Past Contributions

• The Q&A: Gary Reed

  By Polo Rocha June 22, 2015

  In this week's Q&A, we interview Gary Reed, associate dean for quality, safety and outcomes education at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Full Story 

• What You Should Know About Sickle Cell Disease

  By Polo Rocha June 22, 2015

  Life expectancies vary among those with sickle cell disease, but the outcomes may be slightly better than current U.S. statistics indicate, when the latest treatments are included in the calculation. Full Story 

• FDA Urged to Approve New Drug to Battle Heart Attacks

  By Polo Rocha June 22, 2015

  A federal panel of experts recommended that the Food and Drug Administration approve a new class of drugs to prevent heart attacks by lowering cholesterol. Full Story 

• Community Hospitals at Risk of Closing Nationwide

  By Polo Rocha June 22, 2015

  Rural hospitals across the country are at risk of closing because of financial pressure, and those struggling hardest are in states that have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Full Story 

• The Brief: June 22, 2015

  By Polo Rocha June 22, 2015

  U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is now the leader in Texas among 2016 Republican primary rivals, the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll finds. Full Story 

• The Brief: June 19, 2015

  By Polo Rocha June 19, 2015

  Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Donna Bahorich as the new chairwoman of the Texas State Board of Education. But the former staffer for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick drew criticism from one board member for not having enough experience. Full Story 

• Campaign Fundraising Sprint Starts Monday

  By Polo Rocha June 18, 2015

  For some, the pressure is on to show good numbers for the eight days from the lifting of the session's moratorium on campaign contributions and the cutoff for the current fundraising filing period. Full Story 

• The Brief: June 18, 2015

  By Polo Rocha June 18, 2015

  A new law that requires police agencies across the state to report data on police shootings will make Texas the "envy of the country," says the law's author. Full Story 

• What Vacation? Amid Veto Period, Lobbyists Keep Working Abbott

  By Polo Rocha June 17, 2015

  The legislative session may be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s vacation time for many of the Capitol’s lobbyists. With a Sunday deadline for Gov. Greg Abbott to veto legislation, some of them are still making a last-ditch effort to kill bills. Full Story 

• The Brief: June 17, 2015

  By Polo Rocha June 17, 2015

  State Rep. Jim Keffer's announcement that he's leaving the Legislature leaves only three members of the 2009 group that elevated Joe Straus to his current role as House speaker. Full Story