For the second time in a matter of months, a top legal adviser to Gov. Greg Abbott has been named to a prominent judicial post.
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.
Civic engagement or illegal electioneering? How a school voting project became a conservative target
Powerful conservatives have taken several shots over the past few months at an educational advocacy group aiming to promote voting.
Julián Castro says he has “every interest” in running for president in 2020
Julián Castro, the former mayor of San Antonio and a major fixture in Texas Democratic politics, said this week he has “every interest” in running for president in 2020.
National Weather Service, AccuWeather trade blame for false tsunami warning that alarmed Texans
Just weeks after false reports of a nuclear missile terrified Hawaiians, an erroneous tsunami warning was sent to individuals in Texas and along the East Coast.
As state Sen. Carlos Uresti’s fraud trial drags on, one defrauded investor’s testimony could be key
State Sen. Carlos Uresti’s criminal fraud trial has entered its third week. The case could hinge on the testimony of one of Uresti’s former legal clients.
State Rep. Poncho Nevárez fined $15,000 for campaign finance report violations
State Rep. Poncho Nevárez, D-Eagle Pass, violated campaign finance regulations in four semiannual reports he filed to the Texas Ethics Commission between January 2013 and January 2015.
Federal judge grants Texas request to block Obama-era restrictions on criminal background checks in hiring
Texas filed suit in 2013 over an Obama-era policy aimed at making it easier for convicted criminals to find work. In 2012, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advised employers to use criminal background checks during job screenings only when job-related or necessary for the business.
At University of Texas, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson calls for modernizing NAFTA
While visiting his alma mater on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the North American Free Trade Agreement is due for an update.
Texas Rangers to investigate famed Karolyi Ranch in wake of Nassar trial
Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate misconduct allegations at the famed Karolyi Ranch, the Texas training facility where Larry Nassar treated athletes.
In report, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott boasts economic growth, record unemployment
Gov. Greg Abbott released his second “Report to the People of Texas,” which chronicles the state’s victories in 2017. But it skims over a few major challenges Texas faced during the past year.



