Early voting numbers have Democrat Celia Israel with a big lead over Republican Mike VanDeWalle in the special election runoff for House District 50.
Edgar Walters
Edgar Walters worked at the Tribune from 2013 to 2020, most recently covering health and human services. Before that, he had a political reporting fellowship with the Berliner Zeitung, a daily newspaper in Berlin. He is a graduate of the Plan II Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin, where he worked as an editor for The Daily Texan. When not in the newsroom or at the Capitol, he could be found on the volleyball court, standing 6 feet, 7 inches tall.
Posted in
Economy
As Patent Suits Increase, Firms Fight Back
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.
Posted inState Government
Comptroller Candidates Reveal Fundraising Numbers
State Sen. Glenn Hegar and Debra Medina, both Republican candidates to succeed Comptroller Susan Combs, released early fundraising numbers Monday.
Posted in
Health care
ACA Enrollments Grow in Texas, Where Uninsured Rates Are High
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.
Posted inState Government
Dick Armey, TEXPAC Give Nods in Lt. Gov. Race
Another round of endorsements came Thursday in the Republican primary race for lieutenant governor — this time for Jerry Patterson and incumbent David Dewhurst.
Posted in
Health care
Funds, Reforms Bring New Hope for Mental Health Care in Texas
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.
Posted in
Economy
As Food Funds Are Cut, Hunters Share Bounty
The Texas Food Bank Network has expanded Hunters for the Hungry, a program that helps hunters donate healthy venison to hungry families.
Posted in
Economy
Report: State Should Not Idle on Transportation Technology Planning
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.
Posted inState Government
Lehmberg to Remain in Office, Judge Rules
A district judge has denied a petition to remove Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg from her position, representatives from her office confirmed.
Posted in
Health care
For HIV Patients in Texas, Expanded Insurance Coverage Can Be Elusive
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.
