Introducing the third member of our Trib+ newsletters family: Trib+Health, published in partnership with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and all about the state's health care landscape. Sign up today. Full Story
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After months of plummeting oil prices, nightmares about idled drilling rigs have become reality, hitting Texas the hardest. See how many rigs the state has lost in recent months. Full Story
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A now-canceled deal between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and a software maker is the subject of scrutiny and is also causing greater talk of state contract reforms. Here's a look back at the deal and what led to the current investigations. Full Story
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We’ve revamped our Hospitals Explorer, using the most recent Medicare data analyzed by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Use our updated tool to learn more about the quality of care available at Texas hospitals that reported Medicare data. Full Story
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The state representative at the center of a controversy over treatment of visitors to the Capitol for Texas Muslim Capitol Day last week told the Tribune on Monday that she didn't expect her Facebook post to raise such a ruckus. Full Story
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In an interview with the Tribune, state Rep. Molly White, R-Belton, said she didn't intend to ignite controversy with her comments last week about Muslims, but stood by her suspicions of the religion. Full Story
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The head of the state's public integrity unit told Senate lawmakers on Monday that Gov. Rick Perry’s veto of its funding in 2013 forced the division — which investigates public corruption — to lay off staff and give up cases. Full Story
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Over the weekend, federal officeholders filed their final campaign reports for 2014. They offer a glimpse into members of the Texas delegation who are sitting pretty financially, and which my need to get to work soon dialing for dollars. Full Story
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During the legislative session, we're compiling "hot lists" of issues across several policy areas. This week, our Lege page's featured hot list is Public Education. Use it to stay updated during the session, and subscribe to our Trib+Edu newsletter for more education news. Full Story
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If former Gov. Rick Perry, as expected, declares his candidacy for the 2016 presidential nomination, he won't have the help of an operative who had worked with Perry after his failed 2012 presidential run. Full Story
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With the Legislature back in session, we've updated our tools to help you navigate the Texas Capitol. Use these seating charts to locate where the members of the House and Senate sit in their respective chambers. Full Story
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Lobbyists are required to report everything they spend on government officials, including expensive meals at fancy restaurants. But state disclosure laws allow lobbyists to split the bills to avoid naming whom they've wined and dined. Full Story
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The weekend saw more lengthy stories on problems in the way the state contracts out services. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics with host Jason Whitely, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy and Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey talk about U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, who's showing all the signs that he's gearing up for a presidential run. Full Story
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On Fox News Sunday, Gov. Greg Abbott and former U.S. Education Secretary Bill Bennett debated Common Core – standards overseen by the National Governors Association that Texas lawmakers refuse to use. Full Story
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If Rand Paul runs for president — and he's widely expected to — don't expect a campaign that mirrors those of his father. During a weekend visit to North Texas, where he spoke at a pair of GOP events, Paul talked about building a broad coalition. Full Story
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There was no shortage of news coming out of the Capitol this week, but last Thursday was so singular that we built our entire playlist around the events of that day. Kicking things off: Wes Montgomery’s cover of “A Day In The Life” by The Beatles. Full Story
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Texas's tendency to privatize state services has led to contracting scandals erupting regularly. But a history of cost overruns or bad performance hardly bars a company from winning future jobs. Full Story
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Whether it's Medicaid expansion, property taxes or early childhood education, communities across Texas have several issues they hope the 84th Legislature will address. Watch our eight-part State of Mind series, which discusses these topics and more. Full Story
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Texas bars companies from owning or controlling more than 20 percent of the electric generation capacity in the state. A lawmaker wants to eliminate that cap. Full Story
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