Past Contributions

• Texas buys new execution drugs before current doses expire

  By Jolie McCullough July 9, 2018

  Last month, Texas seemed to be running out of execution drugs. But records show that it has obtained 14 new doses and extended the expiration date of eight more doses already in its possession. Here's a look at the state's current supply, which is now adequate to handle all scheduled executions. Full Story 

• Danny Bible executed for a 1979 rape and murder, despite claims that he was too sick for lethal injection

  By Jolie McCullough Updated: June 27, 2018

  The death row inmate argued that officials likely wouldn't be able to find a vein, and he proposed that the state instead use a firing squad or nitrogen gas. His execution proceeded with no indication of trouble injecting the drugs. Full Story 

• Cultural split is evident at Texas committee hearing on gun proposals

  By Jolie McCullough June 25, 2018

  Gun rights advocates and student protesters at the Capitol on Monday argued over possible legislation to remove guns from people deemed dangerous and to mandate safe storage of firearms. The hearing was held after Gov. Greg Abbott requested legislators look at gun and school safety after the fatal Santa Fe school shooting. Full Story 

• "Not knowing anything about my daughter is torture.” Immigrant parents describe being without their children.

  By Jolie McCullough June 22, 2018

  Three Central American immigrant detainees have sued the government to be reunited with their children. On Friday, they sent handwritten notes to the court pleading for information about them. Full Story 

• Trump wants to prosecute all illegal border crossings without splitting up families. That will be a challenge.

  By Jolie McCullough and Emma Platoff June 21, 2018

  A lack of space and a legal settlement stand in his administration's way. Full Story 

• Three Central Americans separated from their children at the U.S.-Mexico border are suing the federal government

  By Paul Cobler and Jolie McCullough Updated: June 20, 2018

  The lawsuit argues that the constitutional rights of the families were violated by the Trump administration's policy and asks that the parents be reunited with their children, one as young as 2 years old. Full Story 

• Will Texas pass a “red flag” law to remove guns from people who are deemed dangerous?

  By Jolie McCullough June 18, 2018

  As part of his school and gun safety plan, Gov. Greg Abbott wants to explore a law that would allow local officials to take guns away from people if a judge declares them a danger — while also protecting Second Amendment rights. It's an issue that has previously gone nowhere in the Texas Legislature. Full Story 

• Texas court upholds Bobby Moore’s death sentence, rejecting broadly supported claim of intellectual disability

  By Jolie McCullough Updated: June 6, 2018

  After the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Texas' method for determining intellectual disability in Moore's death penalty case last year, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals decided on Wednesday to change its standards but said Moore still didn't qualify. Full Story 

• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stops scheduled execution over claims of intellectual disability

  By Jolie McCullough Updated: June 5, 2018

  Clifton Williams was set to be executed June 21 for the East Texas home robbery and murder of a 93-year-old woman. Full Story 

• Following sexual abuse scandals, Texas Juvenile Justice Department submits plan to revamp agency

  By Jolie McCullough Updated: June 1, 2018

  The proposal includes reducing the number of youth at state lockups and focusing on county-run facilities. Full Story