The Water Update is a collaboration between the Texas Tribune and Texas Water Journal covering key upcoming meetings and events, important personnel moves, and significant developments with regard to water at the Texas Legislature and water agencies.
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 inState Government
Rare species create controversy for state comptroller
Whether to list six freshwater mussels on the endangered species list has brought questions about how the state comptroller’s office is handling research on potentially endangered species.
Posted inState Government
Water agency tries courting private investors
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation faces rising costs in operating dams, bridges, reservoirs and canals in the West, and is testing the waters for attracting private investors in some of its projects.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas appeals court: Ken Paxton judge must rescind recent orders
The appeals court did not explicitly order Gallagher’s removal from the case but voiced agreement with Paxton’s lawyers that he is “without authority to continue to preside over” it.
Posted in
TribCast
The post-sine die TribCast (podcast)
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Patrick about the prospects for a special legislative session, Monday’s dramatic House floor fight and Gov. Greg Abbott’s comments at a gun range.
Posted in
Demographics
Even before House scuffle, Rinaldi’s seat was a high 2018 target for Democrats
State Rep. Matt Rinaldi, who drew national attention as part of an incident on the Texas House floor in which he said he reported protesters to ICE, represents one of 10 Republican-held House districts that Hillary Clinton won last year.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: The 85th Texas legislative session ends with threats of violence
Accusations of racism, threats and violence shot through the lower chamber on a tense last day of the regular legislative session.
Posted in
State Government
The Texas Legislature just ended its session. Here’s what to expect next.
How do special sessions work? When does the governor start vetoing bills? Is Texas headed to court? Now that Texas lawmakers have officially ended the 85th legislative session, you’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
Posted in
State Government
The most memorable moments of the 85th Texas Legislature
Oh, you weren’t watching all 140 days of the Texas legislative session? We’ve got you covered — with the best floor fights, the most dramatic moments, the most emotional speeches and, of course, a bill about “masturbatory emissions.”
Posted in
State Government
Jokes, tears and even fights: The highs and lows of the 85th Texas Legislature
Here’s a roundup of some of the most memorable moments from the 85th legislative session, along with details on what happened with some of the bills mentioned.