Tony Buzbee, who is leading Gov. Rick Perry’s defense, has made a fortune being the kind of lawyer the governor has spent much of his time in office villainizing. But Buzbee rejects the suggestion that he was an unconventional pick.
August 2014
Posted in
Politics
Davis Draws Praise, Criticism for Education Reform Plans
While receiving praise from education leaders in Austin and fending off fresh criticism about her tax return, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis promoted the latest additions to her education reform proposals.
Posted inState Government
TribCast: Indictment Fallout, Policy Proposals and Debt
Reeve, Emily, Evan and Ross discuss the latest developments regarding the indictment of Gov. Rick Perry, the latest policy proposals from the 2014 gubernatorial candidates, and the Trib’s latest explorer on local debt.
Posted in
Demographics
Guard’s Arrival on Border Brings Relief, Concerns
The arrival of the Texas National Guard to the border has been met with praise by some who say the state is taking the lead in securing the border. Others say the deployment is overkill that only serves to hamper the local economy.
Posted in
Politics
Analysis: Despite the Calendar, Campaigns Are Taking a Back Seat
This is the time of a political year when voters start — slowly — to pay attention to the candidates, issues and arguments ahead of a general election. But this year, there is something else to watch instead.
Posted in
Bypassed by the Miracle
Local Debt Climbs as Cities Deal With Growth
Texas cities, counties and school districts are relying more on debt to maintain services in a fast-growing state. While critics argue communities need to work harder to live within their means, local officials say the issue is not that simple.
Posted in
Bypassed by the Miracle
Local Debt Explorer
Texas counties, cities and school districts have more than $100 billion in debt that’s backed by a pledge of local property taxes. Use our Local Debt Explorer to find out how much tax-supported debt is held in your community.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
New in Trib+Water: Piping In Water to San Antonio
In this week’s edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: lots of talk about proposed water pipeline deal in San Antonio, extra monitoring of Comal Springs and an interview with Amy Hardberger, a water law professor at St. Mary’s School of Law.
Posted in
Energy
The Brief: Aug. 27, 2014
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis released her full 2013 tax return on Tuesday, changing course after previously not allowing the document to be shared or published in full.
Posted in
Public Education
Education Commissioner: “The System Needs to Catch Up”
UPDATED: Asked why the state had delayed a transition away from lower passing standards on state exams, Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams told state lawmakers Tuesday that classroom instruction had failed to meet the rigor demanded by the new tests.
