INSIDER
As Robert Roberson’s execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silence
Read full article: As Robert Roberson’s execution neared, Gov. Greg Abbott stuck to silenceIt’s rare for governors to step in to halt executions. In the case of Robert Roberson, it ended up being state lawmakers who took extraordinary steps.
Years ago, Texas hustled to get kids on state health care. Now it’s kicking them off.
Read full article: Years ago, Texas hustled to get kids on state health care. Now it’s kicking them off.Texas’ recent unwinding of Medicaid and CHIP has been criticized, dropping more than a million people eligible for the health insurance programs. Decades ago, Texas officials got kids health insurance in record time.
In debate, GOP candidates for Texas House special election mirror statewide intraparty tensions
Read full article: In debate, GOP candidates for Texas House special election mirror statewide intraparty tensionsThe two feuding Republicans were the top two finishers in a November special election to succeed expelled state Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City, in House District 2.
Proposition 9 would increase pensions for retired teachers and public school employees
Read full article: Proposition 9 would increase pensions for retired teachers and public school employeesIf approved by voters on Nov. 7, the proposal would allocate $3.3 billion to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, increasing pensions between 2% and 6%.
The Republican presidential field is largely set. Here are takeaways on where the contest stands
Read full article: The Republican presidential field is largely set. Here are takeaways on where the contest standsThe Republican Party’s 2024 presidential field is all but set after a trio of new announcements this week.
Watch: 25 years after James Byrd Jr. was killed for being Black, his loved ones question how much has changed in Texas
Read full article: Watch: 25 years after James Byrd Jr. was killed for being Black, his loved ones question how much has changed in TexasThe quiet East Texas town of Jasper came together immediately after the racist murder of James Byrd Jr. Now, Texas is leading the nation in incidents of white supremacist propaganda.
“These allegations are completely untrue”: Paxton attorney Tony Buzbee promises vigorous defense in Senate trial
Read full article: “These allegations are completely untrue”: Paxton attorney Tony Buzbee promises vigorous defense in Senate trialThe boisterous and outspoken attorney will be matched against two legal icons who will prosecute the attorney general in his upcoming trial before the Texas Senate.
“Who ever thought I would be chief?” Texas’ Alabama-Coushatta tribe elects first female chief
Read full article: “Who ever thought I would be chief?” Texas’ Alabama-Coushatta tribe elects first female chiefMillie Thompson Williams was elected the tribe’s first female second chief, a lifetime appointment, last year. For the first time, her accession comes as women make up the majority of the tribe’s council.
Gov. Greg Abbott says in inauguration speech Legislature will prioritize budget surplus, schools and power grid
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says in inauguration speech Legislature will prioritize budget surplus, schools and power gridAbbott is on track to becoming Texas’ second-longest-serving governor, behind Rick Perry, who served more than 14 years. Abbott enters his third term after a decisive reelection win in November.
Texas businessmen with Rick Perry ties floated plan to overturn 2020 election in Trump meeting, Jan. 6 report reveals
Read full article: Texas businessmen with Rick Perry ties floated plan to overturn 2020 election in Trump meeting, Jan. 6 report revealsThe two Austin-area businessmen, Morgan Warstler and John S. Robison, met with Trump in an Oval Office meeting on Nov. 10, 2020, according to the report. They presented him with a fringe theory that state legislatures could overturn election results.
Dodge, deny or fib: Candidates stay vague on 2024 plans
Read full article: Dodge, deny or fib: Candidates stay vague on 2024 plansPresidential aspirants running for reelection while dreaming of the highest office in the land often face an uncomfortable question: Will they commit to serving a full term — should they win one — when their best moment to take a shot at the White House may come sooner than that.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez and his wife defied property tax law for eight years by claiming two homestead exemptions
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez and his wife defied property tax law for eight years by claiming two homestead exemptionsIn Texas, married couples generally can claim only one such exemption, meant to provide some tax relief on properties considered “principal residences.” Homestead exemptions cannot typically be claimed on commercial properties, second homes or income properties.
'Magic mushrooms' for therapy? Vets help sway conservatives
Read full article: 'Magic mushrooms' for therapy? Vets help sway conservativesThe medicinal use of hallucinogenic mushrooms is making inroads in U.S. states as military veterans advocate for the therapeutic value of psychedelic drugs, including in conservative states like Utah, Texas and Oklahoma.
No indictment for Texans QB Watson over sex assault claims
Read full article: No indictment for Texans QB Watson over sex assault claimsA grand jury has declined to indict Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson following a police investigation sparked by lawsuits from 22 women who have accused him of harassment and sexual assault.
Analysis: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the power of Us vs. Them
Read full article: Analysis: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the power of Us vs. ThemA week into early voting in the Texas party primaries, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick launched his latest culture-war volley, an attack on college professors whose teachings about race don’t match his notions about what they should be teaching.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Trump’s man in Texas, has quietly amassed influence — to the detriment of fellow Republicans
Read full article: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Trump’s man in Texas, has quietly amassed influence — to the detriment of fellow RepublicansPatrick urged former Gov. Rick Perry to mount a challenge to Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking a third term. He’s taken the already considerable power concentrated in the state’s No. 2 job to another level, forcing opponents from races and tightening his grip on the Senate.
Analysis: Texas politicians can change their minds. But it helps if the public goes first.
Read full article: Analysis: Texas politicians can change their minds. But it helps if the public goes first.Gov. Greg Abbott’s openness to marijuana decriminalization shows that the state, while conservative, isn’t immune to larger trends.
A Rick Perry — no, not that Rick Perry — files to run for Texas governor
Read full article: A Rick Perry — no, not that Rick Perry — files to run for Texas governorA Springtown man with the same name as the former governor filed Monday to run for the state's top post against Gov. Greg Abbott, raising the prospect of dirty political tricks.
Spared execution once, Texas prisoner Kenneth Foster could face death penalty again after cellmate's death
Read full article: Spared execution once, Texas prisoner Kenneth Foster could face death penalty again after cellmate's deathFoster had been the getaway driver, not the triggerman, in a killing that first put him on death row. Former Gov. Rick Perry commuted his death sentence to life in prison in 2007.
Analysis: When the Texas state seal doesn’t signify trust
Read full article: Analysis: When the Texas state seal doesn’t signify trustTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton is using the state seal to shield himself against accusations by former top aides. And former Gov. Rick Perry is using it as well — as a backdrop for a sales pitch.
Texans QB’s sex assault cases highlight concerns amid #MeToo
Read full article: Texans QB’s sex assault cases highlight concerns amid #MeTooLawyers fighting sexual assault allegations against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson face a predicament: Defending their client means working to discredit the claims of 22 women who are more likely to be believed four years into the #MeToo movement.
Without Trump’s endorsement, Jake Ellzey pushes for upset in TX-6 special election runoff against Susan Wright
Read full article: Without Trump’s endorsement, Jake Ellzey pushes for upset in TX-6 special election runoff against Susan WrightEllzey and Wright are vying to succeed her late husband, U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, R-Arlington, in the 6th District in North Texas. Early voting for the runoff started Monday and ends Friday.
Eva Guzman, former Texas Supreme Court justice, joins GOP primary challenge against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
Read full article: Eva Guzman, former Texas Supreme Court justice, joins GOP primary challenge against Texas Attorney General Ken PaxtonGuzman's candidacy adds a new dynamic to the primary that is already unfolding between incumbent Paxton and Land Commissioner George P. Bush.
Rick Perry returns to the Texas Capitol to pitch study of psychedelic drugs for PTSD in veterans
Read full article: Rick Perry returns to the Texas Capitol to pitch study of psychedelic drugs for PTSD in veterans5 candidates are vying for a Texas House seat in northwest Texas. Watch the results here.
Read full article: 5 candidates are vying for a Texas House seat in northwest Texas. Watch the results here.The Texas House of Representatives on Jan. 13, 2021. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas TribuneSaturday is election day to fill the final vacant seat in the Texas House, as five candidates vie to fill the position that Republican Drew Springer left to join the state Senate. The safely Republican district covers a large swath of rural northwest Texas wrapping around Wichita Falls and up into the Panhandle. Because of the number of candidates, the race is likely to go to a runoff. Springer vacated the seat last month after winning a special election runoff to replace now-U.S. Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Prosper, in the Texas Senate. Greg Abbott ordered a sped-up special election for Springer's state House seat due to the legislative session, which began earlier this month.
As end approaches, Trump gets doses of flattery, finality
Read full article: As end approaches, Trump gets doses of flattery, finalityBarr offered his resignation last Monday after weeks of tension with Trump brought about an early exit from his post. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)NEW YORK – President Donald Trump’s administration is ending how it began, with over-the-top declarations of praise for the chief executive. Attorney General William Barr offered his resignation last Monday after weeks of tension with Trump brought about an early exit from his post. In the six weeks since his defeat by Biden, Trump has been increasingly disengaged from his job. But with Trump largely in hiding, it fell to Pence to make a public show of meeting with those distributing the vaccine.
Biden eyes defeated candidates for key administration roles
Read full article: Biden eyes defeated candidates for key administration rolesPresident-elect Joe Biden is eyeing several Democrats who lost congressional reelection races last month for key positions in his administration. President-elect Joe Biden is eyeing several Democrats who lost congressional reelection races last month for key positions in his administration. Their consideration continues a long Washington tradition of defeated politicians seeking shelter in a new White House. A decade later, he headlined a rally for her winning congressional campaign. “More than helping the president, these people can help the White House staff dealing with members of Congress,” said Card.