Another day and another threshold is crossed in oil’s steady downward march in value. This time it was the price of U.S. oil dipping below $50 during the day on Monday.
Dan Patrick
Analysis: With New Officeholders, a Possible Legislative Power Shift
The lieutenant governor used to be the most powerful official in state government, but with a record-setting term in the governor’s office, Rick Perry moved that post into the top spot. With new people in the top jobs, will the power shift back?
The Brief: Dec. 22, 2014
The Austin American-Statesman and Houston Chronicle delved further in their Sunday editions into the circumstances around the no-bid Medicaid fraud software contract awarded to Austin technology firm 21CT.
Gay Marriage Ban on Precarious Legal Ground
Almost a decade after voters overwhelmingly added it to the Texas Constitution, the clock may be running out on the state’s gay marriage ban.
The Brief: Dec. 19, 2014
Is Texas in danger of recession next year because of the current swoon in oil prices? An economist with J.P. Morgan Chase is raising an early warning flag about that possibility.
Abbott’s Political Tightrope: Balancing Far Right and Hispanics
After winning 44 percent of the Hispanic vote on Election Day, Gov.-elect Greg Abbott may find himself in turbulent political waters as he attempts to balance the interests of his Republican base and his newfound Hispanic friends.
The Brief: Dec. 5, 2014
Voters in Senate District 18 go to the polls on Saturday to choose who will serve out the remainder of the term of Glenn Hegar, the state’s next comptroller.
Video: Dewhurst on Why He’s “Pulling” for Patrick
In our 12/4 conversation, outgoing Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst talked about his successor and onetime rival, state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston.
Video: A Conversation with David Dewhurst
Full video of my 12/4 conversation with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who talked about Dan Patrick, education funding, border security, the two-thirds rule, what he’ll do next, and more.
Analysis: How Red is Texas? Count the Ways.
Republicans didn’t just win their statewide elections earlier this month — they won in ways that only become apparent when you dig into the numbers. In many counties, the Democrats could not attract more than one voter in five.




