The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Monopolies are bad for consumers, both sides fighting over whether Tesla Motors should be allowed to sell its cars directly to Texans agreed Wednesday. But monopoly is in the eye of the beholder. Full Story
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After state Rep. Poncho Nevárez kicked gun advocates out of his Capitol office, he received death threats. On Wednesday, Texas House members wore "I'm Poncho" stickers to show support for Nevárez. Full Story
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Four years after a legislative effort to keep Planned Parenthood from receiving state dollars for health care for low-income women, the Texas Senate is back at it — this time over funding for breast and cervical cancer screenings. Full Story
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In the wake of a contracting scandal at Texas' top health agency, Gov. Greg Abbott has sent a letter to the heads of all state agencies outlining reforms to the bidding and procurement processes. Full Story
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While it's still to be seen how Gov. Greg Abbott will move forward with the state's economic development tools, a team made up of a coalition of municipal economic development organizations is announcing a new effort to recruit businesses to Texas. Full Story
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A judge's decision on Tuesday not to dismiss two indictments against Rick Perry has both legal and political implications. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry has been fighting the clock since a Travis County grand jury indicted him last summer. With Tuesday's ruling that the indictments should proceed, he has become a candidate with a deadline. Full Story
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UPDATED: Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that a runoff will take place Feb. 17 in the special election for the House seat vacated by Lois Kolkhorst. Full Story
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Full video of my 1/27 conversation with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who talked about the change in Senate rules, vouchers, tax relief, transportation funding, open carry and more. Full Story
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Texas can rebel against Obamacare and Medicaid expansion all it wants, but enrollment in the state's insurance program for the poor is growing, and the federal government will be paying for less of it. An additional $1.3 billion might be needed just to maintain the status quo. Full Story
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Guns were a big topic of conversation inside the Capitol and outside of it on Monday. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has formed a new advisory board to focus on border security, education reform and tax relief. Its members? Tea Party leaders from across the state. Full Story
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On a campaign swing through central Iowa, former Gov. Rick Perry on Monday presented himself to Jewish voters as a man of the world — one who toured Israel and Auschwitz as governor and remains friendly with foreign leaders. Full Story
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The Tribune's Abby Livingston has the details on how Rick Perry spent the rest of his weekend in Iowa following his high-profile appearance at Saturday's Iowa Freedom Summit. Full Story
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Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul and his son, presidential hopeful and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, are in a strange predicament as the 2016 campaign season begins. They are a father and son tied together — but running in opposite directions. Full Story
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The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations — and potential presidential contender — on his political ambitions, his ties to Texas and the role the state will play in the 2016 race. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the personal styles of Texas' new governor and lieutenant governor. Full Story
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Winning a large share of the Hispanic vote in Texas will be crucial for Texas-affiliated Republican presidential hopefuls. As the candidates tiptoe toward the 2016 starting gate, experts helped the Tribune handicap their chances with this critical voting bloc. Full Story
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The 2016 Republican presidential nomination chase unofficially began Saturday, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and former Gov. Rick Perry made it clear that they're in the hunt. Full Story
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As fights brew in several Texas cities over nondiscrimination ordinances protecting gay people, state lawmakers are poised to dive into the fray. Full Story
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