The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
This week in the Texas Weekly Newsreel: Texas legislators are back for a second special session and another round of the debate on the state's abortion laws. Meanwhile, Gov. Rick Perry will announce "exciting future plans" in San Antonio. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst currently enjoys the unenviable status of being the least popular of the major statewide Republican elected officials in Texas, according to an analysis of his approval numbers and standing in election matchups. Full Story
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Rather than displaying the swagger of Gov. Rick Perry, Attorney General Greg Abbott comes off as cautious and measured. Those who know him say he is very methodical, a trait that could be to his advantage in a potential race for governor. Full Story
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Over the course of the 83rd legislative session, we produced more than 60 articles on ethics and transparency among the state's elected officials. We've turned the "Bidness as Usual" project into a free e-book. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry has sent an email to close friends saying he will announce his "exciting future plans" on Monday in San Antonio. Full Story
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After an end-of-session debate killed three bills, including a controversial abortion bill that prompted a filibuster, Gov. Rick Perry is calling lawmakers back for more. They started Monday. Full Story
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All eyes are on the Texas Legislature as a second special session is under way. For lawmakers and others running for office, it's a good time — or a bad one — to show their stuff. Here's a look at who stands to gain or lose. Full Story
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Thousands rallied at the state Capitol on Monday — most of them in opposition to legislation that would further restrict access to abortions in Texas. Take a photographic tour of the day's protests. Full Story
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The second special session has begun — and so has lawmakers' bill-filing. Check out the legislation that's been filed so far, and track the bills as they progress through both chambers or die on the vine. Full Story
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Republican lawmakers say that no matter how many women show up to the Capitol to protest an abortion bill, they have the votes to pass it and will in this session. Full Story
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Before lawmakers gaveled in for the second special legislative session on Monday afternoon, abortion rights advocates sang their own rendition of "Amazing Grace" in the Capitol rotunda. Full Story
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As thousands of protesters descended on the state Capitol in an effort to protect access to abortions in Texas, Republican leaders vowed not to quit until they’ve approved far tighter restrictions on the procedure. Full Story
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On Friday night, the Trib's Alana Rocha and other veteran Capitol reporters discussed the crazy news week that was, including a monumental Supreme Court decision and the tumultuous end of the special session. Full Story
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As thousands descended on the Capitol for the opening day of the second special session, they snapped a lot of photos. Here is an unfiltered stream of Instagram pics location-tagged in and around the Capitol building. Full Story
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On Tuesday, the last day of the first special session, those of us sitting in the Senate gallery observed rules of decorum — until we saw that senators were breaking their own procedural rules. Full Story
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While much attention has been paid to the political conflict on the floor of the Texas Senate last week, the subtleties of public opinion on abortion in Texas framed the clash in the upper chamber. Full Story
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The "gallery filibuster" last Tuesday — when loud demonstrations made it impossible for senators to vote on anti-abortion legislation — wasn't democracy in action. It was mob rule. Full Story
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What happened last Tuesday was started by an "unruly bunch" — the people who were controlling the Senate that night, flouting rules, chucking tradition and ignoring common sense to get their way. Full Story
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State Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, wrapped up a week in the national spotlight with appearances on the network affiliate Sunday talk shows. Full Story
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Less than a week after their screams derailed a vote on a new abortion law, reproductive rights advocates are getting organized for the special session. But when proceedings begin anew on Monday, state leaders will be better prepared. Full Story
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