In this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor are joined by meteorologist Matt Lanza to discuss the deadly Texas floods. How did they happen? Could people have been better warned? And what can keep this region safe in the future?
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Central Texas flooding death toll rises to at least 100 as search continues for survivors
About two dozen people were still missing. Many more people could still be unaccounted for, officials warned, noting that visitors to the area for the July 4th weekend make it difficult to assess an exact number.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
In Texas region prone to catastrophic floods, questions grow about lack of warning
Water rose fast along the Guadalupe River, causing dozens of deaths. Local officials said they couldn’t have seen it coming.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill to improve local disaster warning systems this year
A GOP state lawmaker who represents Kerr County says he likely would vote differently now on House Bill 13, which would have established a grant program for counties to build new emergency communication infrastructure.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Camp Mystic, a haven for generations of Texas girls, becomes a center of tragedy
Girls remain missing from the camp, which has hosted the daughters of governors and one president.
Posted in
Politics
Former Democratic state House candidate among nine indicted for alleged vote harvesting in South Texas
The charges are the latest escalation in a probe that resulted in Texas authorities indicting six other Frio County area officials in May.
Posted in
Politics
Paxton drops appeal: Texas to pay $6.6 million to whistleblowers
The Legislature will still have to appropriate the funds to pay the judgment, either during the upcoming special session or during the next regular session.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
House Democrats, California leaders weigh tit-for-tat redistricting if Texas Republicans redraw maps
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s aides have signaled their boss’s willingness to counter Texas redistricting with a similar move to offset GOP gains, lawmakers said.
Posted in
Investigations
Elon Musk hired a dozen Texas lobbyists this year. State law keeps the extent of their influence under wraps.
How the billionaire businessman’s lobbyists helped him get so many state Legislature wins is something of a mystery.
Posted in
Texas measles outbreak
Texas measles cases remain steady at 750. Track the spread here.
An outbreak is considered over if there are no new cases reported in 42 consecutive days.