POLITICS | The Texas Tribune

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class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content index"> <header class="alt_header"><h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/politics/special-interests/">Special Interests</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/politics/lobbying/">Lobbying</a></li><li><a href="/web/20150514202419/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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/emoji-84th-legislature/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/14/TXLege-Emoji-full-set1024x680v3_png_474x1000_q100.png" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/14/TXLege-Emoji-full-set1024x680v3_png_800x1000_q100.png" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Benjamin Hasson</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/emoji-84th-legislature/">For 84th #txlege, an Emoji's Worth 140 Days</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by Ben Hasson and Ross Ramsey </li><li><time datetime="Thu, 14 May 2015 12:22:11 -0500" title="2015-05-14 12:22"> May 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/emoji-84th-legislature/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>There are generic </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texasmonthly.com/daily-post/prepare-yourself-texas-themed-emoji">Texas-themed emoji</a><span> on the way, but they won’t do the trick. What we really need — what you really want — are ones specially designed with the 84th Legislature in mind. Here are the 14 we came up with. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/emoji-84th-legislature/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> <aside class="related"> <header class="smallcaps"> <h2>Related</h2> </header> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://txlege.texastribune.org/livestream/">Livestream: Watch Texas Legislators in Action</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/28/members-txlege-approve-state-hashtags/">Panel of #txlege Members "Likes" State Hashtags</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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/e-verify-measure-shows-signs-life-session/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/24/E-Verify_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/24/E-Verify_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/e-verify-measure-shows-signs-life-session/">Texas Lawmakers Consider E-Verify Mandate for Agencies</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Julián Aguilar</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 14 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-14 06:00"> May 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/e-verify-measure-shows-signs-life-session/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p><span>A controversial immigration-enforcement bill similar to an executive order</span> <span>issued by former Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a> in December is moving forward in the Texas Legislature. </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/e-verify-measure-shows-signs-life-session/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_2"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/end-road-tesla-uber-bills/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/UberLyft-vs-Tesla_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/UberLyft-vs-Tesla_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Tesla Motors and Ben Hasson</cite> </div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/end-road-tesla-uber-bills/">End of the Road for Tesla, Ride-for-Hire Bills</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 14 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-14 06:00"> May 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/end-road-tesla-uber-bills/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p>With the clock winding down on the legislative session, Tesla Motors, Uber and Lyft have little to show for the money they spent on high-profile lobbying. As deadlines loom, the bills they were steering appear to have run out of gas.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/end-road-tesla-uber-bills/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </div> </div> </article> <article class=" item_3"> <div class="media medium"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/house-oks-bill-restricting-minors-seeking-abortion/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/_BDB3106cms_jpg_231x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, talks with a colleague prior to the introduction of House Bill 3994 in the Texas House on May 13, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/_BDB3106cms_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, talks with a colleague prior to the introduction of House Bill 3994 in the Texas House on May 13, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, talks with a colleague prior to the introduction of House Bill 3994 in the Texas House on May 13, 2015.</div> </div> <div class="text_column"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/house-oks-bill-restricting-minors-seeking-abortion/">House OKs Bill Restricting Minors Seeking Abortions</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 13 May 2015 21:22:24 -0500" title="2015-05-13 21:22"> May 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/house-oks-bill-restricting-minors-seeking-abortion/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="summary"> <p dir="ltr">Minors seeking to obtain abortions without parental consent would face more restrictions under a bill that received preliminary approval Wednesday from the Texas House.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/house-oks-bill-restricting-minors-seeking-abortion/"> <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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/e-verify-measure-shows-signs-life-session/">Texas Lawmakers Consider E-Verify Mandate for Agencies</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Julián Aguilar</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 14 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-14 06:00"> May 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/e-verify-measure-shows-signs-life-session/comments/"><span class="value">4</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/e-verify-measure-shows-signs-life-session/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/24/E-Verify_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/24/E-Verify_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>A controversial immigration-enforcement bill similar to an executive order</span> <span>issued by former Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a> in December is moving forward in the Texas Legislature. </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/e-verify-measure-shows-signs-life-session/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/end-road-tesla-uber-bills/">End of the Road for Tesla, Ride-for-Hire Bills</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a> and <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 14 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-14 06:00"> May 14, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/end-road-tesla-uber-bills/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/end-road-tesla-uber-bills/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/UberLyft-vs-Tesla_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/UberLyft-vs-Tesla_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Tesla Motors and Ben Hasson</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>With the clock winding down on the legislative session, Tesla Motors, Uber and Lyft have little to show for the money they spent on high-profile lobbying. As deadlines loom, the bills they were steering appear to have run out of gas.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/14/end-road-tesla-uber-bills/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=" responsive-secondary"> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/house-oks-bill-restricting-minors-seeking-abortion/">House OKs Bill Restricting Minors Seeking Abortions</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 13 May 2015 21:22:24 -0500" title="2015-05-13 21:22"> May 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/house-oks-bill-restricting-minors-seeking-abortion/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/house-oks-bill-restricting-minors-seeking-abortion/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/_BDB3106cms_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, talks with a colleague prior to the introduction of House Bill 3994 in the Texas House on May 13, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/_BDB3106cms_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, talks with a colleague prior to the introduction of House Bill 3994 in the Texas House on May 13, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, talks with a colleague prior to the introduction of House Bill 3994 in the Texas House on May 13, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p dir="ltr">Minors seeking to obtain abortions without parental consent would face more restrictions under a bill that received preliminary approval Wednesday from the Texas House.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/house-oks-bill-restricting-minors-seeking-abortion/"> <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/20150514202419/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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a> and <a href="/web/20150514202419/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/20150514202419im_/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/20150514202419/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/20150514202419/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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/in-texas-clinton-campaign-revs-up/">Clinton Campaign Revs Up in Texas</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 13 May 2015 16:27:28 -0500" title="2015-05-13 16:27"> May 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/in-texas-clinton-campaign-revs-up/comments/"><span class="value">22</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/in-texas-clinton-campaign-revs-up/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/IMG_3182_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="Organizers handed out a Texas-specific signs at a meeting for Hillary Clinton supporters Tuesday in Llano. They learned how they could get involved in the former secretary of state's 2016 presidential campaign."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/13/IMG_3182_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="Organizers handed out a Texas-specific signs at a meeting for Hillary Clinton supporters Tuesday in Llano. They learned how they could get involved in the former secretary of state's 2016 presidential campaign." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Patrick Svitek</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Organizers handed out a Texas-specific signs at a meeting for Hillary Clinton supporters Tuesday in Llano. They learned how they could get involved in the former secretary of state's 2016 presidential campaign.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign is revving up in ruby-red Texas, where donors and volunteers are beginning to organize.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/in-texas-clinton-campaign-revs-up/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/rep-blanco-encouraged-after-meeting-dps-director/">Lawmaker "Encouraged" After Meeting With DPS Director</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Julián Aguilar</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 13 May 2015 14:42:40 -0500" title="2015-05-13 14:42"> May 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/rep-blanco-encouraged-after-meeting-dps-director/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/rep-blanco-encouraged-after-meeting-dps-director/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/21/McCraw1DPScms_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="DPS chief Steve McCraw outlines plans for the National Guard role securing the Texas border as Gov. Rick Perry, l, and Guard Adjutant General John Nichols listen on July 21, 2014."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/07/21/McCraw1DPScms_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="DPS chief Steve McCraw outlines plans for the National Guard role securing the Texas border as Gov. Rick Perry, l, and Guard Adjutant General John Nichols listen on July 21, 2014." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">DPS chief Steve McCraw outlines plans for the National Guard role securing the Texas border as Gov. Rick Perry, l, and Guard Adjutant General John Nichols listen on July 21, 2014.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The state's public safety director says if lawmakers let him, he'll provide Rep. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/cesar-blanco/">César Blanco</a> with data on security operations on the border. The move follows weeks of tense exchanges over how border security dollars are being spent.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/rep-blanco-encouraged-after-meeting-dps-director/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/powerful-republican-hits-superficial-ethics-reform/">Lawmaker Slams "Superficial" Senate Ethics Reform</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jay-root/">Jay Root</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 13 May 2015 10:59:42 -0500" title="2015-05-13 10:59"> May 13, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/powerful-republican-hits-superficial-ethics-reform/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/powerful-republican-hits-superficial-ethics-reform/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/08/IMG_0095_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, on the House floor on May 7, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/08/IMG_0095_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, on the House floor on 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 on May 7, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The already tortuous path for ethics reform at the Texas Capitol took another sharp turn Wednesday when a powerful House leader criticized the package passed by the Senate and praised by Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/greg-abbott/">Greg Abbott</a> two weeks ago.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/13/powerful-republican-hits-superficial-ethics-reform/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/us-senate-votes-trade-deal/">Trade Deal Backed by Cornyn, Cruz is Blocked in U.S. Senate</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 12 May 2015 15:13:06 -0500" title="2015-05-12 15:13"> May 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/us-senate-votes-trade-deal/comments/"><span class="value">22</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/us-senate-votes-trade-deal/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/10/_S3R1888CornynCruzCMS_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="U.S. Sen John Cornyn,l, sits with Sen. Ted Cruz and wife Heidi Cruz at Fort Hood Purple Heart ceremony on April 10, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/10/_S3R1888CornynCruzCMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="U.S. Sen John Cornyn,l, sits with Sen. Ted Cruz and wife Heidi Cruz at Fort Hood Purple Heart ceremony on April 10, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">U.S. Sen John Cornyn,l, sits with Sen. Ted Cruz and wife Heidi Cruz at Fort Hood Purple Heart ceremony on April 10, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Despite the support of nearly every Republican in the U.S. Senate, including both from Texas, economic legislation seen as key to President Obama's legacy was blocked on the U.S. Senate floor Tuesday.</p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/us-senate-votes-trade-deal/"> <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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/inside-texas-politics-north-texas-elections/">Inside Texas Politics: North Texas Elections</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/john-jordan/">John Jordan</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 10 May 2015 14:03:45 -0500" title="2015-05-10 14:03"> May 10, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/inside-texas-politics-north-texas-elections/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/10/Inside_May_10_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="(L-R) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy, WFAA's Jason Whitely, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Arlington Mayor-Elect Jeff Williams on Inside Texas Politics on May 10, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/10/Inside_May_10_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="(L-R) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy, WFAA's Jason Whitely, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Arlington Mayor-Elect Jeff Williams on Inside Texas Politics on May 10, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">(L-R) The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Bud Kennedy, WFAA's Jason Whitely, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Arlington Mayor-Elect Jeff Williams on Inside Texas Politics on May 10, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's </span><em>Inside Texas Politics</em> with<span> host Jason Whitely and the </span><em>Fort Worth Star-Telegram</em><span>'s Bud Kennedy, the focus is on North Texas, where both Dallas and neighboring Arlington had elections Saturday. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/inside-texas-politics-north-texas-elections/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/turners-departure-leaves-democrats-less-clout/">Democrats Face Void as Sylvester Turner Exits</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 10 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-10 06:00"> May 10, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/turners-departure-leaves-democrats-less-clout/comments/"><span class="value">16</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/turners-departure-leaves-democrats-less-clout/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/25/Turner_jpeg_150x1000_q100.jpeg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/07/25/Turner_jpeg_800x1000_q100.jpeg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>During a quarter century in the House, Rep. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/sylvester-turner/">Sylvester Turner </a>gained influence as his party lost power by learning the rules and working with Republicans. As the chamber's Democratic pillar leaves to chase the Houston mayor's post one more time, many wonder <span>who will step up in his place. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/turners-departure-leaves-democrats-less-clout/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/2-advance-runoff-san-antonio-mayoral-race/">Taylor, Van de Putte Headed to Runoff in San Antonio Mayoral Race</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 9 May 2015 21:46:20 -0500" title="2015-05-09 21:46"> May 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/2-advance-runoff-san-antonio-mayoral-race/comments/"><span class="value">13</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/2-advance-runoff-san-antonio-mayoral-race/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/09/Ivy_and_Leticia_runoff_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor (left) and former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte are set for a runoff for the city's top job."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/09/Ivy_and_Leticia_runoff_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor (left) and former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte are set for a runoff for the city's top job." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor (left) and former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte are set for a runoff for the city's top job.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor and f<span>ormer state Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/leticia-van-de-putte/">Leticia Van de Putte </a></span>are expected to advance to a runoff in the race for the city's top job. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/2-advance-runoff-san-antonio-mayoral-race/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/cruz-and-perry-campaign-south-carolina/">Perry, Cruz Make Their Mark at S.C. Forum for Presidential Contenders</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 9 May 2015 17:08:35 -0500" title="2015-05-09 17:08"> May 9, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/cruz-and-perry-campaign-south-carolina/comments/"><span class="value">10</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/cruz-and-perry-campaign-south-carolina/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/09/Perry_and_Cruz_in_SC_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz stumping in South Carolina, an early primary state, on May 8 and 9, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/09/Perry_and_Cruz_in_SC_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz stumping in South Carolina, an early primary state, on May 8 and 9, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Abby Livingston</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz stumping in South Carolina, an early primary state, on May 8 and 9, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Speaking at a presidential contender forum, U.S. Sen. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/ted-cruz/">Ted Cruz </a>and former Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/rick-perry/">Rick Perry</a> took on issues like foreign policy and religious freedom laws, and they both remembered a certain Alamo commander and South Carolina native.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/cruz-and-perry-campaign-south-carolina/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/perry-sets-his-sights-south-carolina/">Perry Enjoys Warm Welcome in Return to South Carolina</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/abby-livingston/">Abby Livingston</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 8 May 2015 22:37:46 -0500" title="2015-05-08 22:37"> May 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/perry-sets-his-sights-south-carolina/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/perry-sets-his-sights-south-carolina/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/09/Perry__bbq_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Rick Perry speaks at a question-and-answer forum in Taylors, South Carolina on Friday, May 8, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/09/Perry__bbq_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Rick Perry speaks at a question-and-answer forum in Taylors, South Carolina on Friday, May 8, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Abby Livingston</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Rick Perry speaks at a question-and-answer forum in Taylors, South Carolina on Friday, May 8, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Rick Perry was very much in his element Friday during a town hall event in South Carolina. Speaking about the federal deficit and fiscal morality, the likely presidential candidate drew plenty of applause. He hopes to build momentum off of such events.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/perry-sets-his-sights-south-carolina/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/texas-house-again-aims-dentons-fracking-ban/">Texas House Again Takes Aim at Denton's Fracking Ban</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 8 May 2015 18:49:22 -0500" title="2015-05-08 18:49"> May 8, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/texas-house-again-aims-dentons-fracking-ban/comments/"><span class="value">33</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/texas-house-again-aims-dentons-fracking-ban/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/10/Denton-Fracking_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State lawmakers, the oil and gas industry and national environmental groups are asking deep questions about Denton, home to two universities, 277 gas wells and now, thanks to a rag-tag group of local activists, Texas’ first ban on hydraulic fracturing."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/12/10/Denton-Fracking_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State lawmakers, the oil and gas industry and national environmental groups are asking deep questions about Denton, home to two universities, 277 gas wells and now, thanks to a rag-tag group of local activists, Texas’ first ban on hydraulic fracturing." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Brandi Korte / Frack Free Denton</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State lawmakers, the oil and gas industry and national environmental groups are asking deep questions about Denton, home to two universities, 277 gas wells and now, thanks to a rag-tag group of local activists, Texas’ first ban on hydraulic fracturing.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Four days after the Senate approved landmark legislation that would pre-empt local control over a variety of oil and gas activities,</span><span> the Texas House advanced another response to Denton's vote to ban hydraulic fracturing.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/texas-house-again-aims-dentons-fracking-ban/"> <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 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href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/amid-local-control-fight-gop-proposal-cities/">Amid Local Control Fight, a Proposal Cities Like</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/house-shoots-down-increased-financial-disclosures/">House Shoots Down Increased Financial Disclosures</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/houston-huckabee-details-energy-plan/">In Houston, Huckabee Details Energy Plan</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/senate-clarifies-pastors-right-refuse-gay-marriage/">Senate OKs Bill Allowing Pastors to Refuse to Marry Same-Sex Couples</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/analysis-candid-cameras-critical-legislative-momen/">Analysis: Candid Cameras at a Critical Moment in the Legislative Session</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/inside-texas-politics-north-texas-elections/">Inside Texas Politics: North Texas Elections</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/10/turners-departure-leaves-democrats-less-clout/">Democrats Face Void as Sylvester Turner Exits</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/2-advance-runoff-san-antonio-mayoral-race/">Taylor, Van de Putte Headed to Runoff in San Antonio Mayoral Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/09/cruz-and-perry-campaign-south-carolina/">Perry, Cruz Make Their Mark at S.C. Forum for Presidential Contenders</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/perry-sets-his-sights-south-carolina/">Perry Enjoys Warm Welcome in Return to South Carolina</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/08/texas-house-again-aims-dentons-fracking-ban/">Texas House Again Takes Aim at Denton's Fracking Ban</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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2007-house-speakers-race/">2007 House Speaker's Race</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2007-house-walkout/">2007 House Walkout</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/2008-presidential-primary-and-caucus/">2008 Presidential Primary 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<li><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/voter-id/">Voter ID</a></li> </ul> </div> <footer class="clearfix featurebox-footer"> <a target="_blank" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/tribpedia/"> <span>+</span> View All </a> </footer> </aside> <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_RightRail1_TTRectangle_300x250"> </div> </div> </aside> <section class="folder"> <div class="tab video"> <hgroup> <h1>Featured Video</h1> <h2><a href="/web/20150514202419/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/20150514202419/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/20150514202419im_/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/20150514202419/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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/multimedia/"><span>+</span> More Videos</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </section> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/more-half-women-face-barriers-reproductive-service/">Study: Half of Texas Women Face Barriers to Reproductive Health Care</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/alexa-ura/">Alexa Ura</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 12 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-12 06:00"> May 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/more-half-women-face-barriers-reproductive-service/comments/"><span class="value">29</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/more-half-women-face-barriers-reproductive-service/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/03/BirthControlCapitol_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/05/03/BirthControlCapitol_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>graphic by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p dir="ltr">More than half of Texas women faced at least one barrier to accessing reproductive health care in the years after lawmakers dramatically altered the state’s family planning services, according to a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://www.utexas.edu/cola/orgs/txpep/_files/pdf/TxPEP-ResearchBrief_Barriers-to-Family-Planning-Access-in-Texas_May2015.pdf">new report</a>. </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/more-half-women-face-barriers-reproductive-service/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/amid-local-control-fight-gop-proposal-cities/">Amid Local Control Fight, a Proposal Cities Like</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/jim-malewitz/">Jim Malewitz</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 12 May 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-05-12 06:00"> May 12, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/amid-local-control-fight-gop-proposal-cities/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/amid-local-control-fight-gop-proposal-cities/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/11/TxTrib-0410_Kefferx430X_JPG_150x1000_q100.JPG" alt="State Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland on April 10, 2013."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/11/TxTrib-0410_Kefferx430X_JPG_800x1000_q100.JPG" title="State Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland on April 10, 2013." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland on April 10, 2013.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>City officials are crossing their fingers that one Republican proposal – what consumer advocates call the session’s most important bill for natural gas utility customers – will pick up steam before time runs out. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/12/amid-local-control-fight-gop-proposal-cities/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/house-shoots-down-increased-financial-disclosures/">House Shoots Down Increased Financial Disclosures</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-mccrimmon/">Ryan McCrimmon</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 11 May 2015 21:34:21 -0500" title="2015-05-11 21:34"> May 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/house-shoots-down-increased-financial-disclosures/comments/"><span class="value">9</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/house-shoots-down-increased-financial-disclosures/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1880Turner_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Chris Turner, left, on the House floor during a budget debate on March 31, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1880Turner_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Chris Turner, left, on the House floor during a budget debate on March 31, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Chris Turner, left, on the House floor during a budget debate on March 31, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The Texas House on Monday night rejected a bill that would have increased the level of detail in personal financial statements filed by lawmakers and other state officials.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/house-shoots-down-increased-financial-disclosures/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/houston-huckabee-details-energy-plan/">In Houston, Huckabee Details Energy Plan</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/patrick-svitek/">Patrick Svitek</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 11 May 2015 14:56:33 -0500" title="2015-05-11 14:56"> May 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/houston-huckabee-details-energy-plan/comments/"><span class="value">21</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/houston-huckabee-details-energy-plan/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/11/Huckabee-crop_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks with a reporter after delivering a speech on energy policy in Houston. The Republican presidential candidate spoke about reducing the United States' dependence on foreign sources of energy."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/05/11/Huckabee-crop_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks with a reporter after delivering a speech on energy policy in Houston. The Republican presidential candidate spoke about reducing the United States' dependence on foreign sources of energy." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Patrick Svitek</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee speaks with a reporter after delivering a speech on energy policy in Houston. The Republican presidential candidate spoke about reducing the United States' dependence on foreign sources of energy.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, the latest Republican to jump into the 2016 presidential race, took to Texas' oil capital Monday to flesh out his energy plan.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/houston-huckabee-details-energy-plan/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/senate-clarifies-pastors-right-refuse-gay-marriage/">Senate OKs Bill Allowing Pastors to Refuse to Marry Same-Sex Couples</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 11 May 2015 14:14:21 -0500" title="2015-05-11 14:14"> May 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/senate-clarifies-pastors-right-refuse-gay-marriage/comments/"><span class="value">99</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/senate-clarifies-pastors-right-refuse-gay-marriage/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/16/7C2A4061_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, sits at his desk on March 16, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/16/7C2A4061_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, sits at his desk on March 16, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, sits at his desk on March 16, 2015.</div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p>The so-called Pastor Protection Act — a bill that clarifies clergy members' right to refuse to marry same-sex couples — tentatively passed the Texas Senate on Monday. </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="line-height: 1.35;"> </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/senate-clarifies-pastors-right-refuse-gay-marriage/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class="small "> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/analysis-candid-cameras-critical-legislative-momen/">Analysis: Candid Cameras at a Critical Moment in the Legislative Session</a></h1> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 11 May 2015 12:58:40 -0500" title="2015-05-11 12:58"> May 11, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/analysis-candid-cameras-critical-legislative-momen/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <div class="media small"> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/analysis-candid-cameras-critical-legislative-momen/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/10/IMG_9756_jpg_150x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150514202419/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/10/IMG_9756_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Without showing their hand, conservatives outside of government have captured the attention of every nervous conservative in the Legislature at exactly the right time.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/05/11/analysis-candid-cameras-critical-legislative-momen/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <ul class="actions simple"> <li> <a href="/web/20150514202419/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/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a> </dd> <dd> <a href="/web/20150514202419/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/julian-aguilar/">Julián Aguilar</a> </dd> <dd> <a 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