In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to state Rep. Celia Israel, a founding member of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, about sexual orientation, nondiscrimination and public policy โ how far weโve come and how far we have to go.
U.S. House of Representatives
Point of Order: Crude awakening
In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to state Rep. Chris Paddie, who chairs the House Energy Resources Committee, about the impact of oil and gas activity on the Texas economy, the downside of the upside, and what the future holds.
Texas defies congressional request for information on voter roll review
The U.S. House’s main investigative committee had asked for documents and communications from state officials involved in the review.
Point of Order: The Rollback Pushback
In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to Austin Mayor Steve Adler about House Bill 2 โ a property tax bill the chamber is expected to tackle Thursday โ and his strong objections to the precise plans for property tax reform favored by state leaders.
U.S. House Democratic campaign arm to open Austin office, boosting focus on Texas in 2020
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is opening an office in Austin as the committee aims to flip six U.S. House seats in Texas next year.
Point of Order: The news about the news
In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to Mike Wilson, editor of The Dallas Morning News, and Debbie Hiott, general manager of Austin public radio station KUT, about the romantic ideal and precarious reality of the Capitol press corps.
U.S. House committee investigating Texas voter roll review
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform sent a letter to the state Thursday asking for documents related to the review.
TribCast: The House passes its budget โย civilly
On this weekโs TribCast, Emily talks to Ayan, Emma, Cassi and Patrick about the Houseโs big night tackling the next biennial budget, a repeat performance by corporate opponents of last sessionโs “bathroom bill” and the anti-abortion legislation moving in the Capitol.
Point of Order: Texas and the sexes
In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to House members Mary Gonzalez, Sarah Davis and Toni Rose about gender, politics and public policy in a state where the population is majority female but elected officials are overwhelmingly male.
Here are 9 things to know about 2020 presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke
Now that O’Rourke has announced he’s running for president in 2020, here’s a look at some of his political and financial history.

