As Kolkhorst Moves Up, Another Election is Nigh
Three Republicans and a lone Democrat say they're running for the District 13 House seat left open when Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, moved to the Senate. Full Story
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Bobby Blanchard
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Bobby Blanchard joined The Texas Tribune’s audience team in 2016 and led the team from 2021 to 2023, strategizing to expand the organization’s reach and engagement across all platforms. A graduate of UT-Austin, Bobby spent his first year out of college at The Dallas Morning News as a reporting fellow, covering Texas politics and breaking news. He got his start in journalism in the poorly lit basement of The Daily Texan, followed by internships at the Houston Chronicle, KUT News and the Tribune. Born and raised in the Houston area, Bobby is a native Texan.
Past Contributions
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![Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, has left the House, and would-be successors are lining up.]()
Credit: Bob Daemrmich -
Old Ruling Keeps Counties From Tapping Oil Money to Fix Roads
A 54-year-old state attorney general’s opinion keeps counties from making money on mineral leases under their roads. But officials say they need the money to fix the damage caused by oil field traffic. Full Story
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At Alma Mater, Perry Hints at 2016
Texas' outgoing governor told Texas A&M graduates on Thursday evening that he needs a job, too — preferably one with a big jet and travel to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Full Story
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![Gov. Rick Perry laughs at a question during the final keynote of 2014 TribFest.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Second HHSC Contract Scrapped Amid Questions About Open Bidding
The Health and Human Services Commission has canceled a second contract involving Jack Stick, who resigned as the agency's top lawyer amid concerns over a $110 million contract that was not competitively bid. Full Story
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![Jack Stick resigned last week as top lawyer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.]()
Credit: Erich Schlegel -
The Q&A: James Griffin
In this week’s Q&A, we interview James Griffin, the Bob Bullock Chair in Public Policy and Finance at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service. Full Story
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![Professor James Griffin, the Bob Bullock Chair in Public Policy and Finance at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service.]()
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Adler Wins Austin's Mayoral Race
Steve Adler defeated current Councilman Mike Martinez in a runoff in Austin’s mayoral race Tuesday. Austin's first council under a new district system will have 10 brand-new members. Full Story
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![Voters inside Austin City Hall on Nov. 4, 2014.]()
Credit: Stephen Spillman -
Sylvia Romo Enters Race to Fill Van de Putte's Senate Seat
Sylvia Romo, a former Bexar County tax assessor-collector, has announced her intentions to run for the Senate seat that Leticia Van de Putte is vacating. Full Story
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Credit: Anneke Paterson -
UT-Austin Launches Center for Molding Athletes
The University of Texas at Austin announced on Monday it is launching a new center to help its players — and high school student athletes — develop life skills such as financial literacy and responsible decision making. Full Story
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![University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers at a UT System Board of Regents meeting in Austin on Dec. 12, 2013.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Jan. 6 Special Elections Set for Three Legislative Races
Gov. Rick Perry called three special elections to fill the seats that state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio; state Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt, R-Lexington; and state Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, are vacating. Full Story
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![Signs greeting early voters are shown in October 2014 outside the Lakeside Activity Center in Mesquite.]()
Credit: Ross Ramsey -
Judge Allows Texas' Ban on Same-Sex Marriage to Continue
A judge on Friday declined to lift a stay that is preventing same-sex marriage in Texas. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman