The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
In a session that's been kind to business interests, local control might be about to take another hit as the Senate tentatively approves legislation that could make it harder for counties to sue polluters. Full Story
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Wrapping up a swing through Iowa, former Gov. Rick Perry cited the Garland shooting to defend federal surveillance programs, and told a national security forum that enhanced interrogation is okay, though rectal feeding may be over the line. Full Story
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The state's 50 community college systems are one of the few areas targeted for cuts in state funding over the next two years. As a final budget is hashed out in the Legislature, school leaders are hoping to reverse their fiscal fortune. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry is making it clear he supports free trade in theory, but isn't wild about having the Obama administration negotiating the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership. Full Story
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A major piece of border security legislation cleared another hurdle in the Texas Legislature on Tuesday, prompting lawmakers to predict that a compromise between the House and Senate will be hashed out before the session ends June 1. Full Story
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A Senate bill that arrived in the House less than two weeks ago would let Republicans put the hurt on unions and on Democrats, if it can move through the legislative gauntlet this late in the legislative session. Full Story
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A far-reaching proposal to restrict the mechanism used by minors seeking abortions without parental consent is headed to the Senate floor. Full Story
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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has scheduled a trip to Texas as part of her 2016 presidential campaign. She is scheduled to visit the state June 3-4, a campaign official said Tuesday. Full Story
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The two White House hopefuls from Texas are keeping their options when it comes to the Iowa Straw Poll. Iowa Republican leaders are scrambling to keep the event alive. Full Story
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With less than two weeks left in the legislative session, the Texas House is all that is keeping a stalled measure requiring public universities and colleges to allow concealed handguns on their campuses from reaching the governor's desk. Full Story
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The day after a deadly confrontation between rival biker gangs in Waco, top Texas lawmakers defended a proposal to loosen the state's handgun laws. Full Story
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Saying Texas needs to avoid a “patchwork of local regulations” that threaten oil and gas production, Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed legislation that would pre-empt local efforts to regulate a wide variety of drilling-related activities. Full Story
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A measure to enact several restrictions on minors seeking abortions without parental consent was met with legal concerns on Monday when a Senate panel considered the proposal. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry on Monday said he would not have invaded Iraq knowing what he knows now. It's a question that has animated the GOP's 2016 presidential field in recent days. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the final two weeks of the 84th Texas Legislature: Will lawmakers be able to get together, or will they be back for a special session? Full Story
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Once reluctant to get involved in his party's 2016 presidential primary, Gov. Greg Abbott is increasingly warming up to his potential role as a kingmaker. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry embarked on a five-day swing through Iowa on Saturday, emphatically looking to distinguish himself from a crowded field of 2016 hopefuls. Full Story
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With a crucial deadline looming at midnight May 14, the Texas House embarked on a 15-hour legislative day that alternated between drama, comedy and forced march. Photographer Bob Daemmrich chronicles the day's waning hours. Full Story
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With former Gov. Rick Perry set to announce June 4 whether he plans to run for president again, we tell you why he stands a chance, and why he doesn't. Full Story
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House Republicans want Texans to know they still oppose same-sex marriage – even if foot-dragging Democrats thwarted a debate on the polarizing subject Thursday night. Full Story
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