As a longtime aide to Greg Abbott, Andrew Oldham has helped Texas fight the federal government. If he’s confirmed to the federal bench, he could rule on the same type of cases.
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.
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Congress
In recovering Sutherland Springs, Cornyn touts gun background check bill
Five months after a gunman opened fire in a Sutherland Springs church, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn came to speak to the community about a new law he says might have averted the tragedy.
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In Harvey's Wake
As lawsuits over Texas chemical disaster add up, advocates blame Arkema and rules regulating it
Two counties, dozens of first responders and hundreds of neighbors claim in court documents that the Arkema chemical manufacturing plans committed negligence. Environmental advocates say lax industry regulations exacerbated the disaster.
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Congress
Report: Susan Combs to be named to National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Susan Combs, a former Texas legislator and statewide official, will be named acting assistant secretary of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service, the Austin American-Statesman reported Thursday.
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Congress
Donald Trump nominates Texan Ronny Jackson to lead Department of Veterans Affairs
The announcement comes after weeks of speculation that another Texan — Energy Secretary Rick Perry — might land the post.
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State Government
Former congressman Pete Gallego forms campaign to replace Texas state Sen. Carlos Uresti
Another prominent Democrat has announced plans to run for Senate District 19, a San Antonio-based seat currently held by a longtime state lawmaker recently convicted of 11 felonies.
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State Government
Conservative group planted an intern in state lawmaker’s office, former intern testifies
In addition to taking covert videos of Texas lawmakers in 2015, the American Phoenix Foundation allegedly planted an intern in state Rep. James White’s office in 2013 in an attempt to catch the Hillister Republican engaging in fraud.
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Criminal Justice
U.S. Supreme Court orders lower court to reconsider Texas death row inmate’s appeal for funds to investigate his case
Carlos Ayestas, 48, said he wants to explore evidence of his mental illness, brain injuries or drug use that wasn’t brought up during his trial for the murder of a 67-year-old woman.
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Politics
Texas AG Ken Paxton ramps up fight against schools’ “illegal electioneering”
Education advocates and some officials who have received cease-and-desist letters and open records requests from the state’s top lawyer say the actions are politically motivated.
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State Government
State Sen. Carlos Uresti got 11 felony convictions for a Ponzi scheme. The Texas Ethics Commission added a $500 fine.
The commission said Uresti improperly disclosed income from FourWinds Logistics, the Ponzi scheme that earned him 11 felony convictions last month.