Former lawmaker takes local battle over historic zoning to the Capitol
What began as a local dispute over the demolition of a 1910 house has escalated into a statewide battle over what makes a building historic — and who gets to decide. Full Story
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![House at 405 W. 14th St. in Austin on April 12, 2017.]()
Credit: Shelby Knowles for The Texas Tribune -
Limited Contracting Fixes Moving Forward
Amid a series of scandals, most lawmakers say they want to reform the way Texas hands out billions in state contracts. Discussion has narrowed to a handful of bills that some warn are merely first steps. Full Story
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![Chairwoman of the state Senate Finance Committee Jane Nelson and state House Appropriations Chairman John Otto.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Complicated Politics of Red Light Cameras
State Rep. Jonathan Stickland's ejection from a House Transportation Committee hearing aside, activists devoted to purging Texas of red light cameras say they aren't thrilled with the bills under consideration this session. Full Story
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Credit: Ben Schumin -
Lawmakers Vying to Bring More Transparency to State Contracting
Texas lawmakers consider different approaches to transforming the state's unwieldy, loophole-ridden system of contract oversight into something that can be properly tracked, analyzed and, when needed, restrained. Full Story
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The Brief: Oct. 21, 2014
Here are some dispatches from around the state on the first day of early voting. Full Story
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![Vote signs outside early voting locations in Austin on Feb. 23, 2014.]()
Credit: Callie Richmond -
Abbott Proposes Far-Reaching Ethics Reform
Ethics watchdogs are applauding gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott for proposing what would amount to a sea change in Texas ethics laws. Full Story
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![Gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott speaks at a NE Tarrant Tea Party meeting at Concordia Lutheran Church in Bedford.]()
Credit: Mark Graham -
For John Carona, Conflicts and Interests
The constitutional provision of a part-time Legislature whose members have full-time jobs back home blurs the line between public responsibilities and personal ambition — as the story of a certain powerful state senator illustrates. Full Story
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![Sen. John Carona.]()
Credit: Jeff Wilson for Texas Monthly -
Slideshow: Sen. John Carona Through the Years
Take a photographic trip through Sen. John Carona's career in the Texas Legislature, from his swearing in as a freshman House member in 1991 to his chairmanship of the powerful Senate Committee on Business & Commerce. Full Story
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![State Rep. John Carona holds up his right hand during his first swearing-in ceremony for the 72nd Legislature on January 8, 1991.]()
Credit: exas State Library and Archives Commission -
There's More Than One Way to Land a Catfish
Hand fishing — that is, sticking your hand down the throat of a fish — is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. But not for long. State lawmakers on Thursday approved a bill to legalize hand fishing, sending it to the governor. Full Story
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![Avid outdoorsman Brady Knowlton is hoping noodling will become legal in Texas.]()
Credit: Callie Richmond -
As Clock Winds Down, Bill Body Count Mounts
It’s easier to spike legislation than to pass it, and timing is important. Nothing is dead for certain until the session ends, but lots of important things are not done, and the regular session ends on Memorial Day. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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