State Rep. Bennett Ratliff, R-Coppell, says Texans should beware of a possible new entitlement program in disguise, and Mark Miller, the 2014 Libertarian nominee for railroad commissioner, lays out how he would fix the state's oil and gas regulator. Full Story
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A secretive nonprofit, which until recently has been known solely for its efforts to unseat New York Democrats, has launched an online campaign in support of Gov. Rick Perry in light of his recent legal troubles. Full Story
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If Bert Richardson remains on the bench for the criminal case against Gov. Rick Perry, those who know the former prosecutor say trial watchers will be treated to an engaged judge. Full Story
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Texas voters approve billions of dollars in new local debt each year. A growing group of critics argues that voters wouldn't be so agreeable if they were more clearly informed of the debt that's already owed in their name. Full Story
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They are this summer's odd couple: Gov. Rick Perry and his lawyer, Tony Buzbee. Full Story
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Tony Buzbee, who is leading Gov. Rick Perry's defense, has made a fortune being the kind of lawyer the governor has spent much of his time in office villainizing. But Buzbee rejects the suggestion that he was an unconventional pick. Full Story
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While receiving praise from education leaders in Austin and fending off fresh criticism about her tax return, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis promoted the latest additions to her education reform proposals. Full Story
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Reeve, Emily, Evan and Ross discuss the latest developments regarding the indictment of Gov. Rick Perry, the latest policy proposals from the 2014 gubernatorial candidates, and the Trib's latest explorer on local debt. Full Story
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Texas cities, counties and school districts are relying more on debt to maintain services in a fast-growing state. While critics argue communities need to work harder to live within their means, local officials say the issue is not that simple. Full Story
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This is the time of a political year when voters start — slowly — to pay attention to the candidates, issues and arguments ahead of a general election. But this year, there is something else to watch instead. Full Story
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In this week's edition of the Trib+Water newsletter: lots of talk about proposed water pipeline deal in San Antonio, extra monitoring of Comal Springs and an interview with Amy Hardberger, a water law professor at St. Mary's School of Law. Full Story
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The arrival of the Texas National Guard to the border has been met with praise by some who say the state is taking the lead in securing the border. Others say the deployment is overkill that only serves to hamper the local economy. Full Story
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Texas counties, cities and school districts have more than $100 billion in debt that's backed by a pledge of local property taxes. Use our Local Debt Explorer to find out how much tax-supported debt is held in your community. Full Story
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis released her full 2013 tax return on Tuesday, changing course after previously not allowing the document to be shared or published in full. Full Story
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UPDATED: Asked why the state had delayed a transition away from lower passing standards on state exams, Texas Education Commissioner Michael Williams told state lawmakers Tuesday that classroom instruction had failed to meet the rigor demanded by the new tests. Full Story
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The state of Texas on Tuesday announced a second lawsuit against Xerox, alleging that the former contractor failed to turn over client health records relating to its operation of the state Medicaid program. Full Story
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On Tuesday, as the Tribune was preparing to write a story about Wendy Davis' limited release of her 2013 tax return, her campaign agreed to its full publication. You can find it here. Full Story
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Saying she wants to expand Texas high schoolers’ access to technical job training programs, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis on Tuesday announced a plan to create a Career-Technical Coordinating Board. Full Story
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Former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio Garza explains how start-up culture is changing Mexico, and Laura Huffman of the Nature Conservancy writes about a new future in store for the Gulf of Mexico. Full Story
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State leaders tout the so-called Texas miracle – the idea that the economy here is thriving thanks to their small-government approach. But not everyone benefits. Here are the stories of six Texans who've found little relief in the Texas miracle. Full Story
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