Rural Texas is the state’s foundation. And it’s in jeopardy.
Downtowns are deserted, hospitals are closing, teachers are leaving. Every part of life in rural Texas is harder — but it’s worth saving. Full Story
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Allison P. Erickson
Military Affairs Fellow
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Allison P. Erickson joined the Tribune in August 2022 as a reporting fellow covering military and veterans issues in Texas through a new partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Allison served as a Medical Service Corps officer in the U.S. Army from 2011 to 2018, rising to the rank of captain and completing a combat deployment to Afghanistan. She is a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal. A native of San Antonio, Allison studied editorial journalism at Texas Christian University before she joined the military. She has written for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas Monthly and The Point. She has a master’s degree in creative publishing and critical journalism from The New School in New York. She has since worked freelance assignments in print and digital news and produced podcast reporting on migration, politics and health.
Latest Contributions
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![Vehicles pass through Dublin in Central Texas on March 25, 2021.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
What is the Texas National Guard and why does it matter in this year’s gubernatorial election?
A governor’s military powers are often not discussed as part of the election process, in favor of other prominent issues like education and taxes. But with Operation Lone Star in plain view, voters may have more questions this election. Full Story
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![A National Guard soldier oversees an area where the border wall ends in Del Rio, on Nov. 7, 2021.]()
Credit: Verónica G. Cárdenas for ProPublica/The Texas Tribune -
Dallas, El Paso veterans’ facilities will get $442 million in upgrades
The funds will help expand the Dallas facility into a long-term spinal cord injury treatment center and pay for a new health care facility in El Paso. Full Story
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![American Flags outside the Doris Miller Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Waco. President Joe Biden signed that will direct more than $442 million in upgrades to Veteran Affairs health care facilities in Dallas and El Paso.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for Texas Tribune -
A Texas congresswoman wants to make cancer care easier for the growing number of female veterans
U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, hopes the pilot program will help female veterans get better access to cancer care. Full Story
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![A female U.S. Army soldier of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division (Raider Brigade) stands in front of tanks during a visit by the German president to U.S. forces in Grafenwoehr.]()
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A disabled veteran has waited eight years for a $1 million settlement from the Air Force
David P. Bighia had hoped to work at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio. Instead, he’s been fighting the Air Force as he faces home foreclosure. Full Story
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![David Bighia, 61, outside his home in Bellevue, Neb., on Thursday, September 8, 2022. The Army veteran won a discrimination lawsuit against the U.S. Air Force for a civilian employment issue, but he hasn't been paid out what is owed to him. Without the money from the court order, he is facing foreclosure.]()
Credit: Anna Reed for The Texas Tribune -
Veterans Affairs says it will provide abortions — even in Texas
The VA follows the Department of Defense in providing access to abortion as several states, including Texas, essentially ban the procedure following the U.S. Supreme Court decision ending nationwide protection. Full Story
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![The seal of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is seen outside of their office in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 31, 2020.]()
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Texas’ heat index could reach 125 degrees over the next 30 years, study finds
“If it’s gonna rise by that much, I don’t think we’re prepared,” one South Texas mayor said of temperature increases. Full Story
Credit: Jason Garza for The Texas Tribune -
Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan could lower debt for more than half of Texas college graduates
People earning $125,000 or less will see $10,000 eliminated from their student loan debt. People in that group who received federal Pell Grants will see $20,000 in debt eliminated, a move intended to help low-income borrowers. Full Story
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![U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks after the the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Dobbs v Women's Health Organization abortion case, overturning the landmark Roe v Wade abortion decision, at the White House in Washington, U.S., on June 24, 2022.]()
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Wetter weather is coming this weekend. But it won’t be enough to end Texas’ drought.
Rain is in the forecast across much of the state. But it won’t be enough to reverse the drought that has gripped Texas since last fall. Full Story
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![A San Antonio Water System crew works to fix a water main break near Hunt Ln. and Adams Hill in San Antonio, TX on August 18, 2022.]()
Credit: Chris Stokes for The Texas Tribune
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