Past Contributions

• State Files Notice of Appeal on Gay Marriage Ruling

  by Edgar Walters Feb. 26, 2014

  UPDATED: The state of Texas on Thursday filed a notice that it intends to appeal a federal judge's ruling Wednesday that Texas' ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Full Story 

• In Supreme Court Races, a Clash Over Contributors

  by Edgar Walters Feb. 25, 2014

  Three Texas Supreme Court justices up for re-election face GOP primary challenges. Backers of the incumbents are critical about where support for those challengers is coming from. And those challengers have questioned the current court's conservatism. Full Story 

• Houston Church Opts Not to Defect From Denomination

  by Edgar Walters Feb. 23, 2014

  In a narrow vote Sunday, the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church in Houston opted not to leave a national Presbyterian church over a debate about the church's views on homosexuality. Full Story 

• Groups Urge State Agency to Ban the Use of Tasers, Pepper Spray on Students

  by Edgar Walters Feb. 13, 2014

  Citing new federal guidelines and recent violent incidents, a coalition of interest groups has asked the Texas Education Agency to prohibit the use of “less lethal” weapons, like Tasers and pepper spray, in public schools. Full Story 

• Nolan Ryan Endorses Carnes for Ag Commissioner

  by Edgar Walters Feb. 12, 2014

  Texas baseball legend Nolan Ryan has endorsed J. Allen Carnes' bid to be the state's agriculture commissioner. Full Story 

• Same-Sex Marriage Advocates Battle in Court

  by Edgar Walters Feb. 12, 2014

  A federal court in San Antonio will hear arguments Wednesday in a case that seeks to overturn Texas’ ban on same-sex marriage. It's one of several cases statewide challenging Texas' stance on same-sex unions. Full Story 

• Seven Candidates Fight for Chance to Reshape Texas Criminal Court

  by Edgar Walters Feb. 11, 2014

  At least three members of Texas' highest criminal court will be replaced in the next year, and observers say the unusually high turnover could have a significant effect on the court's decisions. Full Story 

• Court Reverses DNA Testing Decision in Swearingen Case

  by Brandi Grissom and Edgar Walters Feb. 5, 2014

  UPDATED: The state’s highest criminal court on Wednesday reversed a lower court’s decision to allow further DNA testing in the case of death row inmate Larry Swearingen, sending his case back to a district court. Full Story 

• Report: Texas Leads U.S. in 2013 Exonerations

  by Edgar Walters Feb. 4, 2014

  Texas in 2013 exonerated more people who were wrongfully convicted of crimes than any other state, according to a new report. Full Story 

• Israel Wins HD-50 Special Election Runoff

  by Edgar Walters Jan. 28, 2014

  UPDATED: Democrat Celia Israel defeated Republican Mike VanDeWalle on Tuesday in a special election runoff for House District 50. She will serve the remainder of former state Rep. Mark Strama's term. Full Story 

• Israel Leads in House Election Runoff

  by Edgar Walters Jan. 28, 2014

  Early voting numbers have Democrat Celia Israel with a big lead over Republican Mike VanDeWalle in the special election runoff for House District 50. Full Story 

• As Patent Suits Increase, Firms Fight Back

  by Edgar Walters Jan. 24, 2014

  Companies that exist only to collect dormant patents and then sue for infringement are a growing threat to firms, but both businesses and lawmakers are beginning to take action. Full Story 

• Comptroller Candidates Reveal Fundraising Numbers

  by Edgar Walters and Aman Batheja Jan. 13, 2014

  State Sen. Glenn Hegar and Debra Medina, both Republican candidates to succeed Comptroller Susan Combs, released early fundraising numbers Monday. Full Story 

• ACA Enrollments Grow in Texas, Where Uninsured Rates Are High

  by Edgar Walters Jan. 13, 2014

  Nearly 120,000 Texans purchased coverage under the Affordable Care Act in 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That number represents a tiny fraction of the state's uninsured. Full Story 

• Dick Armey, TEXPAC Give Nods in Lt. Gov. Race

  by Morgan Smith and Edgar Walters Jan. 9, 2014

  Another round of endorsements came Thursday in the Republican primary race for lieutenant governor — this time for Jerry Patterson and incumbent David Dewhurst. Full Story 

• Funds, Reforms Bring New Hope for Mental Health Care in Texas

  by Edgar Walters Jan. 2, 2014

  Advocates see cause for optimism in the unprecedented amount of funding state lawmakers dedicated to mental health services, and in federal health care reform's emphasis on mental health care. Full Story 

• As Food Funds Are Cut, Hunters Share Bounty

  by Edgar Walters Dec. 27, 2013

  The Texas Food Bank Network has expanded Hunters for the Hungry, a program that helps hunters donate healthy venison to hungry families. Full Story 

• Report: State Should Not Idle on Transportation Technology Planning

  by Edgar Walters Dec. 17, 2013

  Transportation officials see emerging technologies playing a role in helping address issues like traffic safety. A new report stresses the need for the state to consider partnering with the private sector on certain initiatives. Full Story 

• Lehmberg to Remain in Office, Judge Rules

  by Edgar Walters Dec. 11, 2013

  A district judge has denied a petition to remove Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg from her position, representatives from her office confirmed. Full Story 

• For HIV Patients in Texas, Expanded Insurance Coverage Can Be Elusive

  by Edgar Walters Dec. 8, 2013

  Many HIV patients in Texas are ineligible for subsidies on the new federal health care exchange. Add the state's decision to not expand Medicaid, and the bulk of those patients are missing out on expanded health coverage. Full Story