Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Gov. Rick Perry delivering his State of the State address on Feb. 8, 2011

Your afternoon reading: Supreme Court says Hank Skinner can sue; Perry makes Rainy Day plea; bad news for Craig James

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

Today, Gov. Rick Perry will try to put the brakes on House Republicans, who appear readier than ever to tap the Rainy Day Fund.

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For the latest installment of our nonscientific survey of political and policy insiders, we asked what it would mean to make deep cuts to public education, as proposed by the House, the Senate and the governor.

Enlarge photo by: Caleb Bryant Miller

Your afternoon reading: state ordered to pay for five exonerees; grassroots education protests brewing; lawmaker wants easier Capitol access

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

The Texas Education Agency released new superintendent salary data this week, so we've updated our news app and added some new features. 

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

A slew of amendments — some serious, some not so much — couldn't keep the Texas House from tentatively approving one of the strictest abortion laws in the country Thursday night.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Comptroller Susan Combs giving a biennial revenue estimate in Austin on Jan. 10, 2011.

Your afternoon reading: Combs calls on state to tap Rainy Day Fund; U.S. wants murderer handed over; slot machine bill filed

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

State Rep. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, during the abortion sonogram bill debate on March 2, 2011.

During abortion-sonogram debate Wednesday, House Democrats brandished one of the few remaining weapons in their arsenal: the technicality.

Enlarge graphic by: Matt Stiles

Our new interactive map visualizes population changes by House and Senate district for the total population and residents who are of Hispanic origin. These totals are important now given that lawmakers are preparing to redraw all 181 districts based on their growth, demographics and election histories.

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Rep. Wayne Christian (c) (R-Nacodoches) confers with Rep. Diane Patrick (r) during sonogram debate from the back mike on March 2, 2011.

Your afternoon reading: abortion sonogram testimony gets graphic; conservatives suspicious of anti-bullying bills; no traction for solar panel legislation

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

Is it raining out there yet? A growing chorus of Republican voices seems to think so.

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Congrats to a super-smart QRANK: TT Edition player whose username is ThaddeusScott: He scored 99,711 points in February — more than 3,000 points better than the second-place finisher, KentWillis, who put up 96,505 points.

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Williamson County DA John Bradley speaks during Senate Nomination Committee to the Forensic Science Commision. February 28th, 2011

Your afternoon reading: Senate Democrats could block forensic nomination; disability advocates rally at Capitol; voter ID heard in House

Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

Gov. Rick Perry in an interview with Tribune CEO and Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith

Gov. Rick Perry, on a visit to the White House, swatted down a health care olive branch on Monday.