Raymond Reeves, a storybook Texas farmer and rancher, died of COVID-19 complications in November, one of Texas’ more than 34,000 deaths.
Emma Platoff
Emma Platoff was a reporter at the Tribune from 2017 to 2021, most recently covering the law and its intersection with politics. A graduate of Yale University, Emma is the former managing editor of the Yale Daily News.
Posted in
Politics
Two Republicans headed to runoff for Northwest Texas House seat
David Spiller advances along with second-place finisher Craig Carter in the race to replace outgoing state Rep. Drew Springer, who was elected to the Texas Senate.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Dallas County axes plan to prioritize vaccinating communities of color after state threatens to slash allocation
State officials told Dallas leadership the plan was “not acceptable,” and threatened to cut the county’s vaccine supply.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
With a Democrat back in the White House, Texas Republicans prepare to go on offense
For the past four years, Texas Republicans have had an ally in the White House. Now they’re readying for the familiar role of conservative counterweight.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas laws protecting whistleblowers don’t apply to Attorney General Ken Paxton, his agency argues in bid to quash lawsuit
In a lawsuit, four former Paxton aides claim they were wrongfully terminated for reporting alleged criminal behavior on his part. Paxton’s agency wants a judge to quash subpoenas and depositions, saying that as an elected official Paxton is exempt from state whistleblower protection laws.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Ken Paxton told Trump supporters to “keep fighting.” When they breached the Capitol, he falsely claimed it wasn’t them.
At a low point in his rollercoaster political career, Paxton is betting on the Trump base to bring him back up the hill, lending the legitimacy of office to debunked claims that have motivated violence.
Posted in
TribCast
TribCast: The Texans objecting to Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory
In this edition of the TribCast, Emma talks to Abby, Ross and Cassi about Electoral College drama at the U.S. Capitol — and a new session about to start at the Texas Capitol.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After whistleblowers left Texas attorney general’s office, Ken Paxton hired costly outside counsel for Google lawsuit
Texas could pay the outside lawyers tens of millions for their work on the case — an early indication of the costs taxpayers may bear in the latest scandal enveloping Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Posted in
Politics
Despite committee’s recommendation, ending Texas’ partisan judicial elections looks unlikely
Several Texas lawmakers said they would not vote to end the system of partisan judicial elections, which critics say allows for the appearance of impropriety if not bias itself.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Attorney General Ken Paxton asked Trump administration to take back some of Harris County’s COVID-19 relief money
The county, which is home to the state’s biggest city and is a critical Democratic stronghold, had planned to spend some of the federal dollars on expanding voting options, including printing absentee ballots.