TribCast: Do Texas Democrats have any hope in 2026?
In part one of our two-part look at the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries, Matthew and Eleanor talk to Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder. Full Story
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Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. Matthew is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended public schools and graduated from Texas A&M University. He’s spent nearly two decades in Texas journalism, and previously worked at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined the Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. As a managing editor, Matthew has guided the Tribune’s award-winning journalism and other reporting of statewide significance, including coverage of elections and legislative sessions to major breaking news and ambitious storytelling about the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Texas-Mexico border, the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, the impeachment of Texas attorney general and battles over public education. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
Latest Contributions
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![From left: State Rep. James Talarico, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, and former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke answer questions from the press outside of Stable Hall in San Antonio after a town hall in San Antonio on June 27, 2025.]()
Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune -
TribCast: Floods in the Texas Hill Country
In this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor are joined by meteorologist Matt Lanza 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? Full Story
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![Uprooted trees next to the Ingram Dam on the Guadalupe River on July 5, 2025 in Ingram.]()
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Renewing our commitment to political and investigative journalism
In the last few months, we’ve restructured our teams and made new hires that will help us build on our reputation as the state’s go-to source for news on Texas government and politics. Full Story
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![The Texas Capitol seen on Monday June 30, 2025 in Austin, Texas.]()
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TribCast: 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? Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott signs a bill as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick watches at the Capitol in Austin on April 23, 2025.]()
Credit: Kaylee Greenlee for The Texas Tribune -
TribCast: 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, a THC ban and the success of conservative priorities this year. Full Story
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![The Texas House of Representatives debates and votes on bills on the House floor at the Texas Capitol on Monday, May 26, 2025.]()
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TribCast: Can Texas make its housing more affordable?
In this week’s episode, we discuss Texas’ rising home prices and the steps the Legislature is taking to reduce them. Full Story
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![Suburban development south of Austin on Oct. 2, 2024.]()
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The Texas Tribune has acquired the Austin Monitor
This move will allow us to build on the Monitor's mission to serve a growing city with more expansive needs. Full Story
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You Spoke. We Listened. Together, we make Texas stronger.
We’re sharing insights from our 2025 audience survey as we launch our Spring Member Drive. Full Story
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TribCast: Inside the lottery scandals roiling Texas
In this week’s episode, Matthew and Eleanor talk to Texas Tribune reporter Ayden Runnels about lottery couriers and whether a $95 million prize winner was legitimate. Full Story
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![Texas Lottery cards at a 7-Eleven in Central Austin on Feb. 20, 2025.]()
Credit: Leila Saidane for The Texas Tribune -
The Texas Tribune wins 5 top awards from Texas Managing Editors
Tribune journalists were honored for coverage of the Texas-Mexico border, design and photography. Full Story
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![Impact, Recognition and Awards]()