The long-awaited Daily Show segment on alleged anti-Semitism in the 2011 Speaker’s race was, predictably, funny. And that John Oliver: such a punim!
Joe Straus
Texplainer: How Do You Get Tea Party Approved?
Last week, freshman state Rep. Stefani Carter, R-Dallas, had her โTeaApprovedโ status revoked by the North Texas Tea Party following her vote in favor of re-electing Speaker Joe Straus. How did she get โTeaApprovedโ in the first place?
A Conversation With Jim Pitts
The Waxahachie Republican talks about the size of the budget shortfall, the possibility of new revenue sources and why he’d support legalized gambling.
A Conversation with Jim Pitts
For our latest TribLive conversation, I interviewed the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee about the budget shortfall, the possibility of new revenue sources, whether Joe Straus will retaliate against members who opposed him and whether Tea Party threats should be taken seriously.
Capitol Insecurity
When Andrew Cuomo took office as governor of New York earlier this month, he ordered the removal of the security barricades limiting access to his stateโs Capitol. โThis Capitol has become a physical metaphor for the isolation and alienation of our people,โ he said in his inauguration speech. He could easily have been talking about Texas.
HuTube: Behind the Scenes on Day One
In our latest HuTube video blog post, we take you to the Texas House on day one of the 82nd Legislative session. Come with us as we go through the new security system, visit with lawmakers and witness the election of the House Speaker.
On the Records: Visualizing Today’s Speeches
Our new transcripts of House and Senate floor proceedings, which we’re planning to continue all session, give everyone the ability to search what elected officials say โ but also to visualize their words.
TribBlog: The First Non-Vote
After winning a rough and tumble contest for his seat, freshman state Rep. Jason Isaac, R-Dripping Springs, got his first chance at a record vote in the Texas House of Representatives today. And when that vote finally came, what did he do? He abstained.
TribBlog: Straus in the House
The Texas House formally re-elected San Antonio Republican Speaker Joe Straus. By acclamation, they chose to stick with the moderate, “will-of-the-House” speaker as opposed to overthrowing him with someone more conservative.
Opening Day: The Liveblog
And they’re back! Texas lawmakers returned to Austin on Tuesday to launch the 82nd Texas Legislature. Our reporters were there and produced this live play-by-play.


