Texas Racing Commission Nixes Historical Racing
The Texas Racing Commission voted 5-4 on Thursday to repeal rules allowing a new form of gambling, ending a monthslong deadlock that pitted members of the industry against state lawmakers. Full Story
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Rep. Dan Flynn Faces Challenger From the Right
In a race pitting an East Texas incumbent versus an upstart challenger endorsed by conservative activists, a pair of unlikely issues has commanded focus: toll roads and a controversy at the University of Texas at Austin. Full Story
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![Bryan Slaton (l) is challenging state Rep. Dan Flynn in the GOP primary for House District 2.]()
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Senate Republicans Zero in on Religious Freedom Bills
The next Texas legislative session is almost a year away, but Senate Republicans are already zeroing in on proposals to bolster legal protections for religious opponents of same-sex marriage. Full Story
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![Sen. Joan Huffman, chair of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, listens to testimony on the affirmation of First Amendment liberty protections in Texas from invited witnesses on Feb. 17, 2016.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
UT-Austin President: Guns to be Allowed in Classrooms, Not Dorms
Save for some narrow exceptions, guns will be allowed in classrooms but not in dorms at the University of Texas at Austin next school year under guidelines issued Wednesday. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
VanDeaver, Lavender Face Off Again in NE Texas House Race
Two years after Rep. Gary VanDeaver defeated George Lavender in a race to represent part of Northeast Texas in the state House, the two will face each other once more on the Republican primary ballot March 1. Full Story
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![Former state Rep. George Lavender, left, is challenging state Rep. Gary VanDeaver, right, in the Republican primary for Texas House District 1.]()
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Baylor Opts Out of Campus Carry
Baylor University has opted out of Texas' campus carry law, joining the long list of Texas private universities that have decided to continue banning handguns on their campuses. Full Story
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![Baylor University Chancellor and President Ken Starr during a Texas Tribune Higher Education Symposium in Waco.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
In Central Texas House Race, Candidates Disagree on Speaker
While state Rep. Marsha Farney and challenger Terry Wilson share conservative views on abortion and immigration, they differ on whether to support House Speaker Joe Straus. Full Story
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![State Rep. Marshey Farney, left, and Terry Wilson, right.]()
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Ex-Colleagues Battle for House Seat In Lubbock
Five years ago, they were both embarking on their first legislative sessions in the Texas House. Now, Republicans John Frullo and Jim Landtroop are primary opponents. Full Story
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![State Rep. John Frullo (left) of Lubbock faces former State Rep. Jim Landtroop (right) in the Republican primary.]()
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Rep. Ron Reynolds Fending Off Conviction, Challengers in Primary
He's appealing a a five-count barratry conviction and facing a field of strong Democratic primary challengers, and yet state Rep. Ron Reynolds is surprisingly upbeat about his chances to keep his seat and his law license. Full Story
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![Top: Angelique Bartholomew, left; Ron Reynolds, right. Bottom: Steve Brown, left; Chris Henderson, right.]()
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Martinez Fischer, Menéndez Meet Again
On major issues there's little daylight between San Antonio Democrats Trey Martinez Fischer and José Menéndez, but their rematch for a Texas Senate seat couldn't produce a greater divergence of styles. Full Story
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![State. Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (l) and state Sen. José Menéndez]()
Credit: Shelby Knowles -
Analysis: Raising Tuition for College Students, Deflecting the Blame
With some Texas colleges and universities talking about raising tuition prices, the legislators who gave up that responsibility 16 years ago are wondering whether they should take it back. Full Story
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![A look at the sun setting over the University of Texas at Austin Tower in 2011.]()
Credit: Illustration by Nicolas Raymond / Todd Wiseman -
Video: A Conversation with José Menéndez
Full video of my 2/11 conversation with state Sen. José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, who is running for reelection to his District 26 seat. Full Story
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Four Years Later, Quintanilla Wants Back Under the Dome
In 2012, Inocente “Chente” Quintanilla decided to forgo re-election to the Texas House. Now his efforts to return are being dismissed by state Rep. Mary González, D-Clint, who says Quintanilla just missed "being part of the Austin life." Full Story
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![Incumbent state Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint, is facing a primary challenge from former state Rep. Inocente “Chente” Quintanilla.]()
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McRaven: UT System Schools Need Tuition Hikes
University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven said Wednesday that the eight universities under his authority need to raise tuition in order to stay competitive. If approved, the increase would cost students at UT-Austin $152 per semester. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
With 4 Candidates in Health Care, Senate Race Stirs Unique Debate
In a Republican primary cycle dominated by talk of illegal immigration and national security, four of the six candidates for an open state Senate seat have ties to the health care industry. Full Story
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![Top row, left to right: Jon Cobb, Brent Mayes, Dawn Buckingham.
Bottom row, left to right: Reed Williams, Susan King, Ryan Downton.]()
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A Familiar Uresti-Madla Ballot In San Antonio
The upcoming face-off between state Sen. Carlos Uresti of San Antonio and Helen Madla, the widow of the senator Uresti defeated in 2006, flips the script on a storied battle between two prominent San Antonio families. Full Story
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![Democrats candidates Helen Madla, left, and incumbent Carlos I. Uresti, right, run in the 2016 election for Texas Senate District 4.]()
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Analysis: Is a Move From the Texas House to the Senate a Clear Promotion?
Moving from the Texas House to the Texas Senate makes sense, but not for every politician: One current candidate for Senate — and a potential future one — each has more clout in the House than he or she would have in the Senate. Full Story
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![State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, and state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio.]()
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Email Shows Dukes Directed State Staff to Work on Festival
When state Rep. Dawnna Dukes sent out an email to her staff last month, her urgent instructions about an upcoming project made clear what she wanted. But the email from the Austin Democrat had nothing to do with state business. Full Story
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![An email from state Rep. Dawnna Dukes to members of her staff. The email provides instructions for work her staff must complete before the upcoming African American Community Heritage Festival.]()
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Video: A Conversation with GOP Railroad Commission Candidates
Full video of my 2/8 conversation with seven Republican candidates for Texas Railroad Commissioner. Full Story
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Dukes Staffers Recount Babysitting, Running Personal Errands
Two former staffers for state Rep. Dawnna Dukes say they found their work a hectic balancing act, fitting in legislative work with the Austin's lawmaker's ever expanding list of personal errands. Full Story
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![State Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin.]()