Vianna Davila
Vianna Davila is a Deputy Editor with the ProPublica-Texas Tribune Investigative Initiative.
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Vianna Davila is a Deputy Editor with the ProPublica-Texas Tribune Investigative Initiative. Previously, she was the editor of The Seattle Times’ Project Homeless initiative, which examines the causes and effects of homelessness in the Seattle region. She began with the project in 2017 as a reporter before becoming editor in 2019. She previously reported for the San Antonio Express-News, where over 13 years she produced stories on city politics, regional transportation and criminal justice. She is a Texas native.
Texas Public Records Transparency Bill That Got Lost Amid GOP Infighting Finally Headed to Governor’s Desk
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he always intended to sign the measure but pulled it aside in response to the House playing “games” at the end of the legislative session.
Texas Bill to Increase Transparency in Public Records Law Left in Limbo Despite Passing Legislature
The bill would close a long-standing loophole in state law that allows officials to withhold law enforcement records if no one was convicted in a case. The measure was the only bill sent to the Senate that did not get signed and sent to the governor.
After a Soldier Died by Suicide, His Family Was Denied the Police Records. Texas Law Makes That Possible.
Texas public records law allows officials to withhold police records if no one was convicted in a case. At least one city has used this rule to deny the release of suicide records. A new bill aims to close this loophole.
The Army Increasingly Allows Soldiers Charged With Violent Crimes to Leave the Military Rather Than Face Trial
A federal watchdog called for ending the practice nearly 50 years ago, but the military pushed back. Now, soldiers leave the Army with a negative discharge, avoiding possible federal conviction and with little record of the allegations against them.
What ProPublica Is Doing About Diversity in 2023
Here is our annual report on the breakdown of our staff and how we’re working to create a more diverse news organization and inclusive journalism community.
Military Justice Reforms Still Leave Some Criminal Cases to Commanders With No Legal Expertise
The military resisted reforming its justice system for decades. Major congressional changes passed in 2021 promised to overhaul that system — but experts say they may have just made it more complicated.
Congresswoman Calls for Examination of Military Pretrial Confinement
The Army also said its pretrial confinement rules are “currently under revision” in a statement to Military Times, which is partnering with ProPublica and The Texas Tribune to report on military justice.
He Was Accused of Sexual Assault, She of Using Drugs. The Military Dealt With Them Very Differently.
Comparing the cases of Pvt. Olivia Ochoa and Pfc. Christian Alvarado provides a striking example of Army commanders’ uneven use of pretrial confinement.
In the Army, You’re More Likely to Be Detained for Drugs Than Sexual Assault
On average, Army soldiers had to face at least eight counts of sexual offenses before their commanders jailed them ahead of trial.
Twice Accused of Sexual Assault, He Was Let Go by Army Commanders. He Attacked Again.
A first-of-its-kind analysis reveals that soldiers in the Army are more likely to be locked up ahead of trial for drug offenses than for sexual assault under a system that gives commanders control.