In a rock concert-like setting, at times reaching Howard Dean-like volumes, Gov. Rick Perry used his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington to deliver his resounding message: The government closest to the people is the one that governs best.
Emily Ramshaw
Emily Ramshaw was the editor-in-chief of The Texas Tribune from 2016 to 2020. During her tenure, the Tribune — billed “one of the nonprofit news sector’s runaway success stories” — won a Peabody Award, several national Murrow Awards and top honors from the Online News Association.
Before joining the Tribune in 2010 as one of its founding reporters, Ramshaw spent six years at The Dallas Morning News, where she broke national stories about sexual abuse inside Texas’ youth lock-ups, reported from inside a West Texas polygamist compound and uncovered “fight clubs” inside state institutions for the disabled. The Texas APME named Ramshaw its 2008 star reporter of the year. In 2016, she was named to the board of the Pulitzer Prizes.
A native of Washington, D.C., and the product of two journalist parents, Ramshaw graduated from Northwestern University in 2003 with dual degrees in journalism and American history.
Ron Paul at CPAC: “Too Much Bipartisanship”
U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Surfside, gave a rollicking speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington — one peppered with cheers and jeers. His target? The “bipartisanship” that leads to foreign and financial policies he argues curb the country’s liberty.
Doctor Loan Repayment Deal in Jeopardy
More than 100 Texas doctors made a deal with the state: For four years, they would practice in underserved communities and treat the neediest patients — in return for having their med school debt forgiven. But now state officials may be backing down from their side of the bargain.
Hartley: Washington Should Help Solve Husband’s Murder
Gov. Rick Perry had the ultimate guest to further his border security message at today’s State of the State: the young woman whose husband was apparently murdered by a band of Mexican pirates on Texas’ Falcon Lake.
LiveBlog: Perry’s State of the State
Gov. Rick Perry delivered his sixth State of the State speech today, addressing a joint session of the Texas House and Senate, and selling the state’s fiscal troubles as an opportunity to make government more efficient.
Anchia Gets Super Bowl Seat — at the White House
State Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, won’t be on the 50-yard line for Sunday’s Super Bowl in Arlington. But some could argue he’s got the next best seat: at the White House with Barack and Michelle Obama.
State Keeps Registry of Kids Who Abuse Kids
“Dear future son,” the North Texas father wrote in a prospective adoption letter. “I am a single dad who adopted a middle school boy in 2008. Now we are looking for one more kid so he will have a brother.” Instead, the father got shocking news: He would not be allowed to adopt again because his son is on a state registry of people who abuse children.
Are Payment Reform, Texas Budget In Conflict?
Lawmakers are crafting legislation to make health care more affordable and effective by rewarding doctors who get the best medical outcomes. But the cuts they’re proposing to meet the state’s budget shortfall could hinder some of the same physicians they’re relying on to implement payment reform.
David Dewhurst: The TT Interview
The lieutenant governor believes he knows how to save Texas money and improve patient care by overhauling how doctors and hospitals are paid: with carrots, not sticks. In an interview with the Tribune, he talks about what he sees as the root of the health care crisis, and his proposed solutions.
TribBlog: Health Reform Ruled Unconstitutional [Updated]
A federal judge in Florida has ruled that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — the federal health care reform that was signed into law in March — is unconstitutional, largely because it forces all Americans to purchase insurance.


