Ask the candidates: What questions do you want answered before the November 2018 election?
Ahead of November’s general election, The Texas Tribune is creating an election guide with a primary focus on young Texans — and we need your help. Full Story
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Cassandra Pollock
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Cassandra Pollock was a state politics reporter for the Tribune. She joined the Tribune full-time in June 2017 after a fellowship during the 85th Texas Legislature. Pollock spent her first two years at the Trib as an engagement reporter, which meant her name likely landed in your inbox every weekday morning with “The Brief,” a newsletter on all things Texas politics and public policy. Pollock is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. Pollock left The Texas Tribune in 2021.
Past Contributions
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How the Texas Democratic and Republican party platforms compare
Last month, Texas Republicans and Democrats approved the latest versions of their party platforms. A close look at these documents provides a snapshot of where the two parties stand on guns, gay rights, marijuana and other issues. Full Story
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Report: Austin to end its bag ban after Texas Supreme Court ruling
The city of Austin announced Tuesday it will no longer enforce its ban on plastic bags after the Texas Supreme Court ruled that a similar ban in Laredo violated state law, KUT reported. Full Story
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![Single-use bag ban advocates hold a press conference before the Texas Supreme Court prior to oral arguments on the legality of Laredo’s ban on Jan. 11, 2018.]()
Credit: Shelby Knowles for The Texas Tribune -
The Brief: Hundreds in Tornillo protest “zero tolerance” policy; ”red flag” gun measure gets renewed attention; Texas GOP approves #txlege priorities
In today's Brief: A roundup of news on the national immigration debate, a House panel will meet this month to consider whether Texas needs a "red flag" law and a recap of the state GOP convention. Full Story
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![Marchers head towards the tent city at Tornillo Port of Entry to protest the tent city erected there to house children separated from their parents at the border.]()
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Texas GOP passes list of priorities that includes support for “bathroom bill” and “constitutional carry”
After a few hours of relatively mild debate, Texas Republicans approved multiple legislative priorities and backed a platform that includes more than 300 planks. Full Story
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![Elizabeth Menes makes a point during a platform debate at the Republican Party of Texas convention in San Antonio on June 15, 2018.]()
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With the Texas GOP convention underway, a contentious chair race reaches its end
Incumbent GOP Chairman James Dickey is fending off a challenge from Cindy Asche, who has questioned Dickey's support for President Donald Trump. Full Story
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Four things to watch at Texas Republican and Democratic party conventions
Thousands will gather at the state GOP convention in San Antonio this week. Texas Democrats will meet in Fort Worth for their biennial meeting the following weekend. School shootings and the #MeToo movement are among the issues that could loom large at one or both events. Full Story
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![Attendees at the 2016 Texas Democratic Convention in San Antonio (top) and the 2016 Republican Party of Texas Convention in Dallas (bottom)]()
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Outside groups spent big backing either centrists or hard-line conservatives in GOP House runoffs. The centrists went 5 for 7.
Five of the seven Texas House GOP runoffs were won by candidates who had support from two groups aligned with retiring House Speaker Joe Straus and other establishment Republicans. Full Story
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![Top row, left to right: Republican runoff candidates Cody Harris and Thomas McNutt, HD-8. Bottom row, left to right: Steve Allison and Matt Beebe, HD-121.]()
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Voter turnout in a Texas Democratic gubernatorial runoff hasn’t been this low in nearly 100 years
Democrat Lupe Valdez will face off against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in the fall. Two incumbents in the Texas House lost their runoffs. And Democrats had their worst runoff turnout in almost a century. Full Story
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![Voters at an early voting location in Houston on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott cancels shotgun giveaway after Santa Fe shooting
Abbott will instead give away a $250 gift certificate. Full Story
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![Texas Gov. Greg Abbott]()
Credit: Laura Buckman for The Texas Tribune
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