Analysis: In the Texas House, winning eclipses party
Voting as a partisan bloc might let a majority party pick the next Texas Speaker of the House, but something like it has been tried before. It didn't work. Full Story
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![House Speaker Joe Straus emerges from a House Republican caucus meeting at the Reagan building in Austin on Aug. 15, 2017.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Analysis: Texas Legislators, Not Local Voters, Have the Final Say
Less than 24 hours after an Austin vote on ride-hailing regulations, state lawmakers lined up to countermand efforts there that get in ride-hailers' way. Maybe they’re right. But politicians should overrule voters cautiously. Full Story
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Credit: Shelby Knowles -
Analysis: Sitting Pretty, Even Without Old Friends
Many of the legislators who originally elevated Joe Straus into the House speaker's chair four legislative sessions ago are gone. But as he enters another election cycle with his eye on another term, Straus is in remarkably good political shape. Full Story
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For Lawmakers, Ethics Reform is Complicated
It's easier, it seems, for lawmakers to regulate others than to regulate themselves. Ethics and transparency legislation has had a bumpy ride in the current legislative session. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Year in Review: The Hot Seats Across Texas
For more than a year, Evan Smith has traveled all over Texas to interview state legislators back home, in their districts, in front of hundreds of their constituents. At university campuses from Corpus Christi to Tyler and in between, lawmakers talked about issues that affect every one of us in Texas, from education and health care to water and immigration. Full Story
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Now What? Capitol Press Vets Look Ahead
On Nov. 8, the Tribune and the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Politics Project asked four veteran members of the Capitol press corps to forecast the coming controversies in the 83rd session. Full Story
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Now What? Public Policy in the 83rd Session
On November 8, the Tribune and the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Politics Project asked four experts on state health, water, transportation and education policy to preview the fights over those issues in the 83rd session. Full Story
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Now What? A Conversation About 2012 and 2013
On Nov. 8, the Tribune and the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Politics Project asked four political strategists to talk about what the 2012 election means for the 2013 session and beyond. Full Story
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The Hot Seat: A Conversation with Villarreal and Campbell
At our Hot Seat conversation at Trinity University in San Antonio, state Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, and state Sen.-elect Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, sparred about public education, health care and other issues in play in the upcoming 83rd session. Full Story
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TribLive: A Conversation with Kel Seliger
Full video of my December 6 TribLive conversation with state Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, the chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee. Full Story
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TribLive: Seliger on the Cost of a College Education
At this morning's TribLive conversation, state Sen. Kel Seliger, R-Amarillo, the chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, discussed the prospect of tuition reregulation and whether the state is adequately funding higher ed. Full Story
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TribuneFest: A Conversation with Four Superintendents
At the unofficial kickoff of the 2012 Texas Tribune Festival, I talked with the superintendents of the Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Houston and Northwest school districts about the state of public education. Full Story
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The Hot Seat: A Conversation with Eltife and Simpson
At our Hot Seat conversation at the University of Texas at Tyler, state Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, and state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, discussed the 82nd Legislative Session and looked ahead to the 83rd. Full Story
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New Law Protecting Student Athletes With Concussions is in Effect
Natasha's Law, which requires training for public school coaches and athletic trainers on how to react when players sustain concussions, has drawn praise from doctors and legislators, who say athletes' health will benefit. Full Story
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![In Brownsville, offensive linemen for Pace High School's football team hit a sled during a Sept. 11 practice.]()
Credit: Reynaldo Leal for The Texas Tribune -
TribLive: A Conversation with Three Senate Hopefuls
Full video of my TribLive conversation with state Reps. and Texas Senate hopefuls Kelly Hancock, R-Fort Worth, Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, and Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood. Full Story
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TribLive: The Two-Thirds Rule and Democratic Chairs
At this morning's TribLive conversation, GOP state Reps. and Texas Senate hopefuls Kelly Hancock, Ken Paxton and Larry Taylor discussed two key procedural matters related to the 83rd Legislative Session. Full Story
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TPWD Looks to Rebound After Devastating Year
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is still feeling the effects of last year's wildfires, drought and budget cuts, but officials say the situation is improving with increased park attendance and donations. Full Story
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Prosecutors Stepping Up Fight Against Barratry
Prosecutors are cracking down on barratry, often derided as "ambulance chasing." A handful of notable arrests — including charges against a state representative — have been made this year. Full Story
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Defamation Lawsuit Puts New Statute to the Test
A defamation lawsuit filed by WallBuilders founder David Barton has become an early test of new tort reform legislation intended to protect free speech. Full Story
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TribLive: A Post-Primary Debrief with Branch and Martinez Fischer
Full video of my June 1 TribLive conversation with state Reps. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, and Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio. Full Story
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