Past Contributions

• Texas-based anti-vaccine group received federal bailout funds in May as pandemic raged

  By Sami Sparber Jan. 18, 2021

  The Austin-based group founded by anti-vaccine activist Del Bigtree regularly posts information questioning the safety of the coronavirus vaccines. Doctors and scientists say both the Moderna and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Full Story 

• Ken Paxton is only state attorney general in the U.S. who didn’t sign letters condemning Capitol insurrection

  By Sami Sparber Jan. 13, 2021

  Paxton has individually condemned the violence on television and social media while falsely claiming the pro-Trump mob that invaded the U.S. Capitol was infiltrated by liberal antifa activists. Full Story 

• Texas’ medical marijuana program is one of the most restrictive in the country. Advocates hope the Legislature will change that.

  By Sami Sparber and Aria Jones Jan. 4, 2021

  There are 3,519 Texans registered with the state to use medical marijuana, though advocates say 2 million people are eligible based on current law. Full Story 

• COVID-19 vaccine doses are arriving in Texas, giving weary health care workers hope after months of peril

  By Karen Brooks Harper, Aria Jones, Dan Rosenzweig-Ziff and Sami Sparber Dec. 14, 2020

  From the Rio Grande Valley to the Texas Panhandle and from the Gulf Coast to West Texas, some 110 medical facilities are slated to receive the first allocation of 1.4 million doses earmarked for Texas. Full Story 

• For families that lost loved ones or jobs to the pandemic, Thanksgiving carries an extra weight this year

  By Trinady Joslin, Aria Jones and Sami Sparber Nov. 25, 2020

  This year’s pandemic has brought untold suffering to families across Texas. Making things worse: At a time when they might take solace in the company of friends or family, public health authorities are urging them to stay apart. Full Story 

• Bill filing for 2021 Texas session begins with legislation on abortion, police stops and redistricting

  By Cassandra Pollock and Sami Sparber Updated: Nov. 9, 2020

  Thousands of bills are expected to be filed during the legislative session, when lawmakers will tackle issues including the next state budget and redrawing the state's political maps. Full Story 

• Jim Wright wins Texas Railroad Commission race, extending decades of Republican dominance on the oil and gas regulating board

  By Sami Sparber Updated: Nov. 4, 2020

  Wright defeated Democrat Chrysta Castañeda. The commission's elected, three-member board has been entirely Republican for at least 25 years. Full Story 

• Texas Democrats think a seat on the oil and gas regulating board could be their best chance of winning statewide in two decades

  By Sami Sparber Oct. 30, 2020

  With attention on Texas races up and down the ballot, a virtually unknown Republican candidate and big-time donations to the Democratic nominee, Democrats think they have a shot of winning a seat on the Railroad Commission. Full Story 

• For many Texas kids, trick-or-treating is canceled because of the pandemic. These parents have other plans.

  By Sami Sparber Oct. 21, 2020

  At least two counties – Hidalgo and El Paso – have banned door-to-door trick-or-treating. Others are discouraging participation while promoting safer alternatives such as carving pumpkins or having a candy hunt at home. Full Story 

• How Texas has made it easier and harder for people to vote in the pandemic

  By Aria Jones and Sami Sparber Oct. 8, 2020

  Voting rights groups say last-minute changes to the voting process in Texas have created confusion. Gov. Greg Abbott’s office says he has expanded accessibility by allowing voters to submit mail-in ballots in person before Election Day. Full Story