We’ve selected some columns from 2020 on racial justice and police reform.
Ross Ramsey
Ross Ramsey co-founded The Texas Tribune in 2009 and served as its executive editor until his retirement in 2022. He wrote regular columns on politics, government and public policy. Before joining the Tribune, he was editor and co-owner of Texas Weekly. He did a 28-month stint in government with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Before that, he reported for the Houston Chronicle, the Dallas Times Herald, as a Dallas-based freelancer for regional and national magazines and newspapers, and for radio stations in Denton and Dallas.
Analyzing 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic
We’ve selected some columns from 2020 on the coronavirus.
Analyzing 2020: The pandemic recession in Texas
We’ve selected some columns from 2020 on the recession and the budget.
Analysis: Some Texas officials would love to redirect your attention
President Donald Trump is a master of changing subjects, benefiting from our collective tendency to forget about what happened a year ago, or a week ago, or yesterday. Ambitious politicians lower on the food chain have been taking notes.
Analysis: When mapmaking Texas politicians are smiling and quiet, pay attention
Remaking the stateโs political maps โ redistricting โ is important. One way to tell is that the lawmakers making the maps do their dead-level best to avoid saying anything that might signal their intent.
Analysis: Texans might be ready for casinos, but lawmakers arenโt convinced
Casinos are making a serious run at Texas lawmakers, hoping to open up to five gaming destinations in a state that has resisted them for years. But gaming in Texas hasnโt been expanded in almost three decades.
Analysis: Ken Paxton, Texasโ top lawyer, plays for an audience of one
The attorney generalโs challenge to the election results in four other states baffles many lawyers, but President Donald Trump likes it.
Analysis: Adding a new tax might be easier than ending an old tax break
It might seem that closing tax loopholes and ending exemptions would be an easy way to balance a state budget during a pandemic. It’s not. In fact, that might be the hardest option available.
Analysis: COVID-19 vaccines are coming to Texas, along with a ranking of whoโs most essential
Great news: The COVID-19 vaccines are coming. Not-so-great news: There won’t be enough for all of us for a while, and that means the first doses will go to people deemed essential.
Analysis: Leading by (bad) example
Austin Mayor Steve Adler’s delivery of a stay-home message from a vacation spot in Mexico isn’t just embarrassing. Mistakes like that one make it harder to lead.


