Watch Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith's interview of Julián Castro on the KLRU-TV program "Overheard with Evan Smith."

Could there be a better time to talk politics and policy over three jam-packed days? Register for our seventh-annual ideas conference while the stakes are high but the price is (still) low.

Why is this spring member drive different from all others? Because there's never been a more important time for The Texas Tribune to produce its public-spirited work — or for you to back it.

On this week's TribCast, Evan talks to Alexa, Ross and Patrick about Jessica Farrar’s proposed fine for masturbators, the Senate’s passage of the so-called bathroom bill, last week’s court ruling on redistricting and the congressional car trip social media can’t get enough of. 

In these undeniably interesting times, credible news organizations like The Texas Tribune are essential to the proper functioning of our democratic society — which is why you should support us with a tax-deductible gift during Amplify Austin.

Ken Starr, Mike Morath, Konni Burton, Wendy Davis and — duh — Ted Cruz: Here are the Texas Tribune conversations that made 2016 the newsiest news year in ages. 

In typically generous fashion, the Miami-based supporters of public-spirited nonprofit journalism will match up to $25,000 in small-dollar gifts ($1,000 or below) pledged to the Trib between now and Jan. 19.

Full video of the latest installment of our San Antonio and the Legislature series: a conversation about the 85th session with state Sens. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, and Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio.

Full video of my 12/1 conversation with Michael Young, the president of Texas A&M University. Topics discussed: a white supremacist's visit to campus, the fate of undocumented students, graduation rates, enrollment growth, higher ed funding and, inevitably, football.

Full video of my conversation with Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, at our 11/29 symposium previewing the 85th Legislative Session.

Watch a video recap of our symposium previewing the 85th Legislature. Topics of discussion included major issues on tap in the Texas House and Senate.

No matter if you're elated or dejected by the election results, one thing is clear: It’s a good time for the press to hone its listening skills. Help fund the Trib’s first-ever community reporter, whose beat will be Texans. 

Full video of my 11/14 conversation with state Reps. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, and Andrew Murr, R-Junction, on the campus of Schreiner University in Kerrville.

Full video of  my 11/4 conversation with U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, Democrat of El Paso. Topics discussed included border security, free trade, term limits, the 2016 presidential race and his possible run for the U.S. Senate.

On this date seven years ago, we first flipped the switch on The Texas Tribune. Did we think we'd make it this far? Puh-leeze.