The name of Attorney General Ken Paxton, already facing a potential indictment by the state for first-degree felony securities fraud, has surfaced in a federal probe of a company in which he is an investor.
Morgan Smith
Morgan Smith was a reporter at the Tribune from 2009 to 2018, covering politics, public education and inequality.
In 2013, she received a National Education Writers Association award for “Death of a District,” a series on school closures. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Wellesley College, she moved to Austin in 2008 to enter law school at the University of Texas.
A San Antonio native, her work has also appeared in Slate, where she spent a year as an editorial intern in Washington D.C.
Posted inState Government
Despite Legal Woes, Paxton Emerges as Culture Warrior
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, under scrutiny for his financial dealings, stayed out of sight and coasted into office last fall as part of the new Republican leadership. Now his legal troubles are back, just as he’s emerging as the hero for social conservatives who fueled his candidacy.
Posted in
Public Education
With Education Vetoes, Abbott Nods to Tea Party
The conservative wing of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s party wasn’t thrilled with his first legislative session, objecting most notably to his “godless” pre-kindergarten plan. But Abbott seems to be mending fences by vetoing two measures the Tea Party disliked.
Posted in
State Government
Deconstructing the Session: Gun Issues Triggered Heavy Debate
During the 84th legislative session, lawmakers passed open carry and campus carry legislation — but not before some passionate debate. Listen to our discussion about the issues in a special episode of Texas Standard.
Posted in
Politics
A Rinaldi vs. Ratliff Rematch for Texas House Seat
Bennett Ratliff will run for the Dallas-area House seat he lost to state Rep. Matt Rinaldi by just 92 votes in the 2014 GOP primary, the Coppell Republican announced Monday.
Posted inPublic Education
Catch Up on What Happened With Public Ed Issues This Session
Learn more about what happened to pre-kindergarten reform, school choice legislation and other public education issues using our Texas Legislative Guide.
Posted in
Politics
Clinton Caps Two Days in Texas With Houston Speech
Accusing Republicans of a systematic effort to undercut voter access to the ballot box, Hillary Clinton in Houston on Thursday called for expansive reforms to U.S. election laws.
Posted in
Public Education
House Education Chief Aycock Will Not Seek Re-election
When the Texas Legislature tackles a long overdue overhaul of the state’s school finance system, it will have to do without the lawmaker who has shepherded its two chambers through complex education issues for the last two sessions.
Posted in
Public Education
Texas Lawmakers Approve A-F Grades for Public Schools
A controversial plan to start assigning public schools A-through-F grades cleared both chambers of the Texas Legislature on Sunday.
Posted in
Politics
Campus Carry Bill Heads to Abbott
Legislation requiring the state’s public universities to allow handguns in dorms, classrooms and campus buildings is now one step away from becoming law after a final vote to approve it in the Texas House on Sunday.
