texas

August 1, 2012 - The University of Texas promoted research by a faculty member as an independent study of fracking's environmental hazards -- but it turns out the scientist holds a big financial stake in a fracking company and sits on its board, which he failed to fully disclose. Meanwhile, another conflict-of-interest controversy over fracking arises in North Carolina.

July 24, 2012 - More than 30 states have enacted some version of voter ID law in recent years. How much do these laws change voting rules and what impact could they have on the general election?

July 24, 2012 - As Green, Libertarian and other third-party presidential candidates struggle to overcome restrictive ballot access laws, will they have any impact on the outcome of this year's presidential election, as Green Party candidate Ralph Nader was accused of doing in Florida in 2000?

July 9, 2012 - A new report from OMB Watch finds that most of the states where fracking is taking place that do not require any public disclosure of the chemicals used in the controversial gas drilling process are in the South, and Southern states are also among those with weak disclosure laws.

July 9, 2012 - A new report from OMB Watch finds that most of the states that do not require public disclosure of toxic chemicals used in fracking are in the South, and Southern states are also among those with weak disclosure laws. Where does your state stand?

July 6, 2012 - If you live in the South, it's harder to move up the earnings ladder -- but easier to move down.

June 28, 2012 - Southern states have among the highest rates of uninsured residents. They also have state officials who are among the most vocal critics of the Supreme Court's decision upholding the Affordable Care Act.