The Brief: May 2, 2014
The rapid rise of so-called dark money, contributions made through political nonprofits that shield their donors' identities, drew the attention of a House panel on Thursday. Full Story
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![Michael Quinn Sullivan]()
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In Texas, Obamacare Enrollment Spiked Before Deadline
Texas enrollment in the federal health insurance marketplace more than doubled in the month leading up to the deadline, according to figures released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Full Story
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![Zoila Chaver, second from right, a member of the Texas Organizing Project, giving health care information to Dallas resident Graciela Garcia at Garcia's home on July 10, 2013.]()
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Animation: Straightening Out Texas Medicaid
In 2010, Texas spent more on Medicaid orthodontic services than the nation’s nine other most populous states combined. Now, state investigators are on a mission to reclaim hundreds of millions of misspent Medicaid dollars. So, how'd the state get in this mess in the first place? Full Story
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Company That Approved Unnecessary Orthodontia Kept Its State Contract
While dental providers accused of overbilling Texas' Medicaid program by hundreds of millions of dollars remain in legal limbo, the contractor that approved the procedures is still being paid more than $100 million annually by the state. Full Story
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![Dr. Behzad Nazari at his remaining dental clinic in Houston Friday, April 25, 2014. Nazari operated 3 clinics in Houston with 15 licensed dentists. After the state alleged he had committed Medicaid fraud and began withholding payments, he sold two clinics. He has challenged the state's payment hold in court.]()
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The Brief: May 1, 2014
As the horrifying details of a botched execution in Oklahoma dominated the headlines on Wednesday, the focus in Texas quickly turned to whether a review of procedures could be in the offing here. Full Story
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![This gurney is used to perform executions at Terre Haute by lethal injection.]()
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Houston a Focal Point as Advocates Target Sex Trafficking
As a new survey shows large counties across the U.S. identifying human sex trafficking as a major problem, federal lawmakers and advocates have pointed to Houston as a critical city in their efforts to address the issue. Full Story
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![Rep. Ted Poe, R-Humble, speaking at the National Press Club on April 29, 2014. Poe has coauthored a bipartisan bill with Democrat Rep. Carolyn Maloney of New York to address human sex trafficking, a major problem in Houston and other Texas cities.]()
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After Years of Reform, Lawsuit Rattles an Agency Still Facing Challenges
Like most child welfare agencies nationwide, Texas Child Protective Services has had its share of problems. Officials say reforms have made clear improvements, but the agency still faces problems. Full Story
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The Brief: April 25, 2014
The House select committee charged with investigating UT System Regent Wallace Hall could vote as early as May 12 on whether to recommend articles of impeachment to the full chamber. Full Story
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El Paso Lacking English-Speaking Foster Homes
On the heels of an expansion of Fort Bliss, El Paso is seeing an increase in the number of children who can't be placed in foster homes because there aren't enough English-speaking homes available. Full Story
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Prisoner Advocates: More Resources for Inmate Art
Behind bars, art can be an important form of expression for women who have suffered from trauma, drug addiction or mental illness. Advocates plan to ask lawmakers for more money to provide inmates with art supplies and art therapy. Full Story
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!["Illuminating Spirits," an art and poetry exhibition by incarcerated women in the Texas prison system, are displayed at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, presented by The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition and the City of Austin.]()
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The Brief: April 18, 2014
Trying to fend off his strongest challenger in years, longtime U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall is calling on his friends once again to help him raise money. Full Story
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![Congressman Ralph Hall waves to the crowd at Frisco 2008 community parade.]()
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The Brief: April 17, 2014
The grand jury investigation into Rick Perry's veto of funding for the Public Integrity Unit has drawn new national attention to the outgoing Texas governor who is weighing a return to the presidential sweepstakes. Full Story
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![Texas Governor Rick Perry attends groundbreaking ceremony for Teletón USA CRIT children's rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, on August 6th, 2013.]()
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Judge Denies Relief for El Paso Abortion Clinic
A federal judge has denied an El Paso abortion clinic temporary relief from a new state requirement that physicians who provide abortions obtain hospital admitting privileges. Full Story
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![An abortion procedure room at the Whole Woman's Health ambulatory surgical center in San Antonio.]()
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Report: Texas' Rate of Uninsured Dips Slightly
While the rate of uninsured Texas adults has fallen slightly since the launch of the federal health insurance marketplace, a new report finds most of the change was attributable to a rise in employer-sponsored health coverage. Full Story
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Committee Will Examine Effectiveness of Foster Care Redesign Program
Supporters of a foster care redesign are hopeful that the program will improve the quality of care for children. But some advocates are raising questions about the program's oversight. Full Story
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Ahead of November, Both Parties Hone Women's Health Messages
With last session's divisive abortion debate as a backdrop, Democrats are getting help from the newly created Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. Republicans, meanwhile, have their own group to tackle women's issues. Full Story
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The Brief: April 15, 2014
Julián Castro and Dan Patrick square off this evening in a San Antonio television studio in their long-awaited debate over immigration. Here are some things to watch for. Full Story
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![San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, a Democrat, and State Sen. Dan Patrick, a Republican who is running for lieutenant governor, are set to debate immigration policy in Castro's hometown on April 15.]()
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Medicare Data Shines Light on Billions Paid to Texas Doctors
Texas doctors who treat Medicare patients earned a combined $4.6 billion from the federal insurer of the elderly in 2012, with the state's ophthalmologists and oncologists raking in the most. Full Story
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The Brief: April 14, 2014
The Austin American-Statesman is reporting that Gov. Rick Perry has hired a defense lawyer to represent him in an ongoing investigation into his veto of funding for the Public Integrity Unit housed in the Travis County DA's office. Full Story
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Giving Up on Red Tape, Some Doctors Turn to Cash-Based Model
While efforts are underway to decrease Texas' rate of residents without health coverage, Texas is seeing an increase in primary care practitioners who are no longer accepting any forms of insurance. Full Story
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![A patient pays cash for a visit to Dr. Gustavo Villarreal's office in Laredo. Villarreal no longer accepts any form of health insurance.]()
Credit: Eddie Seal
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