Video: Day One of the 84th Legislature
State lawmakers and their families filled the Texas Capitol in Austin on Tuesday for the start of the 2015 legislative session – a day complete with formalities, pomp and a vote for House speaker. Full Story
State lawmakers and their families filled the Texas Capitol in Austin on Tuesday for the start of the 2015 legislative session – a day complete with formalities, pomp and a vote for House speaker. Full Story
The behavior of open-carry advocates trying to drum up votes for a measure repealing handgun licensing requirements prompted one lawmaker to escort them from his office Monday. Full Story
The House on Tuesday re-elected Joe Straus to be speaker, easily squelching a rebellion from a noisy but small faction of conservatives who backed Scott Turner. Were the challengers out of sync with Texans, or just with the current management? Full Story
UPDATED: With the backing of 85 percent of the Texas House, San Antonio Republican Joe Straus was re-elected to his fourth term Tuesday. Straus drew 128 votes for re-election against challenger state Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, who drew 19 votes. Full Story
As Texas lawmakers convened for the first day of the 2015 legislative session Tuesday, about a dozen activists carrying a variety of firearms gathered in front of the state Capitol to protest gun laws. Full Story
UPDATED: U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Friendswood, apologized Tuesday for a controversial tweet that compared President Obama to Adolf Hitler. Full Story
From the first day of the new legislative session, here's a selection of tweets that journalists, lawmakers and others have shared, along with the Tribune's on-the-ground reporting from the Texas Capitol. Full Story
We're livestreaming lawmakers in action on their first day in the Capitol, courtesy of the Texas Legislature. Both the House and Senate convene at noon; the House has a speaker's race on the agenda. Full Story
Got your popcorn ready? The Texas Legislature opens its 84th 140-day regular session today at noon, with ceremonies, a little pomp and a skirmish or two. Here's a look at what's happening today. Full Story
We've relaunched our Ethics Explorer on day one of the 84th legislative session to show you how elected officials' personal interests might conflict with the public interest. Take a look at incoming lawmakers, judges and members of the SBOE. Full Story
Texas’ recent attempts to figure out what will happen with oil prices have one thing in common: They’re rarely accurate. But that’s the norm for most anyone watching the volatile petroleum industry. Full Story
A historic vote for House speaker could happen on a day long on ceremony otherwise. Full Story
Tuesday's vote for speaker of the Texas House will provide "a sense of hope" to "the people of America," state Rep. Scott Turner told a small rally of supporters at a La Quinta Inn near the Capitol Monday. Full Story
A deputy from former Attorney General Greg Abbott's office will be running the Texas Department of Insurance, Gov. Rick Perry's office announced Monday. But he appears to just be a temporary replacement for outgoing Commissioner Julia Rathgeber. Full Story
In his first official act as Agriculture Commissioner, Sid Miller granted full amnesty to cupcakes. Miller was seeking to reassure Texas parents that it's legal to bring cupcakes and other treats to school — and that he'll protect that right. Full Story
At a White House ceremony, the president on Monday offered the reigning NBA champions advice on winning back-to-back, one of the few milestones the Spurs have yet to reach. Full Story
State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, the chairman of the House Public Education Committee, says Texas lawmakers shouldn't wait for the outcome of a sprawling school finance lawsuit to discuss changes to the state's public education funding system. Full Story
When it comes to supporting higher education, Texas is good — but not great — according to a nonprofit group focused on economic opportunities for young adults. Full Story
Full video of my 1/12 conversation with state Sens. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, and Kirk Watson, D-Austin — the chairs of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses. Full Story
Announcing a two-year revenue estimate that reflects "uncertainties in oil prices and the possibilities of a slowing global economy," Comptroller Glenn Hegar said Monday that lawmakers will have $113 billion to divvy up in the next two-year budget. Full Story