Thanh Tan

Thanh Tan was a multimedia reporter/producer for the Tribune from 2011 to 2012. She previously worked at Idaho Public Television, a PBS station that serves a statewide audience. While there, she was an Emmy award-winning producer/reporter/host for the longest-running legislative public affairs program in the West, Idaho Reports, moderator of The Idaho Debates, and a writer/producer for the flagship series Outdoor Idaho. Prior to joining IdahoPTV, she was a general assignment reporter at the ABC affiliate in Portland, Oregon. and a political reporter for KBCI-TV in Boise, Idaho. Her work has also appeared on the PBS NewsHour and This American Life. She graduated with honors from the University of Southern California with degrees in International Relations and Broadcast Journalism.

Past Contributions

Video: McCaul Defends Islam Hearing on PBS

By Thanh Tan March 11, 2011

Last night, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, appeared on the PBS NewsHour to discuss a controversial hearing over the perceived radicalization of Islamic youth. Full Story
LiveBlog: Budget Writers Weigh Tapping Rainy Day Fund

By Thanh Tan March 10, 2011

We're liveblogging the House Appropriations Committee hearing, where lawmakers are expected to consider whether to tap into the state's Rainy Day Fund. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Video: Lawmakers Unswayed by Pleas to Fund Family Planning Services

By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan March 10, 2011

Hundreds rallied this week to preserve funds for Planned Parenthood's family planning services, but their pleas did not sway conservative lawmakers. “They can expect less or even zero funding for their organization this session," says state Rep. Sid Miller, R-Stephenville. Full Story
Lawmakers Ratchet Up the Rhetoric

By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan March 4, 2011

Texas lawmakers, out to protect their interests this session, appear to be ratcheting up their rhetoric. Politics as usual or a serious lapse in civil discourse? Full Story
Another Senator, Another Proposed Tax

By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan March 2, 2011

On Monday, state Sen. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville, said he would rather raise taxes than make the cuts under consideration. Now, state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, has introduced legislation to increase the tax on soft drinks by a penny per ounce. Full Story
Disability Rights Protesters Block Perry's Office

By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan March 1, 2011

A dozen protestors from disability rights group ADAPT gathered at Gov. Rick Perry's office this afternoon to block the entrances. Organizers say they wont leave until Perry pledges to oppose cuts to community services. Full Story
Hispanic Lawmakers Spar Over Politics of Race, Education

By Thanh Tan Feb. 28, 2011

Protecting education and recognizing that the rapidly growing Hispanic population will gain a major political voice in Texas were themes that emerged Monday at the Tribune's “New Day Rising” forum. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Berman: "There Are 'Birthers' All Over Texas"

By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan Feb. 28, 2011

State Rep. Leo Berman, R-Tyler, wants all presidential and vice presidential candidates to show their birth certificate to the Texas Secretary of State in order to get on the ballot. Full Story
Hundreds Rally Against Immigration Bills

By Julián Aguilar, Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan Feb. 22, 2011

Hundreds of Texans descended on the state Capitol on Tuesday to draw attention to dozens of bills they say would hinder economic development, stymie education and — above all — encourage racial profiling in the Lone Star State. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
The Week in Texas Politics Recap: 2/14 to 2/18

By Justin Dehn and Thanh Tan Feb. 18, 2011

No time to follow every twist and turn of the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly recaps of the action under the dome. Full Story