During a news conference in which he announced the selection of his senior staff, Gov.-elect Greg Abbott said Monday that he wants to improve the educational foundation that students receive in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.
Reeve Hamilton
Reeve Hamilton worked at the Tribune from 2009 to 2015, covering higher education and politics and hosting the Tribune's weekly podcast. His writing has also appeared in Texas Monthly and The Texas Observer. Born in Houston and raised in Massachusetts, he has a bachelor's degree in English from Vanderbilt University.
Posted inState Government
The Playlist: I’m Getting Ready
Gov. Rick Perry is stepping up his game ahead of a potential presidential bid by breaking bread with donors and engaging in long policy briefing sessions, so we open our weekly news-inspired playlist with “I’m Getting Ready” by Michael Kiwanuka.
Posted in
Health care
Ebola Task Force’s Report Includes Call for New Facility
In a new report, the Texas Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response called for the establishment of a treatment facility specifically for children, among other recommendations.
Posted in
Energy
Asbestos Allegations Stir Controversy in Kilgore
Tensions at the nearly 80-year-old Kilgore College have reached new — and possibly violent — heights amid allegations that the school was in the habit of improperly removing and disposing of asbestos from its buildings.
Posted inState Government
Asbestos Audio
Dalton Smith speaks with a man he identified as Dan Beach, Kilgore College’s director of special projects, in a secret recording Smith made about asbestos removal.
Posted in
Politics
Perry Stepping Up His Presidential Game
If he opts to run for president again, Gov. Rick Perry wants to ensure that his entry into the field bears little resemblance to 2011, when he jumped into the Republican presidential primaries with little preparation or forethought.
Posted inState Government
TribCast: Stay of Execution and the Spending Cap
Reeve, Evan, Terri and Ross discuss the case of a schizophrenic man on death row, the spending cap for the next budget, Gov. Rick Perry’s presidential prep work, and Gov.-elect Greg Abbott’s latest lawsuit against President Obama.
Posted inState Government
The Playlist: One More Shot
Before transitioning to the governor’s office, Greg Abbott, the outgoing attorney general, indicated that he intends to file at least one more lawsuit against the Obama administration, so our playlist starts with the Levon Helm Band’s “One More Shot.”
Posted inState Government
TribCast: Suing Obama, Textbooks and Abortion Issues
Reeve, Emily, Ross and Morgan talk about Gov.-elect Greg Abbott’s plans to sue the federal government again, squabbles over social studies textbooks at the State Board of Education and disagreements over who in the Legislature qualifies as “pro-life.”
Posted in
Politics
At Abbott’s Side, Hodge Readies for a New Role
Little known outside the halls of Texas government, Daniel Hodge has become one of its more powerful behind-the-scenes figures. That’s only becoming more true: He’s expected to serve a key role in the new governor’s administration.
