In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with outgoing Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith about the state of politics in Texas.
Matthew Watkins
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.
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Politics
Looking back at some of The Texas Tribune’s best reads of 2022
It was another historic, news-filled year. As you get ready for 2023, check out these memorable articles the Tribune published in 2022.
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TribCast
TribCast: What happens in Texas if Title 42 lifts?
In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Uriel about immigration policy and the migrant crisis in El Paso.
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TribCast
TribCast: Texas’ persistent problem with maternal mortality
On this week’s TribCast, Matthew speaks with Eleanor about a long-awaited state report on maternal mortality in Texas and Alex about cities’ efforts to decriminalize marijuana.
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TribCast
TribCast: How much will Texas spend on tax cuts?
On this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with James and Karen about property taxes and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s legislative priorities.
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Texas 2022 Elections
Don’t jump to conclusions as Tuesday election night results come in
If you’re keeping a close eye on the results Tuesday night, you should follow one overarching rule: Don’t jump to conclusions.
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TribCast
TribCast: What’s at stake for both parties in next week’s elections?
In this week’s episode, Matthew Watkins is joined by political writers Matthew Choi, Patrick Svitek and James Barragán for one last preview of Tuesday’s elections.
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TribCast
TribCast: The role of churches in politics
In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Jeremy and James about the rarely enforced rules barring churches from participating in political campaigns.
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Politics
Brittney Griner’s 9-year prison sentence upheld by Russian court
The Texas basketball star had asked for a suspended sentence. The White House is calling for her release.
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TribCast
TribCast: Is time running out for Texas Democrats to swing the election?
In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with James and Patrick about the state of the governor’s race and other elections that have grabbed their attention.