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<span><a class="plain" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/">Tribpedia</a>:</span> <a class="plain" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/kirk-watson/">Kirk Watson</a> </h1> </header> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-12"> <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" class="page">2</a></li><li class="last"><a href="?page=2" class="next">next <span>&rsaquo;</span></a></li></ul> </nav> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-12"> <article class=" "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/24/tolling-projects-limbo-following-session/">Toll Road Projects in Limbo Following Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 24 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-24 06:00"> June 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/24/tolling-projects-limbo-following-session/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/24/tolling-projects-limbo-following-session/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/7C2A4885_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="An advocate for restricting funds for toll-roads in Texas attends a rally March 23rd, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/7C2A4885_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="An advocate for restricting funds for toll-roads in Texas attends a rally March 23rd, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">An advocate for restricting funds for toll-roads in Texas attends a rally March 23rd, 2015</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Texas' network of tolled highways totals more than 500 miles, but its growth was curtailed this session as lawmakers passed several measures making it tougher for toll projects to move forward. Some fast-growing communities are scrambling to find new funding avenues for highway expansion projects with uncertain futures.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/24/tolling-projects-limbo-following-session/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_1"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_312x176_crop_q100.JPG" alt="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/06/05/Trillium_Natural_Gas_Pump_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Stephen Spillman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A fueling station for vehicles powered by compressed natural gas sits in Austin. As of mid-March, Texas was home to 130 natural gas fueling stations, according to the Railroad Commission of Texas. Those 77 public stations and 63 private ones serve about 7,200 vehicles.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/">After Early Momentum, Energy Legislation Stalls</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 6 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-06 06:00"> June 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"><span>Who killed the House and Senate's top energy bills? Their autopsy evokes the names of T. Boone Pickens and Koch Industries and involves plenty of squabbling between the chambers. </span> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/06/who-killed-sb-12/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/collapse-ethics-reform/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/17/BDS_3970_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Gov. Greg Abbott delivering his State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/17/BDS_3970_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Gov. Greg Abbott delivering his State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Gov. Greg Abbott delivering his State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/collapse-ethics-reform/">In Texas, a Collapse of Ethics Reform</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 1 Jun 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-06-01 06:00"> June 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/collapse-ethics-reform/comments/"><span class="value">36</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>When the gavel comes down on the 2015 legislative session on Monday, lawmakers will have considered, but ultimately failed to pass into law, about two dozen different proposals aimed at curbing conflicts of interest and shining light into the dark corners of the Capitol.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/06/01/collapse-ethics-reform/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/new-prosecution-system-politicians-advancing/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/UP9A4917_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/UP9A4917_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/new-prosecution-system-politicians-advancing/">New Prosecution System for Politicians Advances</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 30 May 2015 13:36:55 -0500" title="2015-05-30 13:36"> May 30, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/new-prosecution-system-politicians-advancing/comments/"><span class="value">24</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Texas politicians are on the verge of creating a new system for prosecuting a unique type of white collar crime — the type that involves them. </span>Both chambers on Saturday voted to send a bill to Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> that <span>would let politicians and their staffers face prosecution in their home counties — not the liberal state capital.</span><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/30/new-prosecution-system-politicians-advancing/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_4"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/22/IMG_0094_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, on the House floor, May 7, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/22/IMG_0094_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, on the House floor, May 7, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, on the House floor, May 7, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/brief/">The Brief: Ethics Bill Negotiations Focus on Dark Money</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 28 May 2015 05:59:00 -0500" title="2015-05-28 05:59"> May 28, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/brief/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>The House remains fully committed to keeping dark money disclosure language in its ethics reform legislation. However, the measure's Senate author is equally adamant that provision must come out.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/28/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_5"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/27/wining-dining-disclosure-bills-advance/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/UP9A4917_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/UP9A4917_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/27/wining-dining-disclosure-bills-advance/">Wining and Dining Disclosure Bills Advance</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 27 Apr 2015 16:49:00 -0500" title="2015-04-27 16:49"> April 27, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/27/wining-dining-disclosure-bills-advance/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Bills designed to shed more light on wining and dining of politicians by lobbyists and contractors advanced in the Texas Legislature Monday.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/27/wining-dining-disclosure-bills-advance/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_6"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/15/no-rush-disclose-wining-and-dining/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/UP9A4917_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/UP9A4917_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Kirk Watson D-Austin and Sen. Joan Huffman R-Houston, discuss language to amendment for SB #11 relating to campus carry on March 18th, 2015</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/15/no-rush-disclose-wining-and-dining/">Lawmakers in No Rush to Disclose Wining and Dining</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 15 Apr 2015 11:59:10 -0500" title="2015-04-15 11:59"> April 15, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/15/no-rush-disclose-wining-and-dining/comments/"><span class="value">14</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Two bills aimed at requiring disclosure of lobbyist wining and dining are on the verge of being snuffed out in the Senate State Affairs Committee, according to the sponsor of the measures. That's despite Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a><span>’s vow a few weeks ago to “dedicate this session to ethics reform."</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/15/no-rush-disclose-wining-and-dining/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_7"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/senate-votes-close-austin-institution/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/AustinStateSchool_wideroom_jpg_312x176_crop_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/20150717071508/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/20150717071508/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/20150717071508/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/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/senate-votes-close-austin-institution/comments/"><span class="value">72</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div 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/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/13/senate-votes-close-austin-institution/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_8"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/public-integrity-unit-headed-texas-rangers/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/7C2A9889_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, speaks during a Texas Tribune event on Jan. 12, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/12/7C2A9889_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, speaks during a Texas Tribune event on Jan. 12, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, speaks during a Texas Tribune event on Jan. 12, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/public-integrity-unit-headed-texas-rangers/">Senate Backs Bill That Would Relocate Integrity Unit</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by Bobby Blanchard </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/20150717071508/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="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/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/08/public-integrity-unit-headed-texas-rangers/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_9"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/17/committee-sends-property-and-business-tax-cut-bill/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/11/_F5U9857Nelson1_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, confers with Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, during a March 11, 2015, committee hearing on state contracting issues."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/11/_F5U9857Nelson1_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, confers with Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, during a March 11, 2015, committee hearing on state contracting issues." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Senate Finance Committee Chairwoman Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, confers with Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, during a March 11, 2015, committee hearing on state contracting issues.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/17/committee-sends-property-and-business-tax-cut-bill/">Tax Cut Measures Headed to Full Senate</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:18:07 -0500" title="2015-03-17 13:18"> March 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/17/committee-sends-property-and-business-tax-cut-bill/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>The Senate Finance Committee voted Tuesday to send proposals cutting property taxes and business taxes to the full Senate, though some senators questioned whether the property tax cuts could be better spent in other ways.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/17/committee-sends-property-and-business-tax-cut-bill/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_10"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/housing-bill-brings-local-control-debate-focus/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/01/10/TPPF_Abb612CMS_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Attorney General Greg Abbott speaking at TPPF closing luncheon on Jan. 10, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/01/10/TPPF_Abb612CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Attorney General Greg Abbott speaking at TPPF closing luncheon on Jan. 10, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Attorney General Greg Abbott speaking at TPPF closing luncheon on Jan. 10, 2014.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/housing-bill-brings-local-control-debate-focus/">Housing Bill Brings Local Control Debate Into Focus</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:13:12 -0500" title="2015-03-10 13:13"> March 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/housing-bill-brings-local-control-debate-focus/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>A bill before a Texas Senate committee is bringing into focus the simmering debate over local control in the state. It's a charge that has been backed by Gov. Greg Abbott and backed by state legislators who see cities overstepping their authority. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/10/housing-bill-brings-local-control-debate-focus/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_11"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-expected-renew-push-ethics-reform/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/13/_S3R7957Abbott_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Greg Abbott is shown visiting the Senate chamber on Jan. 13, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/13/_S3R7957Abbott_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Greg Abbott is shown visiting the Senate chamber on Jan. 13, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Greg Abbott is shown visiting the Senate chamber on Jan. 13, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-expected-renew-push-ethics-reform/">Abbott Expected to Renew Push for Ethics Reform</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:00:00 -0600" title="2015-02-17 06:00"> Feb. 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-expected-renew-push-ethics-reform/comments/"><span class="value">14</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Advocates for ethics reform say Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a><span> has a rare chance to help spearhead improved lawmaker disclosures and reduce conflicts of interest in Texas. Abbott, who proposed ethics reform during the 2014 gubernatorial campaign, is expected to address the issue Tuesday in his State of the State address.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/abbott-expected-renew-push-ethics-reform/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_12"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/24/AbbottAG866_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Attorney General Greg Abbott indicates his willingness to sue President Obama on immigration during a press conference Nov. 24, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/24/AbbottAG866_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Attorney General Greg Abbott indicates his willingness to sue President Obama on immigration during a press conference Nov. 24, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Attorney General Greg Abbott indicates his willingness to sue President Obama on immigration during a press conference Nov. 24, 2014.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/">The Brief: Obama Dealt a Blow on Immigration Order Ruling</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 17 Feb 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-02-17 05:59"> Feb. 17, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/comments/"><span class="value">32</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>A Brownsville federal judge dropped a late-night legal bombshell Monday night, halting President Obama's executive action on immigration.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/17/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_13"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/watson-pushes-more-disclosure-wining-and-dining/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/SenateDebate118WatsonCMS_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, debates changes that would affect the so-called "two-thirds rule" in the Texas Senate on Jan. 21, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/SenateDebate118WatsonCMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, debates changes that would affect the so-called "two-thirds rule" in the Texas Senate on Jan. 21, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, debates changes that would affect the so-called "two-thirds rule" in the Texas Senate on Jan. 21, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/watson-pushes-more-disclosure-wining-and-dining/">Watson Wants More Disclosure of Wining and Dining</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 16 Feb 2015 17:38:05 -0600" title="2015-02-16 17:38"> Feb. 16, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/watson-pushes-more-disclosure-wining-and-dining/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kirk-watson/">Kirk Watson</a> has filed three bills that would close a gaping loophole in state ethics law that allows lobbyists — often under pressure from legislators — to avoid naming names when they fill out their mandatory spending and entertainment reports. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/16/watson-pushes-more-disclosure-wining-and-dining/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_14"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/05/HoustonTollBooth_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/05/HoustonTollBooth_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bill Jacobus</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/">Erroneous Toll Bills Fuel Criticism at Hearing</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 11 Feb 2015 13:01:54 -0600" title="2015-02-11 13:01"> Feb. 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation and Xerox surprised senators Wednesday by reporting that </span><span>30,000 drivers with valid TxTag accounts were erroneously mailed bills for using the state’s toll roads.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/11/drivers-erroneously-sent-bills-txdot-tells-senator/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_15"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-dan-patrick/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9917_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9917_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-dan-patrick/">Video: Huffman and Watson on Dan Patrick</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 12 Jan 2015 11:54:35 -0600" title="2015-01-12 11:54"> Jan. 12, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>At our 1/12 conversation, state Sens. </span><a title="" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joan-huffman/" data-tooltip="/directory/joan-huffman/quicklook/">Joan Huffman</a><span>, R-Houston, and </span><a title="" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kirk-watson/" data-tooltip="/directory/kirk-watson/quicklook/">Kirk Watson</a><span>, D-Austin — the chairs of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses — talked about what kind of lieutenant governor <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a> will be.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-dan-patrick/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_16"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-open-carry/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9889_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9889_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-open-carry/">Video: Huffman and Watson on Open Carry</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 12 Jan 2015 11:40:37 -0600" title="2015-01-12 11:40"> Jan. 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-open-carry/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>At our 1/12 conversation, state Sens. </span><a title="" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joan-huffman/" data-tooltip="/directory/joan-huffman/quicklook/">Joan Huffman</a><span>, R-Houston, and </span><a title="" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kirk-watson/" data-tooltip="/directory/kirk-watson/quicklook/">Kirk Watson</a><span>, D-Austin — the chairs of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses — talked about proposed gun legislation in the 84th session.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-open-carry/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_17"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-the-two-thirds-rule/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9881_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/7C2A9881_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-the-two-thirds-rule/">Video: Huffman and Watson on the Two-Thirds Rule</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 12 Jan 2015 11:27:40 -0600" title="2015-01-12 11:27"> Jan. 12, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>At our 1/12 conversation, state Sens. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joan-huffman/">Joan Huffman</a><span>, R-Houston, and </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kirk-watson/">Kirk Watson</a><span>, D-Austin — the chairs of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses — talked about the likely fate of the two-thirds rule.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-huffman-and-watson-on-the-two-thirds-rule/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_18"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-a-conversation-with-huffman-and-watson/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A9903_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/UP9A9903_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-a-conversation-with-huffman-and-watson/">Video: A Conversation With Huffman and Watson</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/evan-smith/">Evan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 12 Jan 2015 11:18:43 -0600" title="2015-01-12 11:18"> Jan. 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-a-conversation-with-huffman-and-watson/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Full video of my 1/12 conversation with state Sens. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joan-huffman/">Joan Huffman</a><span>, R-Houston, and </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kirk-watson/">Kirk Watson</a><span>, D-Austin — the chairs of the Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/12/video-a-conversation-with-huffman-and-watson/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_19"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/07/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/20/Menendez_TMF_copy_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="State Reps. Jos茅 Men茅ndez (left) and Trey Martinez Fischer, both Democrats from San Antonio, are seeking the Texas Senate seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte, who is running for mayor of San Antonio."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/11/20/Menendez_TMF_copy_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Reps. Jos茅 Men茅ndez (left) and Trey Martinez Fischer, both Democrats from San Antonio, are seeking the Texas Senate seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte, who is running for mayor of San Antonio." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich/Marjorie Kamys Cotera </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Reps. Jos茅 Men茅ndez (left) and Trey Martinez Fischer, both Democrats from San Antonio, are seeking the Texas Senate seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte, who is running for mayor of San Antonio.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/07/brief/">The Brief: Runoffs Needed in Special Elections</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 7 Jan 2015 05:59:00 -0600" title="2015-01-07 05:59"> Jan. 7, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/07/brief/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>No final resolution was reached in any of the three special elections held on Tuesday.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/01/07/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_20"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/16/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Fracking_diagram_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Fracking_diagram_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/16/brief/">The Brief: Getting at the Roots of the Denton Fracking Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 16 Dec 2014 05:59:00 -0600" title="2014-12-16 05:59"> Dec. 16, 2014 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/16/brief/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>The Tribune's Jim Malewitz tries to get at, in a piece also published in </span><em>Politico Magazine</em><span>, the root causes that spurred the town of Denton to approve a ban on fracking last month.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/16/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_21"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/05/video-the-agenda-for-the-84th-legislative-session/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Agenda2_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Agenda2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/05/video-the-agenda-for-the-84th-legislative-session/">Video: The Agenda for the 84th Legislative Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ayan-mittra/">Ayan Mittra</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 5 Dec 2014 11:44:22 -0600" title="2014-12-05 11:44"> Dec. 5, 2014 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/05/video-the-agenda-for-the-84th-legislative-session/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Here's video of our 84th Legislature preview session on what's in store for big issues on the agenda. Panelists included state</span><span> Reps. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/john-zerwas/">John Zerwas</a><span>, </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-pickett/">Joe Pickett</a><span> and </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/jimmie-don-aycock/">Jimmie Don Aycock</a><span> and state Sen. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kirk-watson/">Kirk Watson</a><span>.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/12/05/video-the-agenda-for-the-84th-legislative-session/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_22"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/26/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/08/22/PerryNH0215cms_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="New England journalists surround Gov. Rick Perry after Friday's Portsmouth business luncheon."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/08/22/PerryNH0215cms_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="New England journalists surround Gov. Rick Perry after Friday's Portsmouth business luncheon." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">New England journalists surround Gov. Rick Perry after Friday's Portsmouth business luncheon.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/26/brief/">The Brief: A Damning Report</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 26 Sep 2014 05:59:00 -0500" title="2014-09-26 05:59"> Sept. 26, 2014 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/26/brief/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>The facts of the auditor's report released Thursday on the administration of Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a><span>'s Texas Enterprise Fund are, as the Tribune's </span>Aman Batheja<span> </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/25/auditor-perrys-business-fund-doled-out-millions-wi/">termed it</a><span>, "damning."</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/26/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_23"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/23/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/VoterID-DOJ_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/VoterID-DOJ_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo illustration by Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/23/brief/">The Brief: Voter ID Challenge Goes to Judge</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:59:00 -0500" title="2014-09-23 05:59"> Sept. 23, 2014 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/23/brief/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>A three-week trial challenging Texas' voter ID law in federal court wrapped up on Monday amid speculation a decision could be handed down before Election Day.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/23/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_24"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/20/liveblog-health-care-texas-tribune-festival/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/09/18/TTF14-liveblog-healthcare_png_312x176_crop_q100.png" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/09/18/TTF14-liveblog-healthcare_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Graphic by Emily Albracht</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/20/liveblog-health-care-texas-tribune-festival/">Liveblog: Health Care at The Texas Tribune Festival</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ayan-mittra/">Ayan Mittra</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 20 Sep 2014 09:39:23 -0500" title="2014-09-20 09:39"> Sept. 20, 2014 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>We're liveblogging the sessions from the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2013/home/" target="_self">2014 Texas Tribune Festival</a>'s <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/festival/2014/tracks/health-care/" target="_blank">Health Care track</a>. The sessions include panels on mental health, the Affordable Care Act, medical education and women's health.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/20/liveblog-health-care-texas-tribune-festival/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid hide-media-extras"> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_25"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/17/new-plan-adopted-colorado-river-cumbaya-meeting/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/12/16/Travis-dock_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="A 2013 look at at a boat dock at Lake Travis, whose water level has decreased markedly amid a historic drought. Lake Travis is part of the Central Texas' Highland Lakes."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/12/16/Travis-dock_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="A 2013 look at at a boat dock at Lake Travis, whose water level has decreased markedly amid a historic drought. Lake Travis is part of the Central Texas' Highland Lakes." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Rebecca Vanherdehaage</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">A 2013 look at at a boat dock at Lake Travis, whose water level has decreased markedly amid a historic drought. Lake Travis is part of the Central Texas' Highland Lakes.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/17/new-plan-adopted-colorado-river-cumbaya-meeting/">At "Kumbaya" Meeting, New Colorado River Plan Passes</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/neena-satija/">Neena Satija</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:32:47 -0500" title="2014-09-17 13:32"> Sept. 17, 2014 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/17/new-plan-adopted-colorado-river-cumbaya-meeting/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>The Lower Colorado River Authority approved a new plan on Wednesday to manage the Colorado River and its reservoirs, known as the Highland Lakes. Cities and environmental advocates were happy with the plan, but some coastal farmers expressed disappointment.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/17/new-plan-adopted-colorado-river-cumbaya-meeting/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_26"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/07/22/farmers-insurance-pac-gives-abbott-amid-lawsuit/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/16/UP9A1371_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott speaks to supporters at Lavazza Espression on Congress Avenue in Austin."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/16/UP9A1371_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott speaks to supporters at Lavazza Espression on Congress Avenue in Austin." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott speaks to supporters at Lavazza Espression on Congress Avenue in Austin.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/07/22/farmers-insurance-pac-gives-abbott-amid-lawsuit/">Farmers Insurance PAC Gives to Abbott Amid Lawsuit</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/edgar-walters/">Edgar Walters</a> and Alex Duner </li><li><time datetime="Tue, 22 Jul 2014 06:00:00 -0500" title="2014-07-22 06:00"> July 22, 2014 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/07/22/farmers-insurance-pac-gives-abbott-amid-lawsuit/comments/"><span class="value">43</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>Critics of Attorney General <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> say the state's top lawyer has not fairly represented Texas homeowners who were charged too much by an insurance company whose employees' PAC has given generously to his campaign. Abbott, his campaign and Farmers Insurance contend a proposed settlement agreement is fair.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/07/22/farmers-insurance-pac-gives-abbott-amid-lawsuit/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="cell w-4"> <article class=" item_27"> <div class="media letterbox"> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/06/26/brief/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/25/TXT-DavisFilibuster1yr-CCR004_jpg_312x176_crop_q100.jpg" alt="Democratic nominee Wendy Davis addresses her supporters at the filibuster anniversary celebration hosted by her gubernatorial campaign."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/06/25/TXT-DavisFilibuster1yr-CCR004_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Democratic nominee Wendy Davis addresses her supporters at the filibuster anniversary celebration hosted by her gubernatorial campaign." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>Photo by Callie Richmond</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Democratic nominee Wendy Davis addresses her supporters at the filibuster anniversary celebration hosted by her gubernatorial campaign.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/06/26/brief/">The Brief: One Year Later, Davis Tries to Evoke That Filibuster Spirit</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/reynolds-john/">John Reynolds</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 26 Jun 2014 05:59:00 -0500" title="2014-06-26 05:59"> June 26, 2014 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>On the eve of the Democratic state convention, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/wendy-davis/">Wendy Davis</a> and friends commemorated the event that put the gubernatorial candidate on the national map.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/2014/06/26/brief/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-12"> <nav class="pagination clear"> <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" class="page">2</a></li><li class="last"><a href="?page=2" class="next">next <span>&rsaquo;</span></a></li></ul> </nav> </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/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Juli谩n Aguilar</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/sophia-bollag/">Sophia Bollag</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/mallory-busch/">Mallory Busch</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/kiah-kiah-collier/">Kiah Collier</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/liz-crampton/">Liz Crampton</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150717071508/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/annie-daniel/">Annie Daniel</a> </dd> <dd> <a 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