All Coverage | The Texas Tribune

Mexico and the U.S. Agree to Terms on Trucking Deal

By Julián Aguilar July 6, 2011

U.S. and Mexico inked a deal today that marks the end of a years-long dispute over how far past the border long-haul tractor-trailers can travel. Full Story
A&M System Nixes Controversial Teaching Awards Program

By Reeve Hamilton July 6, 2011

Today, in one of his first acts as the new Texas A&M University System interim chancellor, Jay Kimbrough discontinued a controversial Teaching Excellence Awards program. Full Story

Credit: Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune
Courtroom Battle Begins on Abortion Sonogram Law

By Chris Hooks July 6, 2011

Opposing legal teams presented arguments at the first courtroom hearing on Texas' new abortion sonogram law on Wednesday, and U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks said he hoped to rule by September on whether the measure could take effect. Full Story

Credit: Daniel Lobo
Updated: Governor, Others Respond to UT's "Seven Solutions" Response

By Reeve Hamilton July 6, 2011

Randy Diehl, the dean of the University at Texas at Austin’s College of Liberal Arts, has released a response to the so-called "seven breakthrough solutions" for higher education, calling them "the wrong approach.” Full Story

Credit: Muliadi Soenaryo
The Midday Brief: July 6, 2011

By David Muto July 6, 2011

Your afternoon reading: abortion sonogram court hearing begins; Perry surgery recovery going "very well"; Parker wields anti-gay letter directed against her in fundraising push Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
The Brief: July 6, 2011

By David Muto July 6, 2011

Despite objections from the Obama administration, Texas appears ready to execute the man at the center of a death penalty case that has raised international furor. Full Story
Perry's TWIA Nemesis Loses Battle but Promises War Isn't Over

By Brandi Grissom and Jay Root July 6, 2011

Trial lawyer Steve Mostyn insists the governor and the GOP-led Legislature punished him for donating millions to Democrats by putting his clients — coastal homeowners — in the crosshairs. "It's straight-up vendetta politics," he says. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Bob Daemmrich / Caleb Bryant Miller
Lengthy Drought Takes Toll on Wildlife

By Kate Galbraith July 6, 2011

It may be a bad year for hunters: The number of wild turkeys, quail and even squirrels will be down due to one of the worst droughts in state history. One bright spot is that feral hogs, a statewide nuisance, will also decrease. Full Story

Credit: Dave Govoni
Texplainer: What are the State's Events Trust Funds?

By Chris Hooks July 5, 2011

Hey, Texplainer: What are the State Comptroller’s Events Trust Funds, and how do they work? Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
The Midday Brief: July 5, 2011

By David Muto July 5, 2011

Your afternoon reading: more Perry vs. Bush; Dan Patrick's reservations about a U.S. Senate run; Willie Nelson pot case not over Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
The Brief: July 5, 2011

By David Muto July 5, 2011

Rick Perry's rapport with conservative Christians is no secret. But the governor may have friends in higher places than once thought. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Inside Intelligence: In Closing...

By Ross Ramsey July 5, 2011

For the latest installment of our unscientific survey of political and policy insiders, we asked whether this will be the last special session, how many lawmakers will return for another term and what issues from the session will play in the elections next year. Full Story
For Perry, Support of Death Penalty May Be Mixed Bag Nationally

By Brandi Grissom July 5, 2011

In tough-on-crime Texas, Rick Perry has overseen the executions of 230 prisoners — more than any other modern governor. As he eyes a White House bid, his support of the death penalty could have mixed consequences. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Bob Daemmrich / Jacob Villanueva
Video: Fox Pundits on Latest Perry Buzz

By Thanh Tan July 4, 2011

Fox News Sunday gave over its Panel Plus online discussion to the latest buzz about Gov. Rick Perry's presidential prospects. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Fox News Sunday
Attacking the Cost of College, From the Outside

By Reeve Hamilton July 4, 2011

Michael Crosno is working on lowering the cost of higher education by applying pressure from the outside. He is not a policy wonk. He is a businessman who has built and sold a string of successful companies. His latest is called MyEdu. Full Story

Credit: Todd Wiseman
If Dewhurst Isn't Lt. Governor, Who's Next?

By Ross Ramsey July 4, 2011

If Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst moves into another job — and he’s got two ways to do that — the 31 senators will elect one of their own to serve the rest of his four-year term. Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Video: Cornyn Hits Obama Again on Debt Ceiling

By Evan Smith July 3, 2011

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas — who has been extremely critical of President Obama's role in federal debt ceiling negotiations — again took up the cudgel on this morning's edition of Fox News Sunday. Full Story
Drought Fizzles Fourth of July Fireworks

By Ingrid Husby July 3, 2011

This Independence Day, the night sky will remain dark in many Texas cities. Most have issued residential fireworks bans because of the historic drought, and some are scrapping annual celebrations for fear of igniting more than the sparklers. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Perry Throws His Weight Around Lege and Comes Out a Winner

By Jay Root July 3, 2011

Gov. Rick Perry may or may not try to become the leader of what was once called the free world. In the meantime, he has cemented his reputation as one of the most powerful governors ever to walk the corridors of the Texas Capitol. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Video: The Week In Texas Politics: June 27 - July 1, 2011

By Justin Dehn July 2, 2011

Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome. Full Story