Past Contributions

• Visualization: Executions on Perry's Watch

  by Brandi Grissom, Ryan Murphy, Noah Seger and Elizabeth Koh June 26, 2013

  Wednesday's execution of Kimberly McCarthy for the 1997 stabbing death of her neighbor will mark Texas' 500th execution since 1976 and the 261st during Gov. Rick Perry's tenure. Use our interactive to view information on each execution under Perry. Full Story 

• Texplainer: What Are the Rules of a Filibuster?

  by Elizabeth Koh June 25, 2013

  State Sen. Wendy Davis is trying to talk to death an abortion bill that she and other Democrats oppose. The rules for filibustering could make the hours until midnight tough ones for the Fort Worth Democrat. Full Story 

• With Help From Business Group, Criminal Justice Priorities Pass

  by Elizabeth Koh June 19, 2013

  For the state's largest business association and criminal justice reform advocates, the 83rd legislative session was successful despite Gov. Rick Perry's veto of a key measure that they said would have made it easier for former inmates to find work. Full Story 

• Lawmakers Seek Lessons From West Explosion

  by Elizabeth Koh June 17, 2013

  A panel of House lawmakers on Monday agreed to join other state officials in calling on the federal government to send additional aid to the small town of West, which was rocked in April by a massive plant explosion. Full Story 

• Inmate Families Sue Over Heat-Related Prison Deaths

  by Elizabeth Koh June 13, 2013

  Four inmates' families on Thursday sued the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for wrongful deaths, alleging that prison officials failed to protect the men from extreme heat. Full Story 

• After FEMA Rejection, Perry Hopes Obama Stays "True to His Word"

  by Elizabeth Koh June 12, 2013

  After the Federal Emergency Management Agency said it would not provide additional funds to help the town of West, Gov. Rick Perry said he hoped President Obama would work with the state to assist the town. Full Story 

• TDCJ to Close Two Privately Run Jails in August

  by Elizabeth Koh June 11, 2013

  The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has decided to end operations at two privately run Texas prison facilities — the Dawson State Jail in Dallas and the Mineral Wells Pre-Parole Transfer Facility — on Aug. 31. Full Story