seven-year, $16 million research initiative to develop a test for chronic traumatic encephalopathy will move forward at several universities, even without previously planned funding from the National Football League. Full Story 

• Mental Health Issues Compound Problems of Homeless

  By Madlin Mekelburg June 6, 2016

  Middle-aged homeless people often have health issues typically seen among much older populations and their mental health needs often remain untreated because the existing healthcare infrastructure is too small to meet the need. Full Story 

• The Brief: Justice Willett Speaks of Tie Votes on High Court

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds June 6, 2016

  Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett, one of Donald Trump's potential Supreme Court nominees, has a plethora of experience dealing with an issue that's plagued the nation's highest court of late – the tie vote. Full Story 

• The Brief: Trump University Left Texas After Investigation

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds June 3, 2016

  Amid heightened scrutiny of the business practices at Trump University, an investigation by then Attorney General Greg Abbott six years ago is likewise drawing second looks by media outlets across the state. Full Story 

• Abbott Rallies Governors Against Lifting Iran Sanctions

  By Patrick Svitek and Madlin Mekelburg June 2, 2016

  Also, Land Commissioner George P. Bush will lead the state GOP's 2016 Victory fundraising efforts and the state launches a $2 million effort to raise awareness on the Zika virus. Full Story 

• The Brief: Abbott Calls for End of State Agency "Severance"

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds June 2, 2016

  Gov. Greg Abbott and Comptroller Glenn Hegar ordered state agencies to stop using "emergency leave" to compensate departing employees – essentially granting them severance. Full Story 

• The Brief: Legislature Could Enter Bathroom Debate

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds June 1, 2016

  Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick went on the offensive Tuesday, unveiling a number of measures against local guidelines for transgender students that mirror a federal directive from the Obama administration. Full Story 

• The Bookshelf: June 1, 2016

  By Madlin Mekelburg May 31, 2016

  In this week's Bookshelf, our content partner Kirkus Reviews highlights Frackopoly. Full Story 

• The Q&A: Samuel Brody

  By Madlin Mekelburg May 31, 2016

  In this week's Q&A, we interview Samuel Brody, a professor in the Department of Marine Sciences at the Texas A&M University at Galveston. Full Story