Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, citing a robust economy, releases the Biennial Revenue Estimate showing that the state is projected to have over $100 billion available for spending in the next biennium.

Your evening reading: Combs delivers improved state budget news; Huffman to lead Senate Republican Caucus; Cornyn calls Hagel "profoundly wrong" on national security issues

Enlarge

The most observant Trib fans may have already noticed: There are some small-to-the-eye but big-for-the-site changes to how we organize news and information.

Enlarge photo by: Eric Kayne

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on July 31, 2012, in Houston addressing the crowd at a watch party following the announcement that he lost the U.S. Senate runoff to Ted Cruz.

The approaching legislative session — now less than a day away — has pushed one politician squarely into the spotlight.

Enlarge photo by: Steve Pribut

Your evening reading: eight Texas Republicans vote against Sandy relief bill; Cornyn open to government shutdown in debt ceiling debate; Joaquin Castro elected president of freshman Democratic class

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, on the House floor on June 29, 2011.

State Rep. David Simpson may be braving an uphill battle in the speaker's race, but now he's doing so with two more supporters at his side.

Enlarge photo by: Tom Harris

Your evening reading: Cruz, new Texas congressmen sworn in; Gohmert votes for Allen West for speaker; TxDOT suspends use of road signs for gun shows

Enlarge

The end of the "fiscal cliff" drama has provoked a round of hand-wringing among Texas Republicans in Congress.

Enlarge photo by: Justin Dehn

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess in Houston on Oct 19, 2012.

Your evening reading: fiscal cliff deal leaves Texas Republicans stewing; congressman-elect says he won't vote for Boehner; Simmons' PAC fined over illegal donations

Enlarge

Last year we logged record site traffic and blew through what we all agreed was an overly ambitious fundraising goal. We are truly grateful, as ever, for your support.

Enlarge

The all-consuming "fiscal cliff" saga came to a dramatic end late Tuesday with a deal that won the support of only a handful of Texas Republicans.