On this week’s TribCast, Aman talks to Ross, Shannon and Emma about why the top three Republicans in Texas just got behind raising the state sales tax, why national Democrats are suddenly pouring so much money into Texas and which Texas Senator you should be keeping a close eye on as the session enters its final weeks.
Michael Rey de Leon
Michael Rey de Leon served as technical director and audiovisual engineer for Studio 919, as well as providing on-location support for The Texas Tribune’s remote event series. Michael Rey joined the Tribune in 2018 after spending years in the field working for organizations including MTV, SXSW, CBS and the University of Texas at Austin. A sixth-generation Texan with familial roots in the Rio Grande Valley, Michael Rey is also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who has worked with a myriad of recording artists. When he’s not wrapping cables, Michael Rey dedicates his time to his family, cooking and curating an extensive collection of musical instruments.
Point of Order: The news about the news
In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to Mike Wilson, editor of The Dallas Morning News, and Debbie Hiott, general manager of Austin public radio station KUT, about the romantic ideal and precarious reality of the Capitol press corps.
TribCast: Crisis mode at the Texas-Mexico border
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Ross, Dave and Alexa about the immigration crisis in El Paso, Congress’ investigation of the state’s voter roll review and culture wars heating up at the Texas Capitol.
TribCast: The House passes its budget — civilly
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Ayan, Emma, Cassi and Patrick about the House’s big night tackling the next biennial budget, a repeat performance by corporate opponents of last session’s “bathroom bill” and the anti-abortion legislation moving in the Capitol.
Point of Order: Will Texas Finally Go to Pot?
In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to state Sen. Jose Menéndez about marijuana’s bipartisan moment — how the politics of legalization, decriminalization, medical cannabis and CBD oil make for strange budfellows.
Tribcast: Dan Patrick’s stance on medical cannabis, Castro’s struggles, O’Rourke’s first week
On this week’s TribCast, Aman talks to Alex, Aliyya and Ross about the mood in the Texas Capitol halfway through the session, why Dan Patrick has some pot advocates feeling paranoid and how the two Texans running for president are doing — and yes, there are still two.
Point of Order: Texas and the sexes
In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to House members Mary Gonzalez, Sarah Davis and Toni Rose about gender, politics and public policy in a state where the population is majority female but elected officials are overwhelmingly male.
Tribcast: Beto O’Rourke is in. What now?
On this special edition of the Tribcast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Aman about Beto O’Rourke’s two-day presidential rollout — and what happens next.
Point of Order: Rural Texas at a crossroads
In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to state Rep. Four Price about the public policy challenges and opportunities in communities that may be losing population but remain critical to our history and heritage.
TribCast: College admissions scandal, “Border Hustle,” waiting for Beto
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Patrick, Matthew and Jay about whenever the heck Beto O’Rourke is going to announce his next move, the admissions scandal facing colleges across the country, including UT-Austin, and “Border Hustle,” a big Tribune collaboration with Time Magazine.

