Texas Tribune TribCast

The TribCast is a weekly political podcast hosted by Matthew Watkins, James Barragán and Eleanor Klibanoff, and featuring a rotating cast of editors, reporters and other guests. The TribCast is returning as a limited-run weekly series during the 2025 legislative session.

Will the Texas renewable energy powerhouse survive?

This week, Matthew and Eleanor speak with Eric Goff, founder of an energy policy advising firm, about the growth of wind and solar power in Texas and whether it will continue after recent federal efforts targeting the industry.

09-30
39:43

Texas' changing congressional delegation

TribCast talks with Washington correspondent Gabby Birenbaum about how redistricting and retirements are set to reshape the state's representation in D.C.

09-23
36:09

The Campus Free Speech Wars

Free speech on college campuses has reemerged as a hot-button issue in the wake of a firing at Texas A&M and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

09-16
35:45

Texas is replacing the STAAR test

In this week's episode, Matthew speaks with Tribune reporter Sneha Dey and the Commit Partnership's Bridget Worley about the changes to the state's standardized test, whether the new tests will make anyone happy and the educational philosophy driving state leaders.

09-09
42:26

Sid Miller's THC entanglements

In this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor speak with Texas Tribune reporter Kate McGee about her recent investigative reporting into Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and his staff. Why did Miller hire a political aide for a top agency position after the aide pleaded guilty to commercial bribery? What did Miller's staff tell investigators about his growing of hemp?

09-02
36:24

Is Texas protecting its campers from future floods?

In this week's episode, Matthew and Eleanor talk to Texas Tribune climate reporter Emily Foxhall about the emotional pleas Camp Mystic parents made to state lawmakers and analyze the proposed new laws in response to the Kerrville floods.

08-26
36:06

The Dems returned. What happens next?

Texas Tribune politics reporters Kayla Guo and Renzo Downey join the TribCast to forecast what will happen in the second, extra-special special session, now that the Democrats have returned from their quorum break.

08-19
38:58

Will 13 Democrats be expelled from the Texas House?

For this week's episode, Matthew and Eleanor ask University of Houston law professor David Froomkin to help them break down the legal cases seeking to expel 13 Democrats from the Texas House. Does fleeing the state to break quorum equate to abandoning office?

08-12
40:48

How long can Texas Democrats hold out?

In this week's episode, Matthew and Eleanor speak with state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, about her and her colleagues' decison to flee the state, the potential financial and criminal penalties and her opposition to the state's proposed new congressional map. 

08-05
33:46

What's next for the Republicans?

We discuss how the Republican ticket is shaping up? Can you still view the primaries as establishment v. grassroots?

07-29
41:21

What's next for the Democrats?

We discuss how the Democratic ticket is shaping up in Texas. Will Beto, Allred, Talarico and Castro all run against each other? 

07-22
44:06

Texas' redistricting gamble

Matthew and Eleanor are joined by Kareem Crayton, from the Brennan Center for Justice, to look more closely at Texas' rare midcyle redistricting.

07-15
47:43

Floods in the Hill Country

In this week's episode, Matthew and Eleanor are joined by Matt Lanza, a meteorologist from Houston, to discuss the deadly Texas floods. How did they happen? Could people have been better warned? And what can keep this region safe in the future?

07-08
40:57

A very unusual Supreme Court term

The TribCast gang is finally reunited, and joined by Georgetown Law Professor Steve Vladeck to recap the big cases and unresolved questions from the U.S. Supreme Court's recent rulings.

07-01
35:15

A special legislative session is coming

This week, we run an emergency episode to discuss Gov. Greg Abbott vetoing Texas THC ban and calling a special session. Will redistricting end up on the agenda?

06-23
27:52

TribCast Live: North Texas and the Legislative Session

This week, we run an emergency episode to discuss Gov. Greg Abbott vetoing Texas THC ban and calling a special session. Will redistricting end up on the agenda?

06-18
46:16

TribCast Live: Education and the Legislative Session

How do Texas teachers grade the Texas Legislature's big education session? Listen to TribCast live from the Austin Central Library.

06-13
43:27

Did lawmakers make improvements to Texas' infrastructure?

Texas legislators took big strides to strengthen our water and grid systems this session. Will it be enough? Texas Tribune reporters Alejandra Martinez and Carlos Nogueras Ramos join the pod to discuss.

06-03
40:05

Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott are getting what they want this legislative session

In this week's episode, Matthew and Eleanor talk with politics reporter Jasper Scherer about education funding, the effort ban THC and how conservative priorities are sailing through the legislative session in Texas this year.

05-27
39:32

Higher education and the battle for Texas universities

Big shakeups at the top of Texas’ major universities, and major legislative changes on the way to boot. Three current and former Tribune higher ed reporters overwhelm Eleanor with information. 

05-20
45:43

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