The Brief: April 18, 2014
Trying to fend off his strongest challenger in years, longtime U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall is calling on his friends once again to help him raise money. Full Story
The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Trying to fend off his strongest challenger in years, longtime U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall is calling on his friends once again to help him raise money. Full Story
At our 4/17 TribLive conversation, Mike Collier, the Democratic nominee for Texas comptroller in 2014, balked at the prospect of eliminating the local property tax in favor of a consumption tax. Full Story
At our 4/17 TribLive conversation, Mike Collier, the Democratic nominee for Texas comptroller in 2014, talked about how he'd produce a more accurate estimate of state revenue — and why it's important. Full Story
At our 4/17 TribLive conversation, Mike Collier, the Democratic nominee for Texas comptroller in 2014, explained why he's running for the job — and seeking office for the first time. Full Story
Democrats are playing defense after a former border sheriff pleaded guilty to federal charges. The news comes after a firestorm over comments Greg Abbott made likening corruption near the Rio Grande to “third world” conditions. Full Story
Full video of my 4/17 TribLive conversation with Mike Collier, the Democratic nominee for Texas comptroller in 2014. Full Story
Following the release of a special counsel's report laying out possible grounds for University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall's impeachment, a legislative committee is proceeding cautiously as it determines its next steps. Full Story
During a debate on immigration this week, Republican lieutenant governor candidate Dan Patrick appeared to move away from divisive immigration rhetoric that has drawn fire in the past. Full Story
The grand jury investigation into Rick Perry's veto of funding for the Public Integrity Unit has drawn new national attention to the outgoing Texas governor who is weighing a return to the presidential sweepstakes. Full Story
On 4/15 I talked about immigration, health care, Congressional gridlock, 2016 and more with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, at an event in San Antonio co-presented by several of that city's chambers of commerce. Full Story
Two separate rampage shootings within five years at Killeen’s Fort Hood Army base have sparked renewed discussion over whether those on military bases in Texas should be able to carry concealed handguns. Full Story
Playing to the base trumped any middle ground in a hotly anticipated clash between two rising stars in their respective parties. Full Story
As they traded barbs during a televised debate on Tuesday night, Republican lieutenant governor candidate Dan Patrick and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro covered a range of issues beyond the set topic of immigration policy. Full Story
San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and lieutenant governor hopeful Dan Patrick went head to head on immigration and border security on Univision in a Tuesday night event. Full Story
Not all political candidates are chosen in primary elections. Some get on the November ballot with the votes of fewer people than you might see at a local Tea Party rally. Full Story
With last session's divisive abortion debate as a backdrop, Democrats are getting help from the newly created Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. Republicans, meanwhile, have their own group to tackle women's issues. Full Story
Julián Castro and Dan Patrick square off this evening in a San Antonio television studio in their long-awaited debate over immigration. Here are some things to watch for. Full Story
At an event in Austin on Monday, Democrat Wendy Davis accused Republican gubernatorial opponent Greg Abbott of proposing increased testing and denying equal access to pre-K education. Full Story
Allegations of potential criminal wrongdoing in the handling of private student information on the part of University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall have been referred to Travis County prosecutors. Full Story
Many conservative activists in Texas worry that when it comes to state water policy, Republican leaders have not focused on principles like small government, private property rights and local control. Full Story