Texas Weekly Newsreel: Redistricting Maps, Dewhurst, Commitees
This week on the Newsreel: Redistricting maps tossed, Dewhurst runs for re-election, and the Senate's committees are being reorganized. Full Story
The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
This week on the Newsreel: Redistricting maps tossed, Dewhurst runs for re-election, and the Senate's committees are being reorganized. Full Story
In San Antonio, officials want to make Alamo Plaza appealing to both tourists and residents, but there isn't a consensus on the best way to do that. Some want vendors on the premises, but others say that would be disrespectful. Full Story
A month after Republican voters rebuffed his U.S. Senate bid, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst says he will seek re-election in 2014. His choices for empty spots on Senate committees will start to reveal any change in his political direction. Full Story
The Texas Department of Transportation will decide soon whether to grant a new stretch of toll road the fastest speed limit in the country. More than just bragging rights are at stake. Full Story
State senators on Thursday took advantage of a committee hearing on cross-state health coverage to question Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman on her controversial decision to delay previously-approved consumer protections. Full Story
As the 2012 Republican National Convention continues, the 2014 race for Texas lieutenant governor is already heating up. Candidates confirm their political intentions this week in Florida. Full Story
A decision to table new rules intended to protect consumers has landed state Insurance Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman in hot water with the chairman of the Senate Nominations Committee, which will play a key role in the decision to confirm her appointment. Full Story
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst confirmed he will run for re-election in 2014. He also called for Republicans to unite behind Mitt Romney for president, hopes Ted Cruz wins on Nov. 6 and said he is already focused on the next Texas legislative session. Full Story
Texas lawmakers didn’t comply with the Voting Rights Act when they drew new maps for congressional, state Senate and state House districts, a federal court in Washington, D.C., ruled Tuesday. Full Story
Texas Agriculture Comissioner Todd Staples says he is looking forward to running for lieutenant governor in 2014 — regardless of who else is on the ticket. Full Story
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, after getting a standing ovation by the Texas Republican delegation in Florida, announced Tuesday that he plans to run for re-election. Full Story
In the last two weeks, the number of reported 2012 cases of the West Nile virus has nearly doubled, and the death toll rose to 30 in Texas. This interactive shows the number of reported cases by county. Full Story
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has appointed Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, to chair the budget-writing Senate Finance Committee. He'll replace Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan, who isn't seeking another term. Full Story
In a preview of a likely battle in the upcoming legislative session, state lawmakers on Friday heard testimony on school choice programs, including vouchers that would allow students to use public money to attend private schools. Full Story
The executive director of the state's $3 billion cancer institute said Friday that news retired cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong would be stripped of his Tour de France titles would not affect the agency's partnership with him. Full Story
Here's a visual perspective of reproductive health issues in the Rio Grande Valley, one of the country's poorest areas. This year, the issue of public financing for contraceptives and cancer screenings has often become intertwined with the controversy surrounding abortion. Full Story
Representatives from Texas military bases were at the capitol Wednesday asking legislators to require developers to involve military officials in plans for construction near their facilities and training grounds. Full Story
Only about a quarter of the state's Class of 2012 students are college ready, according to a new report by the ACT. Texas Education Agency officials attribute the numbers to an increase in students taking the test. Full Story
At a public meeting held Tuesday by the Public Utility Commission, a state representative suggested that the commission create a way for customers to opt out of having smart electric meters installed at their homes. Full Story
Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Texas public schools are supposed to have 100 percent passing rates in reading and math by 2014. The chances of meeting that benchmark are slim. So what happens next? Full Story