Leach, a Plano Republican, and Moody, an El Paso Democrat, co-chair the House Criminal Justice Caucus.
The 2021 Texas Tribune Festival
The Texas Tribune will cover the top news from the 2021 Texas Tribune Festival, scheduled for September 20-25. The Festival will feature dozens of speakers in virtual and in-person events. Use this page to see news stories on political and policy debates from the Festival.
Watch U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona talk about the effects of the pandemic and more at The Texas Tribune Festival
Cardona spoke about how students, teachers, schools and districts have fared during the pandemic — and what happens now.
Beto O’Rourke on Matthew McConaughey: “I don’t know how he feels about any of the issues”
In a Texas Tribune Festival interview, the former member of Congress discussed the fight for voting rights, his takeaways from his last two runs for office and speculation about his becoming a candidate for governor.
Texas lawmaker defends new permitless carry law against criticism from gun control advocate
The law that went into effect Sept. 1 allows anyone 21 years or older to carry a handgun in public without need for a permit or training.
Watch Alexander Vindman talk about his military service, former President Donald Trump and more at The Texas Tribune Festival
The retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel will discuss his childhood as an immigrant, his service to his adopted nation and his decision to testify against his commander in chief.
Watch Joaquin Castro and Julián Castro discuss the 2022 election cycle at The Texas Tribune Festival
Joaquin Castro is a Democratic congressman. Julián Castro was a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
Watch U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar and immigrant advocate Ali Noorani discuss border crossings at The Texas Tribune Festival
Escobar is a Democrat from El Paso. Noorani is executive director of the National Immigration Forum.
U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul and Henry Cuellar defend Border Patrol treatment of Haitian migrants
During their interview at The Texas Tribune Festival, the two members of Congress also said deterrence policies were important to try to keep migrants from leaving their countries.
Watch experts in climate, energy and environmental justice discuss extreme weather at The Texas Tribune Festival
The conversation focused on what we’ve learned about extreme weather in Texas and beyond — and what can be done about it.
Watch Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp talk about the pandemic, college football and more at The Texas Tribune Festival
Sharp talked about how higher ed survives the pandemic, the obstacles to running a world-class public university and the future of college football.

