Jim Malewitz

Jim Malewitz was a reporter at the Tribune from 2013 to 2017, covering energy and environment and then working on investigations. Previously, he covered those issues for Stateline, a nonprofit news service in Washington, D.C. The Michigan native majored in political science at Grinnell College in Iowa and holds a master’s from the University of Iowa. There, he helped launch the nonprofit Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism, where he currently serves on the board of directors. Jim also coaches the Texas Tribune Runoffs, which, sources say, is the scrappiest coed newsroom softball team west of the Mississippi.

Past Contributions

A Texas-Sourced Push to Reauthorize Ex-Im Bank

By John Reynolds, Aman Batheja and Jim Malewitz, The Texas Tribune, and Neena Satija, The Texas Tribune and Reveal Feb. 26, 2015

Also, a roundup of notable legislative filing activity, and it was Blue Bell day at the Capitol. Full Story
Otto Promises to Fund Health Care for Retired Teachers

By Jim Malewitz Feb. 25, 2015

State Rep. John Otto, the head of the House budget-writing committee, pledged Wednesday to work to fully fund a nearly broke health care program for retired Texas teachers. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Despite Low Prices, Texas Oil Group Stays Optimistic

By Jim Malewitz Feb. 24, 2015

Texas’ oil and gas industry is touting its record-breaking 2014 contributions to state and local government coffers, an effort to stay positive amid 2015's far gloomier revenue outlook. Full Story

Credit: Esteban Monclova for The Texas Tribune
Combs Lands Position at Conservative Think Tank

By Jim Malewitz Feb. 23, 2015

Susan Combs, the former Texas comptroller of public accounts, is joining the Texas Public Policy Foundation as a visiting senior fellow. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Video: Abbott Takes Immigration Message to D.C.

By Jim Malewitz Feb. 22, 2015

Appearing on a pair of national news shows Sunday, Gov. Greg Abbott promised to fight President Obama's executive action on immigration all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he said the case would "no doubt" end up. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Battleground Regroups: "We Got the Shit Kicked Out of Us"

By Jim Malewitz Feb. 21, 2015

More than three months after Republicans shellacked Democrats at the polls, Battleground Texas — the group aiming to turn bright-red Texas into some shade of blue — is staying cheery as it regroups. Full Story

Credit: Callie Richmond
Legislation Would Let Tesla Sell in Texas

By Jim Malewitz Feb. 19, 2015

A group of state lawmakers have filed legislation that would allow Tesla to sell its luxury electric cars at as many as 12 stores in Texas, renewing the California-based company’s challenge to a state law protecting franchised auto dealers. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Dealers Reach Out, but Tesla Slams the Door

By Jim Malewitz and Bobby Blanchard Feb. 18, 2015

Tesla Motors is ramping up its lobbying efforts to change a Texas law requiring that new cars be sold through franchised dealerships. But some dealers say they'd like a shot at moving a few of the luxury, all-electric cars. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Farenthold Denies Ex-Aide's Sexual Harassment Claims

By Jim Malewitz Feb. 13, 2015

U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, has formally denied claims that he sexually harassed and discriminated against one of his former employees. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
House Head Budget Writer: Chambers "Very Close" on Budgets

By John Reynolds, Aman Batheja and Jim Malewitz Feb. 12, 2015

Also, the Senate Finance chief files a graduate medical education bill and more ominous news on oil prices. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera