Past Contributions

• Turning to Outsiders to Finance Water Deals

  By Nick Swartsell Dec. 23, 2012

  In a growing trend across Texas, municipalities and public agencies are reaching out to the private sector for funding. Advocates say it's the only way to meet Texas’ growing water needs, but critics worry about accountability and rising water rates. Full Story 

• Lawmakers' Bills Target Perceived Overreach by Federal Government

  By Nick Swartsell Dec. 4, 2012

  Two bills filed by lawmakers recently seek to restrict the actions of federal agencies in Texas. Lawmakers say the bills are meant to stand up for Texans' freedom, but federal agencies say practices targeted by the bills keep people safe. Full Story 

• Secretary of State Hope Andrade Resigns

  By Nick Swartsell Nov. 20, 2012

  Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade is resigning effective Friday, her office has confirmed. Andrade has held the post since 2008, when her appointment by Gov. Rick Perry made her Texas' first Latina secretary of state. Full Story 

• Study: Conditions at Texas Immigrant Detention Facilities Inhumane

  By Nick Swartsell Nov. 15, 2012

  Reports by Detention Watch Network claim two privately run immigrant detention facilities in Texas are among the 10 worst in the country for human rights violations. Immigration officials say they are looking into the allegations. Full Story 

• Lawmaker Launches Effort to End Driver Responsibility Program

  By Nick Swartsell Nov. 15, 2012

  Lawmakers are once again working to end a surcharge program they say is ineffective and unfair. But the program also provides millions of dollars to trauma centers across Texas. Full Story 

• Get to Know the Newest Lawmakers From Texas

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project, and Nick Swartsell and Audrey White, The Texas Tribune Nov. 8, 2012

  The state House, state Senate and U.S. House delegations from Texas have more than four dozen new members between them. Get to know their backgrounds and faces. Full Story 

• Updated: Lawmakers Discuss School Discipline Methods

  By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project, and Nick Swartsell, The Texas Tribune Oct. 30, 2012

  At a Tuesday hearing, lawmakers discussed giving more discretion to teachers, law enforcement and judges when it comes to dealing with disciplinary violations at schools. Full Story 

• In Taking On Distracted Driving, Texas Cities Go in Different Directions

  By Nick Swartsell Oct. 29, 2012

  More cities in Texas are passing texting-and-driving bans, but some say such laws are ineffective and infringe on personal freedom. Full Story 

• A Compilation of Texas Newspaper Endorsements in Key Races

  By Ryan Murphy, The Texas Tribune, Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project, and Nick Swartsell and Audrey White, The Texas Tribune Oct. 25, 2012

  As Election Day nears, editorial boards at newspapers across Texas have begun endorsing candidates. Here's a list of official endorsements in particularly competitive or noteworthy races. We'll update the list as endorsements come in. Full Story 

• Sierra Club's Radioactive Waste Fight Heats Up

  By Nick Swartsell Oct. 21, 2012

  The battle between the Sierra Club and Harold Simmons' Waste Control Specialists nuclear disposal site is intensifying as Andrews County joins the fray with a lawsuit against the environmental group. Full Story