Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott has accepted invitations to two debates hosted by media outlets in the fall. A Wendy Davis campaign spokesman said she would release an “unprecedented debate schedule” on Tuesday.
Edgar Walters
Edgar Walters worked at the Tribune from 2013 to 2020, most recently covering health and human services. Before that, he had a political reporting fellowship with the Berliner Zeitung, a daily newspaper in Berlin. He is a graduate of the Plan II Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin, where he worked as an editor for The Daily Texan. When not in the newsroom or at the Capitol, he could be found on the volleyball court, standing 6 feet, 7 inches tall.
Posted inState Government
From Desks to Dumbbells: Law Lets State Workers Find Time for Fitness
Since the passage of a 2007 law allowing state employees a 30-minute exercise break three times per week, several state agencies have begun offering popular lunchtime workout programs, like weight training and Zumba.
Posted inState Government
Hollywood Film Bigwigs to Host Davis Fundraiser
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis will be feted at a Hollywood fundraiser on Thursday hosted by film industry bigwigs J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Steven Spielberg.
Posted in
Politics
Branch Led Effort to Defeat Disclosure Rule
During Dan Branch’s first year in the House, he was a driving force behind an effort to prevent the disclosure of conflicts of interest that can arise when lawmakers work for firms that lobby the state Legislature.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
In Cellphone Contraband Cases, Few Face Charges
While confiscations of illicit cellphones in prisons have dropped, a Tribune investigation found that few inmates or correctional officers face legal consequences for smuggling the devices.
Posted in
Politics
Carter Fights to Keep Seat in HD-102 Runoff
Stefani Carter might have had an easy time seeking re-election to the House. But after she reversed a decision to run for railroad commissioner, she re-entered a crowded field. She’s in a tight spot heading into a runoff with Linda Koop.
Posted in
Health care
Report: Texas’ Rate of Uninsured Dips Slightly
While the rate of uninsured Texas adults has fallen slightly since the launch of the federal health insurance marketplace, a new report finds most of the change was attributable to a rise in employer-sponsored health coverage.
Posted in
Health care
Committee Will Examine Effectiveness of Foster Care Redesign Program
Supporters of a foster care redesign are hopeful that the program will improve the quality of care for children. But some advocates are raising questions about the program’s oversight.
Posted in
Economy
Report: Texas Ranks Among Leaders in Spending Transparency
Texas ranks highly when it comes to letting taxpayers know how state government spends its money, according to a new report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group.
Posted in
Politics
Age is Just a Number and Not a Campaign Issue as Ratcliffe Challenges Hall
John Ratcliffe, who is in a Republican primary runoff with U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall, says the incumbent has been in Washington too long. What he’s not saying is that Hall, who turns 91 next month, is too old for office.
