Latest Contributions

• “Cascading failures”: Justice Department blasts law enforcement’s botched response to Uvalde school shooting

  By Lomi Kriel, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica, Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune, and Lexi Churchill, The Texas Tribune and ProPublica Updated: Jan. 18, 2024

  U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said that had responding officers followed general procedures, some victims would have survived. Full Story 

• San Antonio plans to tackle violence with a public health approach. Here’s what that looks like.

  By Alejandro Serrano Jan. 17, 2024

  Houston and Austin already use similar methods. San Antonio will aim to reduce gun-related violence, sexual assaults and other crimes against people. Full Story 

• Texans asked to conserve energy as demand was expected to put strain on electric grid

  By Alejandro Serrano, Emily Foxhall and Neelam Bohra Updated: Jan. 16, 2024

  Public Utility Commission said conservation would help lower demand during peak times and help avoid emergency conditions. Full Story 

• Feds sue Colony Ridge developer, accusing it of preying on Latino homebuyers

  By Alejandro Serrano Updated: Dec. 20, 2023

  Federal authorities accused the Houston-area developer of targeting Latino home buyers with predatory loans and false promises. The housing development drew the attention of state lawmakers after right-wing publications claimed it is a magnet for undocumented immigrants. Full Story 

• As suicide rate increases, gun safety advocates call for more firearm regulations

  By Alejandro Serrano and Stephen Simpson Dec. 12, 2023

  A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report showed a new record for people using firearms in suicides. Texas gun safety and mental health advocates say the report highlights a need for gun laws the state does not have. Full Story 

• Federal appeals court questions Texas’ new school library regulations

  By Alejandro Serrano Nov. 29, 2023

  House Bill 900 seeks to rid school libraries of inappropriate books by requiring book vendors to rate materials. A legal challenge says the law is too vague and broad. Full Story 

• In Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire head to a runoff

  By Joshua Fechter and Alejandro Serrano Updated: Nov. 8, 2023

  The two well-known Democrats led a crowded field, but neither captured a majority of the vote. The runoff will be Dec. 9. Full Story 

• U.S. Supreme Court hears Texas case about whether domestic violence suspects can be banned from having guns

  By Alejandro Serrano Updated: Nov. 7, 2023

  The high court heard arguments in the case brought by Zackey Rahimi, who went on a shooting spree after being placed under a domestic violence protective order. Rahimi argues that his constitutional right to bear arms was violated. Full Story 

• Trump pitches 2024 election as most important for nation’s future during Houston campaign stop

  By Alejandro Serrano and Patrick Svitek Nov. 2, 2023

  Former President Donald Trump said the acquitted attorney general should not have been impeached but that he was happy to have helped the state’s top civil lawyer. Full Story 

• A public health response helped reduce fatal car wrecks in Texas. Can it do the same for gun deaths?

  By Alejandro Serrano and Susie Webb Oct. 31, 2023

  For the first time in a generation, Texans were more likely to die of gunshot wounds than car crashes in 2021. Experts worry a lack of research on the issue has hampered the search for solutions. Full Story