INSIDER
How one man's open records obsession sparked a fight over transparency and power in East Texas
Read full article: How one man's open records obsession sparked a fight over transparency and power in East TexasOnce a tool of journalists and concerned citizens to hold government accountable, open records requests have been increasingly used by political opponents and conspiracy theorists to slow down the pace of government.
Texas to receive $3.3 billion in federal funds to boost broadband expansion efforts
Read full article: Texas to receive $3.3 billion in federal funds to boost broadband expansion effortsThe federal money will be added to the $1.5 billion investment made by state lawmakers this session to increase broadband availability across Texas.
Texas will spend billions to connect the state with broadband. But is it clear which neighborhoods need help?
Read full article: Texas will spend billions to connect the state with broadband. But is it clear which neighborhoods need help?On the eve of a historic investment in connecting the Lone Star State, advocates worry maps that will help establish which communities get funding have bad information.
Texas House OKs $5 billion for broadband, if voters give thumbs up
Read full article: Texas House OKs $5 billion for broadband, if voters give thumbs upThe legislation — which falls short of the $10 billion needed to ensure all Texans have reliable internet access — must still win approval in the state Senate.
A boil-water notice in Houston made national news. In rural Texas, it’s a way of life.
Read full article: A boil-water notice in Houston made national news. In rural Texas, it’s a way of life.Rural communities face compounding reasons they can’t improve their water infrastructure, including inflation and a lack of human resources.
Gov. Abbott discusses broadband access legislation
Read full article: Gov. Abbott discusses broadband access legislationGreg Abbott on Monday held a press conference at Hamshire-Fannett Elementary School in Beaumont on expanding broadband access across Texas. Abbott was joined by Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, State Rep. Trent Ashby, and Hamshire-Fannett ISD Superintendent Dwaine Augustine to discuss the importance of reliable broadband for education, business, and health care. Earlier this year, Abbott named broadband access an emergency item for the 87th legislative session. Ad“Broadband access is no longer a luxury, it is an essential tool for all Texans,” Abbott said. “Schools need broadband to connect with students, businesses need it to remain competitive, and our doctors and nurses and their patients need it for telemedicine purposes.
Trent Ashby and Chris Paddie become first two Republicans to file for Texas House speaker
Read full article: Trent Ashby and Chris Paddie become first two Republicans to file for Texas House speakerState Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, and state Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall. Credit: Illustration by Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneTwo Republicans declared their candidacies for speaker of the Texas House on Thursday, becoming the first from their party to enter the race. State Reps. Trent Ashby of Lufkin and Chris Paddie of Marshall join two Democrats in seeking the gavel: Senfronia Thompson of Houston and Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio. Candidates are vying to replace Republican House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, who will retire after serving one term thanks to a political scandal last year. Thompson, the longest-serving woman and Black person in the history of the Texas Legislature, filed Friday to run for the gavel.