With enough House Republicans publicly backing Speaker Joe Straus to all but guarantee his re-election, excitement about the speaker’s race is dissipating. So, this week’s playlist starts with B.B. King and Tracy Chapman singing “The Thrill is Gone.”
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
TribCast: Speaker Status, Incentives and More Elections
Reeve, Ross, Emily and Aman discuss the status of the race to be Texas House speaker, the latest on Gov. Rick Perry’s indictment, concerns about economic incentive programs and a coming cascade of elections.
Posted in
Higher Education
Billboard Takes Aim at UTSA Graduation Rates
On Tuesday, the Texas Association of Business rented a billboard to criticize a public higher education institution’s graduation rate — and not for the first time.
Posted inState Government
The Playlist: I Knew You Were Trouble
In a months-old memo, which came to light this week, consultants for Wendy Davis told her campaign that it was in disarray and in danger of being embarrassed. So we start our news-inspired playlist with Michelle Chamuel singing “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
Posted in
Health care
Giroir Prepping State for Ebola or Next Virus
Though Texas has weathered its first Ebola crisis, the virus is expected to return, said the new head of a state task force on infectious diseases. Brett Giroir is calling upon his unique background to prepare the state for when that happens.
Posted inState Government
TribCast: Race for Speaker, First Bills and Transitions
Reeve, Aman, Emily and Evan discuss the latest drama in the search for the next House Speaker, review the first bills filed for the upcoming legislative session, and check in on Gov.-elect Greg Abbott’s transition to his new post.
Posted in
Higher Education
Appeals Court Denies Request to Rehear Fisher v. UT
Abigail Fisher’s case against the University of Texas at Austin over the consideration of race in admissions for students not admitted through the state’s top 10 percent law was dealt another blow on Wednesday.
Posted inState Government
Abbott Says He Will Name Cascos as Secretary of State
Gov.-elect Greg Abbott has reached out to a Rio Grande Valley GOP leader, Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos, for the first appointment of his new administration.
Posted inState Government
Battleground Texas Leader to Supporters: “Look Forward”
Though the candidates supported by Battleground Texas were pummeled on Election Day, the group’s executive director is encouraging its supporters to keep their chins up.
Posted in
Higher Education
Vaqueros Won, but the Broncs Are Still Fighting
Last week, “the Vaqueros” was selected as the new mascot for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. It has since proved controversial, and university and UT System leaders have responded to the criticism.