POLITICS | The Texas Tribune

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datetime="2015-04-14T03:36:59.715924">Tuesday, April 14, 2015</time> </div> </header> </div> <div class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content index"> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/politics/">POLITICS</a><a class="subsection_toggle"><i class="icon-caret-down"></i></a></h1><ul class="subsection_menu"><li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/politics/special-interests/">Special Interests</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/politics/lobbying/">Lobbying</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/politics/elections/">Elections</a></li></ul><script> $(window).load(function () { $('.subsection_toggle').click(function(e){ e.preventDefault(); $('.subsection_menu').slideToggle('fast', function() {}); }); }); </script></header> <section class="topstory grid"> <article class=""> <div class="media large"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/senate-votes-close-austin-institution/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/AustinStateSchool_wideroom_jpg_474x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Austin State-Supported Living Center employee Tamika Mays is shown with resident Rebecca Hadnot in 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/AustinStateSchool_wideroom_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Austin State-Supported Living Center employee Tamika Mays is shown with resident Rebecca Hadnot in 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Austin State-Supported Living Center employee Tamika Mays is shown with resident Rebecca Hadnot in 2011.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/senate-votes-close-austin-institution/">Senate Votes to Close Austin Institution</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:30:50 -0500" title="2015-04-13 18:30"> April 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/senate-votes-close-austin-institution/comments/"><span class="value">53</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span><span>The Austin State Supported Living Center will be the first closed, but more are to come as the state continues moving away from residential centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/senate-votes-close-austin-institution/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> <aside class="related"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h2>Related</h2> </header> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/08/13/commission-recommends-reforms-state-agencies/">Commission Formally Calls for Closure of Institutions</a></li> </ul> </aside> </div> </article> </section> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> <article class=" item_1"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/house-takes-step-patch-pension-fund-hole/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/12/BDB_8568_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, co-chair of the House Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations, is shown calling an executive session on May, 12, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/12/BDB_8568_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, co-chair of the House Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations, is shown calling an executive session on May, 12, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, co-chair of the House Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations, is shown calling an executive session on May, 12, 2014.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/house-takes-step-patch-pension-fund-hole/">House Takes Step to Patch Pension Fund Hole</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 13 Apr 2015 16:26:09 -0500" title="2015-04-13 16:26"> April 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/house-takes-step-patch-pension-fund-hole/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>State workers would pay more into their retirement system but get pay raises to offset the cost under legislation that earned preliminary House approval Monday. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/house-takes-step-patch-pension-fund-hole/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/former-lead-budget-writer-lobbies-cut-pole-tax/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/22/X_BDA5223CMS_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, testifies at the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Operations regarding UT Regent Wallace Hall on October 22, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/22/X_BDA5223CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, testifies at the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Operations regarding UT Regent Wallace Hall on October 22, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, testifies at the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Operations regarding UT Regent Wallace Hall on October 22, 2013.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/former-lead-budget-writer-lobbies-cut-pole-tax/">Former Lead Budget Writer Lobbies to Cut Texas "Pole Tax"</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 13 Apr 2015 16:02:40 -0500" title="2015-04-13 16:02"> April 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/former-lead-budget-writer-lobbies-cut-pole-tax/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>Former House Appropriations Chairman <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/jim-pitts/">Jim Pitts</a>, R-Waxahachie, is lobbying for the Texas Entertainment Association — the euphemistically named trade group for the state’s strip clubs.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/former-lead-budget-writer-lobbies-cut-pole-tax/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/clintons-run-gives-cruz-and-perry-official-target/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/23/PerryCruz_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/23/PerryCruz_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Cooper Neill</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/clintons-run-gives-cruz-and-perry-official-target/">Cruz, Perry Take Different Approaches to Targeting Hillary Clinton</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:31:21 -0500" title="2015-04-12 14:31"> April 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/clintons-run-gives-cruz-and-perry-official-target/comments/"><span class="value">52</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>While </span><span>U.S. Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ted-cruz/">Ted Cruz</a><span> and </span><span>former Texas Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a><span> </span><span>unsurprisingly agree former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would make a bad president, </span><span>they</span><span> have taken different approaches to explaining why.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/clintons-run-gives-cruz-and-perry-official-target/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="show-for-medium-down"> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/house-takes-step-patch-pension-fund-hole/">House Takes Step to Patch Pension Fund Hole</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 13 Apr 2015 16:26:09 -0500" title="2015-04-13 16:26"> April 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/house-takes-step-patch-pension-fund-hole/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/house-takes-step-patch-pension-fund-hole/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/12/BDB_8568_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, co-chair of the House Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations, is shown calling an executive session on May, 12, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/05/12/BDB_8568_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, co-chair of the House Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations, is shown calling an executive session on May, 12, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Van, co-chair of the House Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations, is shown calling an executive session on May, 12, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>State workers would pay more into their retirement system but get pay raises to offset the cost under legislation that earned preliminary House approval Monday. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/house-takes-step-patch-pension-fund-hole/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/former-lead-budget-writer-lobbies-cut-pole-tax/">Former Lead Budget Writer Lobbies to Cut Texas "Pole Tax"</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 13 Apr 2015 16:02:40 -0500" title="2015-04-13 16:02"> April 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/former-lead-budget-writer-lobbies-cut-pole-tax/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/former-lead-budget-writer-lobbies-cut-pole-tax/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/22/X_BDA5223CMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, testifies at the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Operations regarding UT Regent Wallace Hall on October 22, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/10/22/X_BDA5223CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, testifies at the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Operations regarding UT Regent Wallace Hall on October 22, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, testifies at the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Operations regarding UT Regent Wallace Hall on October 22, 2013.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Former House Appropriations Chairman <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/jim-pitts/">Jim Pitts</a>, R-Waxahachie, is lobbying for the Texas Entertainment Association — the euphemistically named trade group for the state’s strip clubs.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/former-lead-budget-writer-lobbies-cut-pole-tax/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/clintons-run-gives-cruz-and-perry-official-target/">Cruz, Perry Take Different Approaches to Targeting Hillary Clinton</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:31:21 -0500" title="2015-04-12 14:31"> April 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/clintons-run-gives-cruz-and-perry-official-target/comments/"><span class="value">52</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/clintons-run-gives-cruz-and-perry-official-target/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/23/PerryCruz_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/23/PerryCruz_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Cooper Neill</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>While </span><span>U.S. Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ted-cruz/">Ted Cruz</a><span> and </span><span>former Texas Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a><span> </span><span>unsurprisingly agree former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would make a bad president, </span><span>they</span><span> have taken different approaches to explaining why.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/clintons-run-gives-cruz-and-perry-official-target/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 gap hide-for-medium-down left_rail"> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab data"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Data</h1> <h2> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://apps.texastribune.org/tedtracker/">TedTracker: Follow Cruz on the Campaign Trail</a> </h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a> and <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-08 06:00"> April 8, 2015 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="http://apps.texastribune.org/tedtracker/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/07/tedtracker-leadart_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/07/tedtracker-leadart_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Michael Stravato/Emily Albracht</cite> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/library/data/"><span>+</span> More Data</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <aside class="ad_container sidebar_block"> <div class="sponsor_image_holder"> <div class="ad adunit tablet standard" data-dimensions="300x250" data-adunit="TexasTribune_Content_Home_BTF_LeftRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/former-mayor-challenge-hinojosa-seat-congress/">Former Mayor to Challenge Hinojosa for Congressional Seat</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 12 Apr 2015 11:45:33 -0500" title="2015-04-12 11:45"> April 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/former-mayor-challenge-hinojosa-seat-congress/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/former-mayor-challenge-hinojosa-seat-congress/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/08/13/Mayor_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben Villarreal"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/08/13/Mayor_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben Villarreal" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Julian Aguilar</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben Villarreal</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p dir="ltr">Weeks after resigning as mayor of Rio Grande City, Republican Ruben Villarreal has confirmed he will challenge longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ruben-hinojosa/">Rubén Hinojosa</a>, Democrat of Edinburg, for his seat in Texas' 15th Congressional District.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/former-mayor-challenge-hinojosa-seat-congress/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/inside-texas-politics-dream-act/">Inside Texas Politics: The Dream Act</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/john-jordan/">John Jordan</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 12 Apr 2015 11:34:26 -0500" title="2015-04-12 11:34"> April 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/inside-texas-politics-dream-act/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/inside-texas-politics-dream-act/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/12/Ross_Inside_April_12_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey on WFAA's "Inside Texas Politics" on April 12, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/12/Ross_Inside_April_12_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey on WFAA's "Inside Texas Politics" on April 12, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>credit: WFAA</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey on WFAA's "Inside Texas Politics" on April 12, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's </span><em>Inside Texas Politics</em><span> with host Jim Douglas, the </span><em>Fort Worth Star-Telegram</em><span>'s Bud Kennedy and Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey, the show opens with a discussion of the Dream Act. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/inside-texas-politics-dream-act/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/why-texas-matters-clintons-presidential-run/">Four Reasons Why Texas Matters for Clinton</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 12 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-12 06:00"> April 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/why-texas-matters-clintons-presidential-run/comments/"><span class="value">76</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/why-texas-matters-clintons-presidential-run/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/20/AHRCAustin496cms_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Hillary Clinton gives an Austin audience a look at her years as U.S. Secretary of State in a speech on June 20, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/20/AHRCAustin496cms_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Hillary Clinton gives an Austin audience a look at her years as U.S. Secretary of State in a speech on June 20, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Hillary Clinton gives an Austin audience a look at her years as U.S. Secretary of State in a speech on June 20, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Texas is likely to play a significant role in the Democratic front-runner’s presidential bid, and Clinton could return the favor. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/why-texas-matters-clintons-presidential-run/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/paul-skeptical-senators-motives-iran-deal-demand/">Ron Paul Skeptical of Senators' Motives in Iran Deal Demand</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 11 Apr 2015 18:18:33 -0500" title="2015-04-11 18:18"> April 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/paul-skeptical-senators-motives-iran-deal-demand/comments/"><span class="value">30</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/paul-skeptical-senators-motives-iran-deal-demand/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/25/Ron_and_Rand_Paul_copy_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul and son Rand speak at a Tea Party rally at the Texas Capitol on May 6, 2012."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/25/Ron_and_Rand_Paul_copy_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul and son Rand speak at a Tea Party rally at the Texas Capitol on May 6, 2012." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul and son Rand speak at a Tea Party rally at the Texas Capitol on May 6, 2012.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ron-paul/">Ron Paul</a> on Saturday cast skepticism on the motives of senators who want a congressional review of President Obama's emerging nuclear deal with Iran — a group that includes his son, presidential candidate Rand Paul.</p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/paul-skeptical-senators-motives-iran-deal-demand/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 hide-for-medium-down mid_rail"> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/sanctuary-cities-bill-heads-senate/">Sanctuary Cities Bill Heads to Full Senate</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Juli谩n Aguilar</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 16:58:14 -0500" title="2015-04-08 16:58"> April 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/sanctuary-cities-bill-heads-senate/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/sanctuary-cities-bill-heads-senate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/16/UP9A3775_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Sen. Charles Perry during a March 16th, 2015 Senate Subcommittee on border security"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/16/UP9A3775_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Sen. Charles Perry during a March 16th, 2015 Senate Subcommittee on border security" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Charles Perry during a March 16th, 2015 Senate Subcommittee on border security</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Along party lines, a Senate committee Wednesday advanced a controversial "sanctuary cities" bill from Lubbock Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/charles-perry/">Charles Perry</a> that would cut state funds to cities that don't let their peace officers enforce immigration laws.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/sanctuary-cities-bill-heads-senate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/public-integrity-unit-headed-texas-rangers/">Senate Backs Bill That Would Relocate Public Integrity Unit</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/bobby-blanchard/">Bobby Blanchard</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 13:19:56 -0500" title="2015-04-08 13:19"> April 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/public-integrity-unit-headed-texas-rangers/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/public-integrity-unit-headed-texas-rangers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/7C2A9889_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="January 12th, 2015 Conversation with Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston and Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/7C2A9889_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="January 12th, 2015 Conversation with Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston and Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">January 12th, 2015 Conversation with Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston and Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The Texas Senate has preliminarily passed a bill that would move the state’s public integrity unit from the Travis County district attorney’s office to the Texas Rangers. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/public-integrity-unit-headed-texas-rangers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/committees-moving-bills-limit-tuition-increases/">Committees Moving on Bills to Limit Tuition Increases</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/matthew-watkins/">Matthew Watkins</a> and <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 11:42:47 -0500" title="2015-04-08 11:42"> April 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/committees-moving-bills-limit-tuition-increases/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/committees-moving-bills-limit-tuition-increases/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/University_Tuition_Money_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/University_Tuition_Money_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A Senate committee has approved a bill that would limit tuition increases to the rate of inflation unless universities meet "performance measures." Meanwhile, a House committee is considering a bill to tie tuition increases only to inflation.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/committees-moving-bills-limit-tuition-increases/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/3-super-pacs-set-back-cruzs-2016-campaign/">New Super PACs Backing Cruz Expect $31 Million First-Week Haul</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 10:38:24 -0500" title="2015-04-08 10:38"> April 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/3-super-pacs-set-back-cruzs-2016-campaign/comments/"><span class="value">55</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/3-super-pacs-set-back-cruzs-2016-campaign/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/TT-leadart-cruz-02_png_150x1000_q100.png" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/TT-leadart-cruz-02_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Matt McClain, The Washington Post</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A quartet of super PACs is coming to the aid of U.S. Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ted-cruz/">Ted Cruz</a><span> as he embarks on his 2016 presidential campaign, and they expect to raise a whopping $31 million during their first week. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/3-super-pacs-set-back-cruzs-2016-campaign/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://apps.texastribune.org/tedtracker/">TedTracker: Follow Cruz on the Campaign Trail</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a> and <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-08 06:00"> April 8, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://apps.texastribune.org/tedtracker/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/07/tedtracker-leadart_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/07/tedtracker-leadart_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Michael Stravato/Emily Albracht</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Use the </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://apps.texastribune.org/tedtracker/">TedTracker</a><span> to check the public events — past and future — <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ted-cruz/">Ted Cruz</a> has announced since making his run for president official.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://apps.texastribune.org/tedtracker/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/analysis-when-it-comes-tax-cuts-does-size-matter/">Analysis: When It Comes to Tax Cuts, Does Size Really Matter?</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 8 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-08 06:00"> April 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/analysis-when-it-comes-tax-cuts-does-size-matter/comments/"><span class="value">28</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/analysis-when-it-comes-tax-cuts-does-size-matter/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/18/Receipts_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/18/Receipts_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Steven Depolo</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The House and Senate have some differences over which taxes to cut, but their plans have one thing in common: When they trickle down to average taxpayers, the benefits are small. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/analysis-when-it-comes-tax-cuts-does-size-matter/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-6 show-for-medium-down"> <ul class="mobile_headlines"> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/former-mayor-challenge-hinojosa-seat-congress/">Former Mayor to Challenge Hinojosa for Congressional Seat</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/inside-texas-politics-dream-act/">Inside Texas Politics: The Dream Act</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/12/why-texas-matters-clintons-presidential-run/">Four Reasons Why Texas Matters for Clinton</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/paul-skeptical-senators-motives-iran-deal-demand/">Ron Paul Skeptical of Senators' Motives in Iran Deal Demand</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/playlist-trail/">The Playlist: On the Trail</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/sid-miller-first-months-office-prove-rocky/">Despite Rocky Start, Agriculture Commissioner Defends His Record</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/perry-2016-will-be-show-me-dont-tell-me-election/">Driving Home Contrast, Perry Calls 2016 a "Show-Me-Don't-Tell-Me Election"</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/universities-try-again-campus-construction-funding/">Universities Try Again on Construction Funding</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/perry-appears-show-russian-ship-web-video/">Military Experts: Warship in Perry Video Was Russian</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/house-passes-bill-beefs-resources-border-prosecuto/">House Passes Bill That Beefs Up Resources for Border Prosecutors</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/sanctuary-cities-bill-heads-senate/">Sanctuary Cities Bill Heads to Full Senate</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/public-integrity-unit-headed-texas-rangers/">Senate Backs Bill That Would Relocate Public Integrity Unit</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/committees-moving-bills-limit-tuition-increases/">Committees Moving on Bills to Limit Tuition Increases</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/3-super-pacs-set-back-cruzs-2016-campaign/">New Super PACs Backing Cruz Expect $31 Million First-Week Haul</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://apps.texastribune.org/tedtracker/">TedTracker: Follow Cruz on the Campaign Trail</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/analysis-when-it-comes-tax-cuts-does-size-matter/">Analysis: When It Comes to Tax Cuts, Does Size Really Matter?</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class=" cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <aside id="" class="featurebox "> <header class="featurebox-header"> <h1><span>Trib</span>pedia</h1> </header> <div class="featurebox-content "> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2007-house-speakers-race/">2007 House Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2007-house-walkout/">2007 House Walkout</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2008-presidential-primary-and-caucus/">2008 Presidential Primary And Caucus</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2009-house-speakers-race/">2009 House Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2010-general-election/">2010 General Election</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2010-legislative-races/">2010 Legislative Races</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2010-legislative-runoffs/">2010 Legislative Runoffs</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2010-primary-elections/">2010 Primary Elections</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2010-texas-governors-race/">2010 Texas Governor's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2011-house-speakers-race/">2011 House Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2012-congressional-election/">2012 Congressional Election</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2012-elections/">2012 Elections</a></li> <li><a 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class="folder"> <div class="tab video"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Video</h1> <h2><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2013/02/07/triblive-a-conversation-joe-straus/">TribLive: A Conversation with Joe Straus </a></h2> <ul class="meta separator short"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 7 Feb 2013 08:59:00 -0600" title="2013-02-07 08:59"> Feb. 7, 2013 </time></li></ul> </hgroup> <div class="content"> <div class="media sidebar" <a href="/2013/02/07/triblive-a-conversation-joe-straus/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Straus-2_jpg_300x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Straus-2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/playlist-trail/">The Playlist: On the Trail</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/john-jordan/">John Jordan</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 11 Apr 2015 17:52:36 -0500" title="2015-04-11 17:52"> April 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/playlist-trail/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/playlist-trail/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/11/Playlist_April_11TTcrop_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/11/Playlist_April_11TTcrop_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: John Jordan</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>It’s less than a year until the first presidential primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire, and the 2016 race is already well underway, so we start off this week's playlist off the news with a campaign-themed set.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/playlist-trail/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/sid-miller-first-months-office-prove-rocky/">Despite Rocky Start, Agriculture Commissioner Defends His Record</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a> and <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 11 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-11 06:00"> April 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/sid-miller-first-months-office-prove-rocky/comments/"><span class="value">22</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/sid-miller-first-months-office-prove-rocky/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/7C2A0054_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller gives away cupcakes at a press conference on Jan. 12, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/7C2A0054_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller gives away cupcakes at a press conference on Jan. 12, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller gives away cupcakes at a press conference on Jan. 12, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>A collection of unflattering headlines has lawmakers and one of Texas Agriculture Commissioner <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/sid-miller/">Sid Miller</a>'s predecessors questioning whether the world-champion calf roper was ready to steer a billion-dollar agency. <span>But Miller is brushing off the criticism.</span></p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/11/sid-miller-first-months-office-prove-rocky/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/perry-2016-will-be-show-me-dont-tell-me-election/">Driving Home Contrast, Perry Calls 2016 a "Show-Me-Don't-Tell-Me Election"</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 10 Apr 2015 16:07:35 -0500" title="2015-04-10 16:07"> April 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/perry-2016-will-be-show-me-dont-tell-me-election/comments/"><span class="value">27</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/perry-2016-will-be-show-me-dont-tell-me-election/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/10/perrynra_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Gov. Rick Perry addresses the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday in Nashville. He used the speech to say the 2016 presidential election will not be about "lofty rhetoric.""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/10/perrynra_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Gov. Rick Perry addresses the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday in Nashville. He used the speech to say the 2016 presidential election will not be about "lofty rhetoric."" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: National Rifle Association screenshot</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Gov. Rick Perry addresses the National Rifle Association's annual meeting Friday in Nashville. He used the speech to say the 2016 presidential election will not be about "lofty rhetoric."</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Former Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a>, drawing a sharp contrast between himself and his less experienced rivals for the White House, said Friday the 2016 presidential race will be a "show-me-don't-tell-me election" in which the candidate with the strongest resume will prevail.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/perry-2016-will-be-show-me-dont-tell-me-election/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/universities-try-again-campus-construction-funding/">Universities Try Again on Construction Funding</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/matthew-watkins/">Matthew Watkins</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 10 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-10 06:00"> April 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/universities-try-again-campus-construction-funding/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/universities-try-again-campus-construction-funding/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-HigherEd003_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="University of Texas at Austin students pass by the Main Building on their way to and from classes."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/TxTrib-HigherEd003_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="University of Texas at Austin students pass by the Main Building on their way to and from classes." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Tamir Kalifa</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">University of Texas at Austin students pass by the Main Building on their way to and from classes.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>In 2013, billions of dollars in bonds to pay for new campus buildings slipped through the grasp of state universities and colleges in the session's closing moments. Another bond package is now moving through the chambers, and university leaders hope not to repeat that fate.  </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/10/universities-try-again-campus-construction-funding/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/perry-appears-show-russian-ship-web-video/">Military Experts: Warship in Perry Video Was Russian</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 9 Apr 2015 15:42:47 -0500" title="2015-04-09 15:42"> April 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/perry-appears-show-russian-ship-web-video/comments/"><span class="value">29</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/perry-appears-show-russian-ship-web-video/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/Perry_web_video_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="A warship, believed to be Russian, that originally appeared in Rick Perry's video on the U.S. military."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/09/Perry_web_video_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A warship, believed to be Russian, that originally appeared in Rick Perry's video on the U.S. military." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A warship, believed to be Russian, that originally appeared in Rick Perry's video on the U.S. military.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><a style="line-height: 1.35;" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a><span style="line-height: 1.35;">'s political operatives have swapped out two seconds in a video touting the former Texas governor's military history. Experts told the Tribune they believed the warship in the original footage was Russian, not American.  </span><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/perry-appears-show-russian-ship-web-video/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/house-passes-bill-beefs-resources-border-prosecuto/">House Passes Bill That Beefs Up Resources for Border Prosecutors</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Juli谩n Aguilar</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 9 Apr 2015 13:05:25 -0500" title="2015-04-09 13:05"> April 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/house-passes-bill-beefs-resources-border-prosecuto/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/house-passes-bill-beefs-resources-border-prosecuto/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/08/26/DPSGunboat_copy_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Department of Public Safety officers patrol Anzalduas Park as part of Operation Strong Safety. Texas National Guard soldiers deployed to the area on Monday will help DPS in its mission, officials said."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150414083705/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/08/26/DPSGunboat_copy_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Department of Public Safety officers patrol Anzalduas Park as part of Operation Strong Safety. Texas National Guard soldiers deployed to the area on Monday will help DPS in its mission, officials said." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Juli谩n Aguilar</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Department of Public Safety officers patrol Anzalduas Park as part of Operation Strong Safety. Texas National Guard soldiers deployed to the area on Monday will help DPS in its mission, officials said.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The Texas House on Thursday passed legislation that would codify the current policies and duties of the state’s Border Prosecution Unit.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/09/house-passes-bill-beefs-resources-border-prosecuto/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/politics/all/" title=""><span>+</span> More News</a> </li> </ul> </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 href="/web/20150414083705/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca 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