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href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://support.texastribune.org/"> Support Us </a> </li> </ul> </nav> <div class="ad last"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/join/" title="Contribute Today" style="display: block; padding-top: .5em"> <div style="background:url(//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/membership/TT-support-us-front-page-btn120x60.jpg) no-repeat; width: 120px; height:60px; background-size: 120px 60px;"></div> </a> </div> <div class="below_nav"> <h1 id="logo"><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/common/images/logo.png" alt="The Texas Tribune"></a></h1> <time datetime="2015-06-27T09:29:28.835529">Saturday, June 27, 2015</time> </div> </header> </div> <div class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content "> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <header class="auxiliary content_header"> <ul class="actions"> <li class="rss"> <a type="application/rss+xml" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/feeds/staff/morgan-smith/">RSS <span></span></a> </li> </ul> <h1>Morgan Smith <span>Reporter</span></h1> </header> <div class="intro"> <div class="media headshot_portrait"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/Morgan_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox inline"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/Morgan_jpg_131x197_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""/> </a> </div> <p> <strong>Morgan Smith</strong> reports on politics and education for the Tribune, which she joined in November 2009. She writes about the effects of the state budget, school finance reform, accountability and testing in Texas public schools. Her political coverage has included congressional and legislative races, as well as Gov. Rick Perry's presidential campaign, which she followed to Iowa and New Hampshire. In 2013, she received a National Education Writers Association award for "Death of a District," a series on school closures. After earning a bachelor's degree in English from Wellesley College, she moved to Austin in 2008 to enter law school at the University of Texas. A San Antonio native, her work has also appeared in Slate, where she spent a year as an editorial intern in Washington D.C. </p> <ul class="social_links"> <li><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d6bba5bbbfa2be96a2b3aeb7a5a2a4bfb4a3b8b3f8b9a4b1"> <i class="icon-envelope"></i> <span><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="452836282c312d0531203d243631372c27302b206b2a3722">[email protected]</span><script cf-hash="f9e31" type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */!function(){try{var t="currentScript"in document?document.currentScript:function(){for(var t=document.getElementsByTagName("script"),e=t.length;e--;)if(t[e].getAttribute("cf-hash"))return t[e]}();if(t&&t.previousSibling){var e,r,n,i,c=t.previousSibling,a=c.getAttribute("data-cfemail");if(a){for(e="",r=parseInt(a.substr(0,2),16),n=2;a.length-n;n+=2)i=parseInt(a.substr(n,2),16)^r,e+=String.fromCharCode(i);e=document.createTextNode(e),c.parentNode.replaceChild(e,c)}}}catch(u){}}();/* ]]> */</script></span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/tel:512.716.8620"> <i class="icon-phone"></i> <span>512.716.8620</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://twitter.com/MorganSmith" target="_blank"> <i class="icon-twitter"></i> <span>@MorganSmith</span> </a></li> </ul> </div> <section id="contributions"> <a name="contributions"></a> <h2>Recent Contributions</h2> <div class="contributions"> <nav class="pagination"> <ul class="pagination"><li class="disabled"><span class="disabled prev"><span>&lsaquo;</span> previous</span></li><li><span class="current page">1</span></li><li><a href="?page=2#contributions" class="page">2</a></li><li><a href="?page=3#contributions" class="page">3</a></li><li><a href="?page=4#contributions" class="page">4</a></li><li><a class="disabled">…</a></li><li><a href="?page=49#contributions" class="page">49</a></li><li><a href="?page=50#contributions" class="page">50</a></li><li><a href="?page=51#contributions" class="page">51</a></li><li><a href="?page=52#contributions" class="page">52</a></li><li class="last"><a href="?page=2#contributions" class="next">next <span>&rsaquo;</span></a></li></ul> </nav> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/23/abbott-education-vetoes/">With Education Vetoes, Abbott Nods to Tea Party</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/23/abbott-education-vetoes/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/04/_BDB2339Abbottpauses_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott at the Texas State Prayer Breakfast in Austin on May 4, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/04/_BDB2339Abbottpauses_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott at the Texas State Prayer Breakfast in Austin on May 4, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott at the Texas State Prayer Breakfast in Austin on May 4, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 23 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-23 06:00"> June 23, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/23/abbott-education-vetoes/comments/"><span class="value">51</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>The conservative wing of Republican Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a>'s party wasn't thrilled with his first legislative session, objecting most notably to his "godless" pre-kindergarten plan. But Abbott seems to be mending fences by vetoing two measures the Tea Party disliked.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/23/abbott-education-vetoes/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/10/deconstructing-session-gun-issues-triggered-heavy-/">Deconstructing the Session: Gun Issues Triggered Heavy Debate</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/10/deconstructing-session-gun-issues-triggered-heavy-/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/10/TT-TXStandard_gunz_Ej9iJDW_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/10/TT-TXStandard_gunz_Ej9iJDW_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Credit: Erika Rich</cite> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-10 17:00"> June 10, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>During the 84th legislative session, lawmakers passed open carry and campus carry legislation — but not before some passionate debate. Listen to our discussion about the issues in a special episode of </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texasstandard.org/" target="_blank">Texas Standard</a><span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/10/deconstructing-session-gun-issues-triggered-heavy-/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/08/ratliff-and-rinaldi-head-rematch-tx-house-seat/">A Rinaldi vs. Ratliff Rematch for Texas House Seat</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/08/ratliff-and-rinaldi-head-rematch-tx-house-seat/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/08/TT-leadart-ratliff-rinaldi_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/08/TT-leadart-ratliff-rinaldi_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 8 Jun 2015 09:36:05 -0500" title="2015-06-08 09:36"> June 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/08/ratliff-and-rinaldi-head-rematch-tx-house-seat/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/bennett-ratliff/">Bennett Ratliff </a>will run for the Dallas-area House seat he lost to state Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/matt-rinaldi/">Matt Rinaldi</a> by just 92 votes in the 2014 GOP primary, the Coppell Republican announced Monday.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/08/ratliff-and-rinaldi-head-rematch-tx-house-seat/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/">Catch Up on Public Ed Issues From This Session</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/84lege-leadart-publiced_Xrv7S4T_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/84lege-leadart-publiced_Xrv7S4T_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Emily Albracht</cite> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 5 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-05 06:00"> June 5, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>Learn more about what happened to pre-kindergarten reform, school choice legislation and other<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/" target="_blank"> public education issues</a> using our <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://txlege.texastribune.org/" target="_blank">Texas Legislative Guide</a>. </p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://txlege.texastribune.org/topics/public-education/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/clinton-caps-two-days-texas-houston-speech/">Clinton Caps Two Days in Texas With Houston Speech</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/clinton-caps-two-days-texas-houston-speech/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/12/HilaryTexas-2_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/12/HilaryTexas-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo illustration by Todd Wiseman / Frank Plitt</cite> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 4 Jun 2015 17:22:18 -0500" title="2015-06-04 17:22"> June 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/clinton-caps-two-days-texas-houston-speech/comments/"><span class="value">52</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Accusing Republicans of a systematic effort to undercut voter access to the ballot box, Hillary Clinton in Houston on Thursday called for expansive reforms to U.S. election laws.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/04/clinton-caps-two-days-texas-houston-speech/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/aycock-house-education-chief-willnotseekreelection/">House Education Chief Aycock Will Not Seek Re-election</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/aycock-house-education-chief-willnotseekreelection/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/_BDA5025_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock bids farewell to the Texas House in a speech on June 1, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/01/_BDA5025_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock bids farewell to the Texas House in a speech on June 1, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock bids farewell to the Texas House in a speech on June 1, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 12:07:47 -0500" title="2015-06-01 12:07"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/aycock-house-education-chief-willnotseekreelection/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>When the Texas Legislature tackles a long overdue overhaul of the state’s school finance system, it will have to do without the lawmaker who has shepherded its two chambers through complex education issues for the last two sessions.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/aycock-house-education-chief-willnotseekreelection/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/texas-lawmakers-approve-f-grades-public-schools/">Texas Lawmakers Approve A-F Grades for Public Schools</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/texas-lawmakers-approve-f-grades-public-schools/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Seats_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Seats_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 31 May 2015 18:38:40 -0500" title="2015-05-31 18:38"> May 31, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/texas-lawmakers-approve-f-grades-public-schools/comments/"><span class="value">23</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>A controversial plan to start assigning public schools A-through-F grades cleared both chambers of the Texas Legislature on Sunday.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/texas-lawmakers-approve-f-grades-public-schools/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/campus-carry-bill-heads-gov-abbott/">Campus Carry Bill Heads to Gov. Abbott</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/campus-carry-bill-heads-gov-abbott/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/31/_BDB8657Fletcher_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, during gun bills debates on April 17, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/31/_BDB8657Fletcher_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, during gun bills debates on April 17, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress, during gun bills debates on April 17, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 31 May 2015 17:09:49 -0500" title="2015-05-31 17:09"> May 31, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/campus-carry-bill-heads-gov-abbott/comments/"><span class="value">60</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>Legislation requiring the state’s public universities to allow handguns in dorms, classrooms and campus buildings is now one step away from becoming law after a final vote to approve it in the Texas House on Sunday.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/31/campus-carry-bill-heads-gov-abbott/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/campus-carry-gets-final-approval-texas-senate/">Campus Carry Gets Final Approval in Texas Senate</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/campus-carry-gets-final-approval-texas-senate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/7C2A4815_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, during a debate over his campus carry bill, SB 11, on March 18, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/7C2A4815_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, during a debate over his campus carry bill, SB 11, on March 18, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, during a debate over his campus carry bill, SB 11, on March 18, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 30 May 2015 17:50:13 -0500" title="2015-05-30 17:50"> May 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/campus-carry-gets-final-approval-texas-senate/comments/"><span class="value">49</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas Senate took a final vote Saturday to approve legislation requiring the state’s public universities to allow handguns in dorms, classrooms and campus buildings. The House is scheduled to vote on the issue on Sunday. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/campus-carry-gets-final-approval-texas-senate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/campus-carry-bill-would-give-universities-more-say/">Campus Carry Bill Would Give Universities More Say</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/campus-carry-bill-would-give-universities-more-say/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/26/CampusCarry-PencilBullets-2_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/26/CampusCarry-PencilBullets-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo illustration by Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 30 May 2015 11:50:38 -0500" title="2015-05-30 11:50"> May 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/campus-carry-bill-would-give-universities-more-say/comments/"><span class="value">32</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>House and Senate negotiators are sending a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.lrl.state.tx.us/scanned/84ccrs/sb0011.pdf#navpanes=0">version of "campus carry"</a> back to their chambers that gives universities more say over where and how concealed handguns are permitted on campus. </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/campus-carry-bill-would-give-universities-more-say/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/open-carry-bill-heads-gov-greg-abbott/">"Open Carry" Bill Heads to Gov. Abbott</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/open-carry-bill-heads-gov-greg-abbott/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/27/_F5U2635Phillips_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, l, on the floor debating HB910 the open carry bill on the House floor May 27, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/27/_F5U2635Phillips_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, l, on the floor debating HB910 the open carry bill on the House floor May 27, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, l, on the floor debating HB910 the open carry bill on the House floor May 27, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 29 May 2015 18:38:51 -0500" title="2015-05-29 18:38"> May 29, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/open-carry-bill-heads-gov-greg-abbott/comments/"><span class="value">46</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>A signature from Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott </a>is all that remains before a bill allowing Texans to carry their handguns openly becomes law.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/29/open-carry-bill-heads-gov-greg-abbott/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/cop-stop-language-stripped-open-carry-bill/">"Cop-Stop" Language Stripped From Open Carry Bill</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/cop-stop-language-stripped-open-carry-bill/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/05/xHuffines1_JPG_260x1000_q100.JPG" alt="Don Huffines, candidate for Texas Senate, hosts a reception at the Omni Hotel at Republican Party of Texas Convention June 5, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/05/xHuffines1_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="Don Huffines, candidate for Texas Senate, hosts a reception at the Omni Hotel at Republican Party of Texas Convention June 5, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Don Huffines, candidate for Texas Senate, hosts a reception at the Omni Hotel at Republican Party of Texas Convention June 5, 2014.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 28 May 2015 17:57:09 -0500" title="2015-05-28 17:57"> May 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/cop-stop-language-stripped-open-carry-bill/comments/"><span class="value">32</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>A controversial provision, which law enforcement officials have said would allow criminals to carry firearms without repercussions, has been removed from a key gun bill, lawmakers confirmed Thursday.<span><br/></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/cop-stop-language-stripped-open-carry-bill/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/campus-carry-headed-conference-committee/">Campus Carry Headed to Conference Committee</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/campus-carry-headed-conference-committee/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/7C2A4815_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, during a debate over his campus carry bill, SB 11, on March 18, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/7C2A4815_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, during a debate over his campus carry bill, SB 11, on March 18, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, during a debate over his campus carry bill, SB 11, on March 18, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 28 May 2015 14:41:57 -0500" title="2015-05-28 14:41"> May 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/campus-carry-headed-conference-committee/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Significant changes limiting the reach of legislation </span><span>requiring Texas universities to allow concealed handguns on campus may be in danger as House and Senate lawmakers work out their differences on the bill. </span></p> <p><span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/campus-carry-headed-conference-committee/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/open-carry-faces-filibuster-threat-senate/">Open Carry Faces Filibuster Threat in Senate</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/open-carry-faces-filibuster-threat-senate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/4_S3R7545_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, said he would consider a filibuster on open carry legislation during a Texas Tribune event on May 28, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/28/4_S3R7545_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, said he would consider a filibuster on open carry legislation during a Texas Tribune event on May 28, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. José Rodríguez, D-El Paso, said he would consider a filibuster on open carry legislation during a Texas Tribune event on May 28, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 28 May 2015 13:28:17 -0500" title="2015-05-28 13:28"> May 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/open-carry-faces-filibuster-threat-senate/comments/"><span class="value">43</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>State Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/jose-rodriguez/">José Rodríguez</a> said Thursday that if the opportunity arises, he plans to filibuster a bill allowing the open carry of handguns in Texas. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/open-carry-faces-filibuster-threat-senate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/house-differs-senate-open-carry/">House and Senate Will Hash Out Open Carry Differences</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/house-differs-senate-open-carry/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/27/_F5U2617group_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="House members listen to Parliamentarian Chris Griesel rule on amendments to HB910 open carry bill on May 27, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/27/_F5U2617group_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="House members listen to Parliamentarian Chris Griesel rule on amendments to HB910 open carry bill on May 27, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">House members listen to Parliamentarian Chris Griesel rule on amendments to HB910 open carry bill on May 27, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 27 May 2015 18:56:03 -0500" title="2015-05-27 18:56"> May 27, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/house-differs-senate-open-carry/comments/"><span class="value">20</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>After <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/police-chiefs-provisionl-handcuffs-law-enforcement/">outspoken opposition</a> from the state's law enforcement officials, the Texas House on Wednesday took a step toward removing a controversial provision from legislation allowing licensed Texans to openly carry handguns. </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/27/house-differs-senate-open-carry/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <nav class="pagination"> <ul class="pagination"><li class="disabled"><span class="disabled prev"><span>&lsaquo;</span> previous</span></li><li><span class="current page">1</span></li><li><a href="?page=2#contributions" class="page">2</a></li><li><a href="?page=3#contributions" class="page">3</a></li><li><a href="?page=4#contributions" class="page">4</a></li><li><a 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href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/13/evening-brief-texas-headlines-aug-13-2013/">The Evening Brief: Texas Headlines for Aug. 13, 2013</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta short separator relative-time"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:00:00 -0500" title="2013-08-13 18:00"> Aug. 13, 2013 </time></li></ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/13/brief-texas-political-news-aug-13-2013/">The Brief: Texas Political News for Aug. 13, 2013</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta short separator relative-time"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 13 Aug 2013 07:07:22 -0500" title="2013-08-13 07:07"> Aug. 13, 2013 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/13/brief-texas-political-news-aug-13-2013/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/12/brief-texas-political-news-aug-12-2013/">The Brief: Texas Political News for Aug. 12, 2013</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta short separator relative-time"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 12 Aug 2013 07:13:34 -0500" title="2013-08-12 07:13"> Aug. 12, 2013 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/12/brief-texas-political-news-aug-12-2013/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/06/24/evening-brief-texas-headlines-june-21-2013/">The Evening Brief: Texas Headlines for June 24, 2013</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta short separator relative-time"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 24 Jun 2013 17:17:16 -0500" title="2013-06-24 17:17"> June 24, 2013 </time></li></ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/02/06/texplainer-has-state-spending-schools-increased/">Texplainer: Has State Spending on Schools Increased?</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta short separator relative-time"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 6 Feb 2013 06:00:00 -0600" title="2013-02-06 06:00"> Feb. 6, 2013 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/02/06/texplainer-has-state-spending-schools-increased/comments/"><span class="value">19</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </dd> </dl> </section> <section class="sidebar_block content_list"> <header> <h1>Morgan’s Favorite Websites</h1> </header> <ul class="blog-roll"> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texasmonthly.com/blogs/burkablog/" class="external">Burkablog</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.scotxblog.com/" class="external">Supreme Court of Texas Blog</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://blogs.chron.com/texaspolitics/" class="external">Texas Politics</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://slatest.slate.com/" class="external">Slatest</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/" class="external">The Fix</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor.html" class="external">The XX Factor</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.niemanlab.org/" class="external">Niemanlab</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.nytimes.com/timeswire/" class="external">Timeswire</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.theawl.com/" class="external">The Awl</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="sidebar_block content_list"> <header> <h1>Morgan’s Wire</h1> </header> <dl> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2014/08/cruz-pokes-fun-at-perrys-oops-moment/">Cruz pokes fun at Perry’s ‘oops’ moment</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2014/08/cruz-pokes-fun-at-perrys-oops-moment/">Houston Chronicle</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:13:13 -0500" title="2014-08-11 00:13"> Aug. 11, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2014/08/10/texas-principal-fired-for-telling-students-to-speak-english-n1876574">Fired Texas Principal Speaks Out: ‘It Would Be Bes</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2014/08/10/texas-principal-fired-for-telling-students-to-speak-english-n1876574">Town Hall</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:24:26 -0500" title="2014-08-10 22:24"> Aug. 10, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.chron.com/news/education/article/Texas-school-ratings-show-best-and-worst-5676883.php">Texas school ratings show best and worst</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.chron.com/news/education/article/Texas-school-ratings-show-best-and-worst-5676883.php">Houston Chronicle</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:23:42 -0500" title="2014-08-10 22:23"> Aug. 10, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/aug/09/cruz-perry-rally-gop-base/">Cruz, Perry rally GOP base</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/aug/09/cruz-perry-rally-gop-base/">Associated Press</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:07:50 -0500" title="2014-08-10 22:07"> Aug. 10, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20140808-with-national-ambitions-ted-cruz-and-rick-perry-ramp-up-rivalry.ece">With national ambitions, Ted Cruz and Rick Perry r</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20140808-with-national-ambitions-ted-cruz-and-rick-perry-ramp-up-rivalry.ece">Dallas Morning News</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:06:26 -0500" title="2014-08-10 22:06"> Aug. 10, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Perry-and-Cruz-test-messages-for-possible-5677998.php">Perry and Cruz test messages for possible presiden</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Perry-and-Cruz-test-messages-for-possible-5677998.php">Houston Chronicle</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Sun, 10 Aug 2014 22:06:01 -0500" title="2014-08-10 22:06"> Aug. 10, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/02/09/michelle-rhee-susan-combs-wise-school-spending/5259291/">Rhee/Combs: Are education funds being wasted?</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/02/09/michelle-rhee-susan-combs-wise-school-spending/5259291/">USA Today</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Mon, 10 Feb 2014 13:20:25 -0600" title="2014-02-10 13:20"> Feb. 10, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/local/herman-hasan-trial-a-test-for-all/nZMhb/">Herman: Hasan trial a test for all</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/local/herman-hasan-trial-a-test-for-all/nZMhb/">Austin American-Statesman</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Tue, 13 Aug 2013 16:43:24 -0500" title="2013-08-13 16:43"> Aug. 13, 2013 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/13/environmental-concerns-entangled-fight-over-brazos/">Environmental Concerns Rise as Brazos Levels Fall</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/13/environmental-concerns-entangled-fight-over-brazos/">Texas Tribune</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Tue, 13 Aug 2013 07:11:41 -0500" title="2013-08-13 07:11"> Aug. 13, 2013 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/12/court-order-blocking-cscope-high-profile-praise/">Court Order Blocks District's Use of CSCOPE Lesson</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150627142928/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/08/12/court-order-blocking-cscope-high-profile-praise/">Texas Tribune</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Tue, 13 Aug 2013 07:11:09 -0500" title="2013-08-13 07:11"> Aug. 13, 2013 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> </dl> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-r"> <footer id="site_footer" class="wrapper-r"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> </div> <div id="footer" class="grid"> <dl id="staff_writers" class="cell w-3"> <dt>Writers</dt> <div class="cell w-6"> <dd> <a 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