Past Contributions

• Crossing While Contagious

  By Forrest Burnson Aug. 6, 2010

  The 1,200-mile border it shares with Mexico makes Texas one the most vulnerable states when it comes to imported infectious diseases. In a majority of cases, Customs and Border Protection officers are unable to detect these public health threats at ports of entry, according to a new Centers for Disease Control study. Full Story 

• Pols in Purgatory

  By Forrest Burnson July 30, 2010

  State Rep. Tara Rios Ybarra, D-South Padre Island, who is awaiting prosecution on corruption charges, is the latest Texas elected official under indictment but not yet convicted to languish in career-crippling limbo. Full Story 

• TribBlog: Rep. Smith Accuses DOJ of Reverse Discrimination

  By Forrest Burnson July 22, 2010

  In an op-ed published on Fox News' website today, U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, accused the Department of Justice of reverse discrimination against whites in its handling of a case against the New Black Panther Party. Full Story 

• TribBlog: White's D.C. Dollars

  By Forrest Burnson July 22, 2010

  Gubernatorial candidate Bill White may have more campaign cash on hand than Republican incumbent Gov. Rick Perry — but where it came from could hurt the former Houston mayor's campaign. That’s because nearly 25 percent of the donations since Feb. 20 — about $1.8 million — came from contributors in Washington, D.C. Full Story 

• TribBlog: Not Cool With School

  By Forrest Burnson July 13, 2010

  Texans overwhelmingly reject the way the State Board of Education sets requirements for textbooks and curriculum, which ignited a nationwide controversy earlier this year, according to a statewide survey the Texas Freedom Network released today. Full Story 

• TribBlog: Getting Drunks Off the Road

  By Forrest Burnson July 8, 2010

  The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met today to talk about ways to stop Texans from getting behind the wheel after imbibing. Judges, police and even a third-time DWI offender told lawmakers some Texas drunken driving laws could use some stiffening, while other measures take punishment too far. Full Story 

• TribBlog: Failing at Fitness

  By Forrest Burnson July 1, 2010

  Less than a third of the state's 3rd-to-12th-grade students can pass a physical fitness test — and that’s an improvement. Full Story 

• Signs of the Times

  By Forrest Burnson June 28, 2010

  A quiet ideological battle is being waged yard to yard in affluent neighborhoods of San Antonio. It began with one side declaring "No socialism" in white letters on a black background. Some didn't like that message, so they changed it to read "No selfishness." Full Story 

• TribBlog: Remote Vote

  By Forrest Burnson June 10, 2010

  Texas could face legal action if it doesn't comply with new federal regulations for voters overseas. Full Story