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The Environmental Protection Agency has formally denounced the state's air-pollution permitting system for some of its biggest industrial plants — and reactions are pouring in.

"I'm all for Texas turning blue, but not like this," said Hector Uribe, Democratic candidate for land commissioner.

A new poll indicates that, despite continuing tensions over immigration reform, a majority in the U.S. support a path to U.S. citizenship for undocumented immigrants who come to this country as youngsters.

Federal and military officials say Texans needn't worry about 17 Afghan military trainees who disappeared from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Many of the Afghans, who were studying English, have been located — and they say none of them pose the national security threat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and other lawmakers fear.

Your afternoon reading.

The commissioner of the agency that oversees Texas foster children told lawmakers she regrets not telling them about a 2008 “fight club” involving developmentally disabled girls. She said the agency is moving quickly to address abuse and neglect inside Daystar Residential Inc.

Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples’ camp calls a recent attack by Hank Gilbert’s campaign “the lowest a political campaign has ever stooped in Texas politics."

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro pays Stephen Colbert a visit with a hilarious result.

Tension — as if it wasn't already thick — is mounting between Gov. Rick Perry and Bill White.

Your afternoon reading.

With the parties over, it's back to business for the squabblers.

The latest twist in the ag commissioner race: Democratic Challenger Hank Gilbert is accusing incumbent Todd Staples of killing nine people.

Your afternoon reading.

U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, isn't the only Texas congressman making headlines in Washington. Citing a "retired F.B.I. agent" as his source, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, said on the floor of Congress last week that terror cells are plotting to breed future terrorists inside the United States. 

Texas Democrats made a stand this weekend — with tongues planted firmly in cheek.