The 2021 Texas Tribune Festival

Leach, a Plano Republican, and Moody, an El Paso Democrat, co-chair the House Criminal Justice Caucus. Full Story 

Cardona spoke about how students, teachers, schools and districts have fared during the pandemic — and what happens now. Full Story 

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. Full Story 

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. Full Story 

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. Full Story 

Joaquin Castro is a Democratic congressman. Julián Castro was a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. Full Story 

Escobar is a Democrat from El Paso. Noorani is executive director of the National Immigration Forum. Full Story 

The conversation focused on what we’ve learned about extreme weather in Texas and beyond — and what can be done about it. Full Story 

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. Full Story 

Sharp talked about how higher ed survives the pandemic, the obstacles to running a world-class public university and the future of college football. Full Story 

Hotez is co-director of the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital. Wen is a professor of health policy and management at George Washington University. Full Story 

Texas’ senior senator was reelected to a fourth term last year. Full Story 

The former presidential candidate will also talked about why she thinks breaking up big monopolies is good for America. Full Story 

Taylor, a Friendswood Republican, chairs the Senate Education Committee. Dutton, a Houston Democrat, chairs the House Public Education Committee. Full Story 

Hurd, R-Helotes, who served three terms representing Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, also talked about the challenges and opportunities of our tech-fueled future. Full Story 

Today we’re releasing the program for our signature annual ideas conference (Sept. 20-25 on the screen of your choice). It’s chock full of powerful conversations on big issues. And we’ve added even more marquee speakers. Full Story 

We’d hoped to present some programs in person, but the health and well-being of our attendees, speakers and staff is top of mind. The good news is that we can stream the same smart conversations online, where they can be viewed conveniently, comfortably and safely. Full Story 

Nearly 150 speakers (including 20 more biggies revealed today) across more than 50 sessions. Four days of virtual programs. Two jampacked days of in-person programs. Everything streamed. Everything on demand. Are you as excited as we are? Full Story 

As we emerge from the pandemic, our signature annual ideas conference will be a best-of-both-worlds convening. Some of our programming will be virtual. Some of it will be in person. All of it will be awesome. Full Story