Past Contributions

• Tech Advances Have “Changed the Way We Will Respond”

  By Ally Mutnick and Sophia Bollag Sept. 20, 2015

  With advances in meteorology, emergency management software and communications technology, state and local officials feel better prepared for the next big hurricane. This is part of our "Road From Rita" series, a collaboration with the Beaumont Enterprise. Full Story 

• Border Toll Roads Face Enforcement Issues

  By Sophia Bollag Sept. 5, 2015

  As El Paso prepares to open new toll roads, officials' inability to mail bills to Mexican drivers means only U.S. drivers will be required to pay. Full Story 

• Texas Racing Commission Closed, Tracks Suspend Races

  By Sophia Bollag Sept. 1, 2015

  The Texas Racing Commission ceased operations Tuesday and directed racetracks to stop all live and broadcast racing, according to the agency. Full Story 

• Racing Commission Future Still Unclear

  By Sophia Bollag Aug. 31, 2015

  Unless lawmakers come up with a deal soon to keep it funded, the Texas Racing Commission is prepared to close down tomorrow. That means all Texas racetracks will be forced to close as well. Full Story 

• With Court Case Comes Questions on Commercial Appraisals

  By Aman Batheja, Patrick Svitek and Sophia Bollag Aug. 27, 2015

  Also, the governor says he hasn't talked to the attorney general in weeks. Full Story 

• Defying Pressure, Regulators Uphold Historical Racing

  By Sophia Bollag Aug. 25, 2015

  In a victory for racetracks and a rebuff to state lawmakers, the Texas Racing Commission on Tuesday declined to outlaw historical racing in the state. Full Story 

• Parents Guaranteed Right to Bury Stillborn Babies

  By Sophia Bollag Aug. 17, 2015

  Moved by the story of an Amarillo family, legislators passed a new law that will guarantee parents the right to the remains of their stillborn children. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story 

• State to Ride Herd on Failing Schools

  By Sophia Bollag and Mallory Busch Aug. 13, 2015

  If school district leaders can’t fix failing schools, the state may strip their authority under a new law effective Sept. 1. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story 

• New Law Helps Tackle Health Agency Woes

  By Sophia Bollag Aug. 7, 2015

  After being accused of corruption, inefficiency and incompetence, the state health agency's Office of Inspector General is trying to get back on track, and hopes a new law will clarify and streamline its fraud investigations. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story 

• Otto Explains Maritime Museum Money Mixup

  By Sophia Bollag Aug. 4, 2015

  The mystery of a seemingly abandoned nautical appropriation in the state budget became clearer Tuesday, with a key legislator saying the $200,000 intended for a non-existent maritime museum got tangled in a miscommunication. Full Story