The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the shootout in Waco and its effect on the open carry debate and the not-so-secret tapings of state lawmakers. Full Story
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Hundreds of Texas nursing homes have transferred their ownership to local government entities in order to secure more federal Medicaid funding. Critics of the arrangement say it shields negligent nursing homes from lawsuits. Full Story
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With the House set to consider legislation to re-evaluate the state’s health commission, a flurry of pre-filed amendments could set the stage for a fiery debate over end-of-life issues. Full Story
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A bill prohibiting health insurers from covering abortion in all cases save for medical emergencies cleared a House panel Saturday and could be headed to the House floor. Full Story
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As the 2016 presidential race heats up, Texas is again playing host to a wave of campaign fundraisers, with at least four major candidates passing through over the next month or so. Full Story
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The first Texas town to ban hydraulic fracturing is poised to be fracked again. Vantage Energy plans to resume fracking operations at eight gas wells in Denton on June 1, the Colorado-based operator has told city officials. Full Story
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Iowans got one last chance this week to size up former Gov. Rick Perry's shot at redemption before a likely June 4 presidential announcement. In nearly a dozen events across the state, Perry gave them plenty of reasons not to count him out. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry is one of the most powerful players on Capitol Hill. But his new gavel as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee comes with scrutiny. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry is set to emphasize his military experience when he takes the stage next month to announce a second bid for the White House. Full Story
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Four large donors to the American Phoenix Foundation, which has been secretly recording Texas lawmakers, are well-known backers of conservative causes. Full Story
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Full video of my 5/21 conversation with state Reps. Sarah Davis, R-West University Place; Jeff Leach, R-Plano; and Poncho Nevárez, D-Eagle Pass. Full Story
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Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos hopes his tenure represents a shifting tide in the office — away from partisan gridlock over voting, and toward bolstering Texas' relations with Mexico and improving life along the state's southern border. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's presidential campaign will announce the endorsements of four members of the Texas congressional delegation on Thursday. Full Story
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A budget deal announced Wednesday will oust Planned Parenthood from the state’s program to provide breast and cervical cancer screening for low-income women. Full Story
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The House-Senate budget conference committee adopted its compromise on health and human services funding Wednesday, pleasing fiscal conservatives and giving little cheer to advocates for the poor and disabled. Full Story
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In a session that's been kind to business interests, local control might be about to take another hit as the Senate tentatively approves legislation that could make it harder for counties to sue polluters. Full Story
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Wrapping up a swing through Iowa, former Gov. Rick Perry cited the Garland shooting to defend federal surveillance programs, and told a national security forum that enhanced interrogation is okay, though rectal feeding may be over the line. Full Story
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The state's 50 community college systems are one of the few areas targeted for cuts in state funding over the next two years. As a final budget is hashed out in the Legislature, school leaders are hoping to reverse their fiscal fortune. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry is making it clear he supports free trade in theory, but isn't wild about having the Obama administration negotiating the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership. Full Story
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A major piece of border security legislation cleared another hurdle in the Texas Legislature on Tuesday, prompting lawmakers to predict that a compromise between the House and Senate will be hashed out before the session ends June 1. Full Story
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