Analysis: Live by the party, die by the party
Straight-ticket voting is generally popular with the political party in power, but not all Texas Republicans like it. The advantages and disadvantages vary widely by county. Full Story
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![Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at the Flawn Academic Center on the University of Texas at Austin campus on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 in Austin, Texas.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
Watch Texas DPS troopers in riot gear separate dueling protests at the Capitol
Department of Public Safety troopers in riot gear were brought in to separate dueling protests between white nationalists and anti-fascists outside the Texas Capitol on Saturday. Full Story
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![White Lives Matter rally and opposing protest at the Texas State Capitol Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016.]()
Credit: Shelby Knowles for The Texas Tribune -
Texans remember, rejoice during African-American monument's unveiling
State officials joined hundreds of other dignitaries Saturday in celebrating the unveiling of the Texas African American History Memorial at the Texas Capitol. Full Story
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![Hundreds of guests gathered on the south lawn of the Texas Capitol to mark the unveiling of the Texas African American History Memorial, which depicts the more than four centuries of contributions of blacks in the state's history.]()
Credit: Gabriel C. Pérez -
Bill filing begins, textbook rejected, Cruz meets Trump (video)
In the Roundup: Lawmakers begin filing bills ahead of the 85th Legislature, Ted Cruz and President-elect Donald Trump reunite in New York and the State Board of Education rejects a new social studies book. Full Story
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Analysis: Take it from Texas — an election sweep carries no guarantee
Winning isn't everything when it comes to party control. If it was, Texas lawmakers would have nothing to do. But they still have plenty to fight about, and Republicans in Washington, D.C., will, too. Full Story
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![The 84th legislative session ran from Jan. 13 through Jun. 1. State lawmakers enhanced gun rights, allowed epilepsy patients to use medicinal cannabis oil and outlawed local bans on fracking.]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman -
A conversation with Isaac and Murr
Full video of my 11/14 conversation with state Reps. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, and Andrew Murr, R-Junction, on the campus of Schreiner University in Kerrville. Full Story
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Lawmaker to try again with bill banning "sanctuary cities"
Backed by the lieutenant governor, Sen. Charles Perry filed legislation Tuesday to eliminate sanctuary cities. Full Story
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![Sen.Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, continues debate with Sen. Kirk Watson on HB3994 an abortion reform measure on May 25, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Help us understand the impact of college tuition rates in Texas
The Texas Tribune is exploring the impact of rising tuition costs in Texas. We want your help. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
As first bills are filed, battle lines for 2017 session begin to emerge
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick signaled an aggressive conservative agenda for the senate with his priority list, while House Democrats promised to focus on "kitchen table" issues. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick assures the audience at the Freedom, Faith and Fellowship event May 12, 2016 that he will uphold conservative principles as leader of the Texas Senate in 2017.]()
Credit: The Texas Tribune/Bob Daemmrich -
Analysis: Finding out exactly what the election winners have in mind
It won't change the color of the leaves on the trees, but the civics seasons in Texas have changed. Say goodbye to the elections and hello to the legislative session. Full Story
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![Monday was the first day lawmakers could pre-file legislation for the upcoming 83rd Texas Legislative Session.]()
Credit: Tamir Kalifa -
Status quo holds in the Texas Senate
The makeup of the Texas Senate is poised to remain the same in 2017 after Tuesday night's election. Republicans' 20-to-11 advantage didn't change. Full Story
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![A look at the dais on the Texas Senate floor on Oct. 8, 2015.]()
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Senator: New report underscores need to clarify emergency leave law
A report issued Friday by the State Auditor’s Office painted a clearer picture of how often Texas agencies grant employees emergency leave for vague reasons. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Analysis: An election without a mandate for Texas lawmakers
Some elections are referendums on issues, public votes that give lawmakers a good idea of what voters want. This election isn't one of those. Full Story
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![From left: Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are shown on May 21, 2015.]()
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In Texas House races, vulnerable Republicans bolster financial standing
Endangered Republican lawmakers in Texas have strengthened their financial footing with just over a week until Election Day, according to campaign finance reports released Monday. Full Story
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![The south entrance of the Texas Capitol.]()
Credit: John Jordan -
Familiar names spar in Galveston-area state House race
Rep. Wayne Faircloth, a Republican who's held the House District 23 seat for just one term, is hoping to thwart a comeback bid by former Rep. Lloyd Criss. Full Story
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![State Rep. Wayne Faircloth, (l) R-Galveston, and his Democratic challenger, former state Rep. Lloyd Criss.]()
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Democrats hoping to pick up Texas House seats
Between expected high turnout and Donald Trump, Democrats see chances for modest gains in the Texas House. Full Story
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In Texas, early voting begins in extraordinary election season
On Nov. 8, Texans will finally find out what impact Donald Trump's presidential campaign has had on their reliably Republican state. Full Story
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![Campaign signs outside a polling place at Zilker Elementary School in Austin on March 4, 2014.]()
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Analysis: High property taxes start in Austin, not in school districts
State lawmakers complain that local property taxes need to be leashed. But state lawmakers are more responsible for the increases than they let on. Full Story
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Warring ads turn up heat on competitive Dallas County House race
An out-of-district house and a Child Protective Services vote are the topics of competing campaign materials from incumbent Republican Rep. Kenneth Sheets and his opponent, Democrat Victoria Neave. Full Story
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![Democrat Victoria Neave is challenging state Rep. Kenneth Sheets, R-Dallas in House District 107.]()
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Analysis: Rising local school property taxes ease state budget woes
State officials would like to lower local school property taxes, but they've got a secret: Some of those local school tax revenues make it easier to balance a tight state budget. Full Story
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![Ramon Cavazos teaches a middle school business class in the Olfen Independent School District in Rowena, Texas, on Jan. 20, 2016.]()
Credit: Cooper Neill
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