The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
In place of this week's Newsreel, we've got the story of the week — and of the political year so far: the debate and filibuster and verbal melee that marked the last day of the first special session. Full Story
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The newest legal battle over voting rights in Texas could go either way in court, but for Attorney General Greg Abbott, it's a golden opportunity to square off with a Democratic administration in Washington, D.C., that is far from popular in Texas. Full Story
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The state's abortion and health care policies intersect in the budget — even though that might not always be part of the debate — and the budget is where the impact of decisions on abortion and Medicaid will be revealed. Full Story
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The U.S. Justice Department will seek to once more require that a federal court approve Texas’ controversial voter ID law, despite a Supreme Court ruling that such a practice is outdated. Full Story
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With major components of the Affordable Care Act set to take effect in the coming months, Texas' U.S. senators have remained vocal in their calls to defund or dismantle the law. Full Story
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Despite representing a district whose constituents are overwhelmingly Hispanic, U.S. Rep. Robert “Beto” O’Rourke, D-El Paso, is ineligible for membership in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Some say that should change. Full Story
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As the governor's race awaits a Democratic entrant, the contours of other key down-ballot contests are beginning to take shape. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Branch announces bid for attorney general; Huckabee endorses Patrick for lieutenant governor; Democrats score influx of cash after filibuster. Full Story
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In an announcement Tuesday at Southern Methodist University, state Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, officially launched his bid to be the state's next attorney general, saying he plans to put an end to “runaway federal government.” Full Story
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Highlighting his ties to the Hispanic community during his gubernatorial campaign launch, Attorney General Greg Abbott is wooing Hispanic voters who have tended to identify with the Democratic Party. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Pauken still pushing for debates with Abbott; Cruz's father says son was "destined" by God; Peña says he was mistreated during recent traffic stop. Full Story
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A conspicuous visit to Iowa has sparked a new round of speculation about U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's political ambitions. Full Story
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On Sunday's edition of This Week, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz — fresh from his maiden trip to Iowa — dismissed talk of a possible run for president in 2016. Full Story
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New El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser faces the task of leading the city amid some daunting challenges. He is focused on partnering with business leaders and former campaign adversaries to help the city move forward. Full Story
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The price of political celebrity is often the attention it draws from the opposition. State Sen. Wendy Davis raised her profile with a filibuster, and now must decide whether to fight the GOP at home or on a bigger stage. Full Story
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Sweeping new abortion restrictions have been signed into law, but the fight inside the Texas Capitol hasn't ended. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Perry signs abortion restrictions into law; House sends transportation funding plan to the Senate; Abbott brings campaign tour to El Paso. Full Story
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Led by Attorney General Greg Abbott, Texas has fought the federal government for control over various issues, including environmental regulation and oversight of voting laws. Use this interactive to look at the current legal battles. Full Story
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Republican voters in Texas still have immigration and border security atop their lists of most important problems facing the state, and their sway over members of the Texas delegation will be noted by political colleagues and potential opponents alike. Full Story
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The national spotlight may fall on Texas once more as Gov. Rick Perry signs some of the strictest abortion measures in the country into law. Full Story
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