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The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.

  • TribWeek: In Case You Missed It

    By Ross Ramsey

    Tan on how it all came out in the special session, Tan and Dehn on what the Tea Party folks thought of the results, Aguilar on Rick Perry's uneasy relationship with Latinos, Root on Perry's past positions on various controversies and how those would figure into a presidential race, Ramshaw on a $90 million health care mistake, yours truly on the candidates falling out of the race for the U.S. Senate, Hamilton's exit interview with former University of Texas advisor Rick O'Donnell, Grissom on Anthony Graves' payday, and Galbraith on the Texas drought's effect on hallowed athletic grounds: The best of our best content from June 27 to July 1, 2011. Full Story 

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    Credit: Graphic by Ben Hasson

  • Perry Chooses New Forensic Science Board Chairman

    By Brandi Grissom

    Gov. Rick Perry today announced he has appointed Dr. Nizam Peerwani, a well-known Fort Worth medical examiner, to lead the Texas Forensic Science Commission. He replaces Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley as leader of the panel that has been embroiled in controversy practically since its inception. Full Story 

    Texas Forensic Science Commission members (left to right) Dr Stanley Hamilton, Dr. Nizam Peerwani and Lance Evans on April 14th, 2011
    Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

  • The Midday Brief: July 1, 2011

    By Reeve Hamilton

    Your afternoon reading: Rick Perry may or may not be running for president, but he definitely had back surgery today. Also, his security detail may not have to disclose their travel records after all. Full Story 

    House Speaker Joe Straus, Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst
    Credit: Bob Daemmrich

  • The Brief: July 1, 2011

    By Reeve Hamilton

    Since most Texas counties have fireworks bans in effect this July 4 weekend, what better way to celebrate than recalling the legislative fireworks of recent weeks and imagining those still to come on the campaign trail? Full Story 

    A boy waves an American flag at an immigration rally held in Dallas on May Day.
    Credit: Caleb Bryant Miller

  • Inside Intelligence: In Closing

    By Ross Ramsey

    You can let your children out of the storm cellar — the Texas Legislature has gone home. Better still, our insiders don't think lawmakers will be back in session before January 2013, when the 83rd Legislature will convene. Full Story 

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  • A Non-Growth Spurt

    By Reeve Hamilton

    Though university officials around the state were hoping that the special session might open the door for the issuance of bonds for campus construction projects, that opportunity never developed in a significant way. Full Story 

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    Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

  • A Rare Win for Democrats

    By Julián Aguilar

    Call it the biggest consolation prize in recent history of the state legislature. Democrats, outnumbered in both chambers, actually won the battle over immigration after losing out to the Republican supermajority on abortion and Voter ID legislation and deep cuts to public services, mainly health care and education. Full Story 

    Protesters with American flags line the hallway outside the Senate chamber protesting HB12 the so-called "sanctuary cities" bill on May 25, 2011.
    Credit: Bob Daemmrich

  • How Will It Play?

    By Morgan Smith

    Lawmakers have officially made their exit from the Pink Building, leaving two bills that will bring major changes to Texas school districts awaiting the governor's signature. Lawmakers, meanwhile, are wondering whether and how the two measures will play in next year's elections. Full Story 

    Tourists enter the empty Senate chamber Wednesday morning as the Texas Senate adjourned sine die the day before, leaving the House with unfinished business on June 29, 2011.
    Credit: Bob Daemmrich

  • Sine Die Report: What Survived, What Died

    By Thanh Tan

    The Trib's been keeping track of the key issues throughout the special session. From budget measures to school finance, health care and airport groping, here's our final rundown of bills that passed, and the ones that died. Full Story 

    House Speaker Joe Straus (l), R-San Antonio, adjourns the House of Representatives sine die on June 29, 2011.
    Credit: Bob Daemmrich