Latest Contributions

• Hemp is booming in Texas. Distinguishing it from marijuana is still a challenge.

  by Todd Wiseman, Jolie McCullough, Justin Dehn and Peyton Young Feb. 24, 2020

  In this video, The Texas Tribune dug into hemp and marijuana with lawmakers, crime lab scientists, criminal defense attorneys and hemp entrepreneurs. Full Story 

   Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas Tribune

• The on-air authority on state politics and policy

  by Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn Feb. 6, 2020

  More than a website, The Texas Tribune has worked to grow its reach and foster an engaged electorate by appearing on television news stations across the state. Full Story 

• The Texas Tribune: The Next 10 Years

  by Fatima Espejo, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Jan. 9, 2020

  In the next 10 years, The Texas Tribune will work to inform and engage even more of our state's residents. Here's a look at how we hope to do that. Full Story 

• Rodney Reed's execution was set for Wednesday. A Texas court stopped it last week.

  by Jolie McCullough, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Nov. 20, 2019

  The Texas Tribune takes a look at Reed's case as it is sent back to the local court, which will review claims that he is innocent of the murder that put him on death row. Full Story 

   Courtesy KXAN

• The one where Willie Nelson sings Happy Birthday to The Texas Tribune

  by Fatima Espejo, Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn Nov. 3, 2019

  What would Texas be without The Texas Tribune? Politicos, fellow journalists and yes, Willie Nelson, toast The Texas Tribune on our 10th anniversary. Full Story 

   Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune

• Big Tex and Dickies are a perfect fit, but Uvalde factory's fate is another story

  by Todd Wiseman, Christopher Vazquez, Justin Dehn and Alana Rocha Oct. 22, 2019

  Iconic Texas-based clothing maker Williamson-Dickie made headlines last year when it announced it was closing its last U.S. factory, in Uvalde. While that plant has been repurposed and still employs several residents, the city is grappling over changes to a key partner in its community. Full Story 

   Todd Wiseman / The Texas Tribune

• Visa denial rates for highly skilled workers are on the rise. Small Texas businesses are taking a hit.

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Sept. 19, 2019

  The Texas economy relies heavily on temporary work visas, like H-1Bs, to hire highly trained, highly skilled employees from abroad. But H-1Bs have been subject to tougher scrutiny, with denial rates on the uptick. Full Story 

   Getty Images/iStockphoto

• After the El Paso shootings, residents and officials grapple with what's next

  by Christopher Vazquez and Justin Dehn Aug. 9, 2019

  El Pasoans spent the week grieving — and worrying about more attacks targeting Hispanics — as politicians had varied ideas for how to prevent mass shootings in the future. Full Story 

   Juan Rosales for The Texas Tribune

• One shelter for migrant children is trying to distinguish itself from Border Patrol processing centers. But protesters keep coming.

  by Christopher Vazquez, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman July 18, 2019

  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the agency running the Carrizo Springs facility for unaccompanied teens, has distinguished its shelters from processing facilities facing worsening conditions. That hasn’t stopped protesters from descending on the town. Full Story 

   U.S. Health and Human Services

• "No fist fights. No gun threats." Lawmakers give 86th Texas Legislature high marks

  by Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria and Woojae Julia Song June 6, 2019

  Members of the Texas House and Senate wasted little time touting the never-ending "kumbaya" feeling that enabled them to reform school finance and property taxes. For those who covered the Capitol, a substantive, successful session meant a "boring" one. Full Story 

   Miguel Gutierrez Jr. / The Texas Tribune

• Many marijuana and pro-LGBTQ bills died this legislative session. Expect to see them back in 2021.

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song May 27, 2019

  While lawmakers in the 86th Texas Legislature advanced measures on some controversial issues, they know it often takes several sessions to pass bills and say they intend to refile them next time. Full Story 

   Miguel Gutierrez Jr. / The Texas Tribune

• "I'm honestly still stunned that I work here": Meet the staffers who keep Texas lawmakers in check under the dome

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song May 14, 2019

  Behind the 181 members of the Texas Legislature, thousands of people work to keep the Capitol humming during legislative sessions. The work isn't always glamorous, but many view their small roles in helping state government function as an honor. Full Story 

   Todd Wiseman / The Texas Tribune

• It's crunch time: Texas bills are going to start dying

  by Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman, Justin Dehn and Richard Loria April 30, 2019

  Is paid sick leave on life support? Did "constitutional carry" advocates shoot themselves in the foot? With just weeks to go in the session, lawmakers are handling the pressure to get their bills across the finish line in different ways. Full Story 

   Juan Figueroa / The Texas Tribune

• Hurricane Harvey destroyed every apartment in Rockport, Texas. Some residents are still waiting for help from lawmakers.

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song April 18, 2019

  This is the first legislative session since the storm devastated the Texas Gulf Coast in August 2017. Several measures are afoot to aid in recovery and mitigate the effects of future disasters. Full Story 

   Eddie Seal for The Texas Tribune

• "We're all afraid to go to school": After Santa Fe, Texas seeks to make students safer

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song April 15, 2019

  Almost a year after the massacre at Santa Fe High School, state lawmakers are considering ways to make students and teachers feel safe in the classroom again. Full Story 

   Woojae Julia Song / The Texas Tribune

• Meet the advocates lobbying Texas lawmakers for more money and support this session

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song April 1, 2019

  During the Texas legislative session, the Capitol sees a rush of advocates. Our latest "Under the Dome" episode features two people lobbying on issues they are all too familiar with. Full Story 

   Richard Loria / The Texas Tribune

• What the “wave of women” elected in 2018 looks like in the 2019 Texas Legislature

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song March 18, 2019

  This freshman class of female legislators is young, diverse and — thanks to the women who came before them — treated as equals in the traditionally male-dominated chambers. Full Story 

   Emree Weaver / The Texas Tribune

• The top places Texas lawmakers go to wine, dine and deal during legislative session

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song Feb. 28, 2019

  Not everyone in the Texas Legislature gets deals done under the dome. Some lawmakers are drawn to bars, clubs and restaurants around the state Capitol for the quiet or the queso. Full Story 

   Todd Wiseman / The Texas Tribune

• The state of Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency items: Will property tax and school finance get reformed?

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song Feb. 14, 2019

  The governor has laid out his legislative priorities. In our latest "Under the Dome" episode, we look at the challenges lawmakers face in addressing the issues of property taxes and school finance. Full Story 

• Political hardball, committee assignments spark joy and drama alike in the Texas Legislature

  by Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song Jan. 29, 2019

  In this episode of our documentary series "Under the Dome," House and Senate leaders make their highly anticipated committee assignments — and one longtime lawmaker ends up in the doghouse. Full Story 

   Todd Wiseman / The Texas Tribune