Pitts Says He Wrote Law School Letter for His Son
State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, acknowledged writing a law school recommendation for his son but strongly denied attempting to exert any undue influence over the admission process. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
31 Days, 31 Ways: Revisiting a Month's Worth of Changes
Throughout August, The Texas Tribune featured 31 ways Texans' lives would change come September, the month most bills passed by the 83rd Legislature take effect. Take a look back at our stories, videos, animations and data interactives. Full Story
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More Schools to Take Part in Breakfast Program
Public schools in which 80 percent or more of the students are eligible for a free or reduced-price meal must offer a free breakfast to all students starting this school year. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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TribLive: What's Next for Health Care in Texas?
On August 27, I talked with U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Lewisville, state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, and Kyle Janek, executive commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services, about where the state goes next on health care. Full Story
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Minors Can No Longer Use Tanning Salons
This year, Texas joined several other states that ban minors from tanning indoors. Previously, certain minors — those between 16 ½ and 18 — could tan with parental consent. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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![Kori Polston, 20, a UT student undergoes an indoor tanning session in an ultraviolet tanning bet at Aruba Tan salon in Austin, Texas, Aug. 27, 2013.]()
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School Officers Can No Longer Issue On-Campus Misdemeanor Citations
Offenses like using profanity and fighting have led some Texas public school students to the courtroom. Under a new law, school police officers will not be allowed to charge students for such offenses. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Davis Postpones Announcement on Political Future
Texans will have to wait a little longer to find out if Wendy Davis will run for governor. The state senator said Wednesday she is postponing her decision until late September while she cares for her ailing father. Full Story
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TribuneFest: Mental Health and the 83rd Legislature
At the Trib's Aug. 19 symposium on mental health at the University of Texas at San Antonio, I talked about budget and policy accomplishments in the 83rd session with state Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston; David Lakey, commissioner of the Department of State Health Services; and state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio. Full Story
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Job-Training Program Adjusts Amid Cuts
A grant program that focuses on training students in fields like high-tech manufacturing and computer support is undergoing funding cuts as a result of legislation passed during this year’s regular session. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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![Students listen to their instructor, Curtis Collins, during their Pumps, Compressors and Mechanical Drives class at Texas State Technical College Waco.]()
Credit: Callie Richmond -
Animation: Bison Now Protected Under Texas Livestock Law
Texas animal owners can rest assured that their cows, pigs, horses — even rhinos and elephants — are protected under the state's agriculture code if they wander off of their property. But until the most recent legislative session, bison were not safe. Full Story
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MALC Asks State to Pay Fees for Capitol Staffer
A legislative staffer is claiming the state owes him thousands of dollars in legal fees for his role in a redistricting lawsuit he worked on for up to 16 hours a day while still collecting a salary as a full-time state employee. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Video: New Law Aims to Protect TxDOT Workers
Texas drivers will have to slow down or move over one lane when passing Texas Department of Transportation workers . This story is part of our monthlong 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Pitts, House's Chief Budget Writer, Announces Retirement
House Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, announced Thursday he will not seek another term in the Texas House. Full Story
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Reuse Program to Focus on Equipment Purchased With Medicaid Dollars
The Health and Human Services Commission will create a program to promote the resale of certain equipment that was purchased with Medicaid dollars. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Credit: Samantha Mesones -
Poor Texans' Electric Bills to Dive, Then Go Back Up
The Legislature ensured that a fund to help poor Texans with their electricity bills went to its intended purpose. But it also agreed to empty the fund by 2017. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Redistricting Plan Set, But Legal Debate Isn't Over
Lawmakers passed a new set of congressional and legislative maps in their first special session. Redistricting has been a long and contentious process, and it is probably far from over. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Video: Veterans to Gain More Access to Mental Health Services
The people who make up the Military Veteran Peer Network have overcome mental illness — or at least learned to manage it — and have made it their mission to show fellow veterans a healthy way out of their mental troubles. Full Story
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Credit: Mark Graham -
Amid Growing Mental Health Concerns, Veterans Help Veterans
About 1,000 Texans work as volunteers for the state-funded Military Veteran Peer Network. The 83rd Legislature recognized their work and is helping the organization grow its ranks. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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![David Rockwell, 64, a Navy Vet who served in the Vietnam War, laughs with friends while other participants in the family night gathering dance in the background. The family night was put on by the Military Veteran Peer Network and held in Palestine, TX, Aug. 3, 2013.]()
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Businesses Choose Reality Over Politics in Backing New Emissions Law
Despite some Texas politicians' drumbeat against environmental regulations, the Legislature ordered the state to regulate greenhouse gases this year, with backing from big energy companies. Full Story
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Wallace Hall's Lawyer: "Not a Basis for Impeachment"
In a letter obtained by the Tribune late Thursday, a lawyer for embattled University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall clarifies some of the motivations behind Hall's ongoing investigation into the system's flagship university. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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