On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Ross, Emma and Patrick about the pre-session school finance scuttlebutt, a big Obamacare ruling out of Texas and a state senator facing allegations he sent lewd texts.
2018
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas court throws out 1987 murder conviction; declares North Texas man “actually innocent”
The Court of Criminal Appeals said Steven Mark Chaney’s conviction was based partly on faulty science.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
In the Texas Legislature, bills filed on marijuana, daylight saving are all fair game
Watch the first episode of our mini-documentary series, “Under the Dome,” chronicling the cast of characters passing laws in the Texas State Capitol.
Posted in
The Taking
In the Rio Grande Valley, plans for a border wall ignite fight between church and state
The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville is resisting the government’s efforts to take over the historic chapel that gave Mission its name. And a man known as the “cowboy priest” finds himself at the center of a national debate with local implications.
Posted in
Guides
What’s the point of Texas’ rainy day fund?
Texas’ Economic Stabilization Fund holds more than $11 billion and is the largest in the country. There’s a lot of disagreement over how and when to spend the money.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: Mike Collier lost, but outdid Beto O’Rourke in most Texas counties
Beto O’Rourke, the Texas Democrat who got most of the attention in this year’s general election, got more votes than any other Democrat on the statewide ticket. But one of them out-performed O’Rourke in 171 counties.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Cornyn’s push for federal prison reform helps First Step Act clear U.S. Senate
The bill, which calls for an overhaul in how prisoners are treated and prepared for release, has wide bipartisan backing. It is expected to pass the U.S. House and garner President Trump’s signature.
Posted in
Families Divided
U.S. House Democrats call for congressional investigation into Guatemalan child’s death
Lawmakers said they had more questions than answers after touring Border Patrol facilities in New Mexico where a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl was held before her death.
Posted inState Government
UT-Austin says evidence “does not support a finding” that Charles Schwertner violated Title IX by sending lewd texts
Lawyers for Schwertner say the messages were sent by a third party.
Posted in
Dis-Integration
Texas has failed to close educational gaps for kids of color. In Edgewood ISD, the fallout has lasted generations.
Edgewood ISD has faced consistent problems in preparing its students for college and the workforce. The district’s struggles shine a light on Texas’ long record of neglecting schools that educate mostly students of color.