Past Contributions

• Secret recordings in Texas: A brief history of some Capitol controversies

  By Todd Wiseman Nov. 8, 2019

  Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced he would not seek reelection a week after the release of an infamous recording of a conversation between him and a political activist. It's not the first time that secret recordings caused a stir in Texas politics. Full Story 

• The one where Willie Nelson sings Happy Birthday to The Texas Tribune

  By Fatima Espejo, Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn Nov. 3, 2019

  What would Texas be without The Texas Tribune? Politicos, fellow journalists and yes, Willie Nelson, toast The Texas Tribune on our 10th anniversary. Full Story 

• Big Tex and Dickies are a perfect fit, but Uvalde factory's fate is another story

  By Todd Wiseman, Christopher Vazquez, Justin Dehn and Alana Rocha Oct. 22, 2019

  Iconic Texas-based clothing maker Williamson-Dickie made headlines last year when it announced it was closing its last U.S. factory, in Uvalde. While that plant has been repurposed and still employs several residents, the city is grappling over changes to a key partner in its community. Full Story 

• TribCast: The Tale of the Tape

  By Evan Smith, Todd Wiseman and Fatima Espejo Oct. 16, 2019

  In this edition of the TribCast, Evan talks to Cassi, Alex and Patrick about the now-public recording of House Speaker Dennis Bonnen’s infamous meeting with conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan. Full Story 

• Visa denial rates for highly skilled workers were already hurting Texas businesses before Trump administration ordered new limits

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Updated: June 25, 2020

  The Texas economy relies heavily on temporary work visas, like H-1Bs, to hire highly trained international employees. But there was un uptick in denial rates for H-1Bs even before the Trump administration moved to limit them. Full Story 

• TribCast: Two Texas mass shootings in a month

  By Emily Ramshaw, Fatima Espejo and Todd Wiseman Sept. 4, 2019

  On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Patrick and Alex about the second mass shooting in Texas in a month and the reaction at home and on the presidential trail. Full Story 

• One shelter for migrant children is trying to distinguish itself from Border Patrol processing centers. But protesters keep coming.

  By Christopher Vazquez, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman July 18, 2019

  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the agency running the Carrizo Springs facility for unaccompanied teens, has distinguished its shelters from processing facilities facing worsening conditions. That hasn’t stopped protesters from descending on the town. Full Story 

• "No fist fights. No gun threats." Lawmakers give 86th Texas Legislature high marks

  By Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria and Woojae Julia Song June 6, 2019

  Members of the Texas House and Senate wasted little time touting the never-ending "kumbaya" feeling that enabled them to reform school finance and property taxes. For those who covered the Capitol, a substantive, successful session meant a "boring" one. Full Story 

• Many marijuana and pro-LGBTQ bills died this legislative session. Expect to see them back in 2021.

  By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Richard Loria, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song May 27, 2019

  While lawmakers in the 86th Texas Legislature advanced measures on some controversial issues, they know it often takes several sessions to pass bills and say they intend to refile them next time. Full Story 

• Point of Order: Kum-bye-a

  By Evan Smith and Todd Wiseman May 23, 2019

  In the latest episode of our podcast about the 86th Legislature, Evan Smith talks to state Reps. Ina Minjarez and Matt Krause about the issues that have divided an otherwise unified House in the last weeks of the session, including abortion and religious liberty. Full Story