Refugees, Campus Carry Topped TribTalk in 2015

A tumultuous legislative session and the start of the 2016 presidential election cycle got Texans talking this year about everything from politics to pot. Here are six of the most-read columns featured on TribTalk in 2015:

1. The Christian case for drug law reform

Republican state Rep. David Simpson of Longview lays out the God-given argument for legalizing marijuana, from the impact of prohibition enforcement on constitutionally protected liberties to the responsibilities that individuals must take for their own actions.

2. Syrian refugees are welcome in Austin 

In the wake of the Paris attacks, Austin Mayor Steve Adler implores Austinites — and Americans — to find the strength to put aside fear and open their arms to Syrian refugees.

3. Campus carry is a feminist issue 

With public and private universities deciding their next steps after the Legislature’s passage of campus carry, Texas Christian University sophomore Lydia Longoria details the reasons she believes the law isn't just about gun rights — but about women’s rights.

4. Welcome to Laredo, Mr. Trump 

In the midst of the summer of Trump, Laredo state Sen. Judith Zaffirini painted a vastly different picture of the border than the billionaire presidential hopeful has during his campaign.

5. You can't take God out of governing 

After appearing in The Texas Tribune’s documentary series God and Governing, state Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth, details how his faith helps him be a better legislator.

6. Let schools, not the travel industry, set start dates 

Public school advocates Mike Feinberg and Robert Sanborn shed light on the reasons school calendars are set the way they are and make the case for why they should be changed.