The Mexican government’s chief spokesman on security issues spoke at the University of Texas on Monday about drug violence south of the border. But as Mose Buchele of KUT News reports, not everyone there was comforted by his presentation.
Austin
Jack Pratt: The TT Interview
The head of the Texas Gaming Association, who’s trying to convince Texas lawmakers to legalize casinos, on what’s different this year, what he says to people who just don’t like gambing, and how his likes his chances.
Capitol Access Pass Moving Right Along
For those who frequent the Texas Capitol but donโt feel like sacrificing the time it takes to get a concealed handgun license, there may soon be a special pass allowing them to bypass the buildingโs metal detectors at Capitol entrances.
An Unexpectedly Important Bloc on Budget: Freshmen
Behold the mighty freshman Republicans of the Texas House of Representatives. Theyโre supposed to be quiet, to bow to their tenured colleagues, to stay out of the way. But here they are, quietly and deferentially exercising some clout on the only piece of legislation that absolutely has to pass: the state budget.
Latino Leaders Eye Redistricting Changes
Organizations from across the country have come together at the annual National Latino Congreso in Austin to strategize on legislation affecting the Latino community. And as Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports, all eyes are on redistricting this year.
Texplainer: What Is a “Point of Order”?
Calling a point of order is a parliamentary delay tactic, but it can be a deadly one.
John Silber: The TT Interview
The outspoken former UT dean and Boston University president on higher education’s past, present and future โ including his opinion of U.S. News & World Report rankings, and Howard Zinn and online degree programs.
John Silber: The TT Interview
The outspoken former UT dean and Boston University president on higher education’s past, present and future โ including his opinion of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, Howard Zinn and online degree programs.
House, Senate Budget Battle Looming
This week, we saw signs Senate budget writers may be willing to spend more than their counterparts in the House. Meanwhile, a new analysis of the House budget’s possible effects on Texas jobs raised eyebrows.
State Senate, Facing Tight Budget, Hunts Revenue
The Texas Senate isnโt allowed to raise money. Itโs right there in the stateโs Constitution, which says all revenue bills must originate in the House. But there it goes, looking for โnon-tax revenuesโ to put enough meat on the skimpy proposed budget to get senators to vote for it.

