Only a handful of bills will ever make it out of committee, survive votes in both Capitol chambers and be signed into law by the governor’s pen next year.
Alex Samuels
Alex Samuels was a reporter for The Texas Tribune from 2017 to 2021. She helped with national campaign coverage, wrote stories about the intersection of race and politics in Texas, and covered the hottest political news bubbling out of local communities. She was also one of the primary authors of The Blast, the Tribune’s subscription-only daily newsletter for political insiders. Alex began at the Tribune as a fellow in 2016. She graduated in 2017 from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. She originally is from Massachusetts and is the best pingpong player at the Tribune.
Texas legislators file bills aimed at decriminalizing marijuana
The filings come less than a week after several other states approved measures weakening marijuana laws. And according to the bills filed Monday, Texas lawmakers are looking to do the same thing.
The Brief: Texas energy faces unknown future under Trump presidency
President-elect Donald Trump’s mixed messages on the campaign trail have left Texas energy industry confused but hopeful.
The Brief: Baylor boosters call for reform
Amid scrutiny over how Baylor University handled allegations of sexual assault against football players and other students, a group of boosters asked for more transparency from the school’s board of regents.
Travis County star of “best campaign ad ever” wins re-election
Republican Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty won re-election Tuesday, no small feat in the heavily Democratic county.
The Brief: Texas reacts to Donald Trump’s stunning win
While GOP officials across the state say they feel emboldened by Trump’s win, young undocumented immigrants and the 1.2 million Texans with health insurance under President Obama’s Affordable Care Act face uncertain futures.
The Bookshelf: Nov. 10, 2016
In this week’s Bookshelf, our content partner Kirkus Reviews highlights Language at the Speed of Sight.
New educational edition of Minecraft hits U.S. classrooms
“Minecraft: Education Edition” launched Nov. 1, with a new edition of the popular online building and strategy game tailored for classroom use.
Study questions benefits of selective-enrollment high schools
A new study drew the surprising conclusion that students at selective-enrollment schools didn’t seem to benefit academically compared with similar students at different schools.
New poll shows Americans lack knowledge on school spending
Only 15 percent of respondents in a new national poll could estimate the correct range of per-pupil spending, which is about $11,000.





