Ted Cruz gives Donald Trump high marks for Monday debate showing, Joe Straus names Steve Wolens to Ethics Commission and the insiders give cheers and jeers to recent statements from state leaders — all that and more in the latest issue of our subscriber-only newsletter for political insiders ($).

Another Texan has joined U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s crusade against the Obama administration’s “illegal internet giveaway,” as critics of the move describe it.

The end of one political race is often the beginning of the next one. As former Gov. Rick Perry learned, an "oops" moment in one contest can color voter opinion in the next one. That ought to worry U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

In the Roundup: National Democrats see Texas as a worthwhile investment this election cycle. Plus, the issue of transgender bathrooms heats up in Dripping Springs and Rick Perry takes his final bow on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Texas nonprofits that resettle refugees say volunteer turnout has increased — in some cases dramatically — since the state's elected officials started trying to bar Syrians fleeing violence at home.

Houston Texans owner Robert McNair has made $1.3 million in political contributions this year, according to a new report. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has ponied up $200,000. 

While HB 2 is gone, one of the harshest barriers to abortion access for Texans — the Hyde Amendment — remains, write Amanda Williams and Laila Khalili of the Lilith Fund.

Check out our live Tribune Festival edition of the TribCast and The Ticket 2016, featuring Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, state Rep. Chris Paddie, politicos Sarah Isgur Flores and Erick Erickson, and music from the Bad Precedents.