Robert Downen is a reporter covering democracy and the threats to it, including extremism, disinformation and conspiracies. Before joining the Tribune in 2022, he worked for five years at the Houston Chronicle. As a Hearst Media fellow, he developed what would become "Abuse of Faith," a landmark investigation into child sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention that prompted a Department of Justice investigation. Before coming to Texas, Robert was a business reporter in New York's capital region, and the managing editor of six newspapers in his home state of Illinois. He is a 2014 graduate of Eastern Illinois University.
The proposed curriculum overhaul was released a week after the Texas GOP proposed requiring the Bible to be taught in public schools. School districts that opt to use them will get more funding. Full Story
The high-stakes race pitted an established Republican lawmaker against a right-wing candidate who had Attorney General Ken Paxton’s backing. Full Story
Furman won the Republican nomination in a runoff against Lazaro Garza. Cuellar’s criminal charges have suddenly made it a high-profile race. Full Story
At the three-day convention, delegates moved the needle further to the right, preaching Christian nationalism and approving rules that would give them unprecedented control of elections. Full Story
The platform was voted on Saturday, with tallies expected next week. Other planks call abortion homicide and gender-transition care “child abuse.” Full Story
George was backed by outgoing GOP chair Matt Rinaldi, who ushered in a Republican civil war and oversaw staffing cuts and drops in fundraising. Full Story
Under outgoing chair Matt Rinaldi, the party’s donor base has shrunk as it aligns with two far-right megadonors. Full Story
The political consultant joins a crowded field to replace outgoing Chair Matt Rinaldi when party delegates meet next week. Full Story
The Beaumont Republican issued his interim charges even as it remains unclear whether he’ll be reelected. Full Story
President Jay Hartzell defended the response but faculty criticized the presence of armed state troopers. Fifty-seven people were arrested. Full Story
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