Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich

House Speaker Joe Straus, Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst

Your afternoon reading: Perry defends Wisconsin governor; terror suspect appears in Lubbock court; Leppert announces Senate run

Enlarge photo by: Shawn Campbell

School districts, taking a pummeling under current state budget proposals, got to breathe a tiny sigh of relief on Thursday.

Enlarge photo by: Caleb Bryant Miller

Your afternoon reading: plotted attack targeted Bush's Dallas home; prisons to cut 555 positions; Rainy Day Fund fight still brewing

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Immigration rally at the Texas Capitol Feb 22nd, 2011

For those hoping Texas legislators get even tougher on immigration this session, the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll could give them some hope.

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Your afternoon reading: bill targets double-dipping; Mexican president blasts U.S. diplomats; Democrats take on Farenthold

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

The budget shortfall might be inspiring Texans to hedge their bets.

Enlarge photo by: Gage Skidmore

Paul speaking at CPAC 2010.

Your afternoon reading: Ron Paul money bomb brings in $700,000; acquittal concludes youth prison abuse case; abortion sonograms head to the House

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Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst speaks at the Republican watch party at the TDS Exotic Game Ranch on Election Night, Nov 2, 2010. Dewhurst easily beat Democratic challenger Linda Chavez-Thompson.

Does Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst have the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in the bag?

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Your afternoon reading: Advanced Placement incentives, the budget shortfall and 1987, and one House member's immigration solution

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

As the trend goes, and as the newest University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll confirms, Texans want it both ways with budget cuts.

Enlarge photo by: El Paso Times

Your afternoon reading: attorney general goes after voter fraud; lawmakers find a little common ground; and for Wisconsin lawmakers, a Senate Democrat offers up some sex advice (you read that right)

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

Large Hispanic population growth was expected, but new census figures could signal more than just a sea change in Texas.

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Your afternoon reading: census data trickles in; Cornyn-led committee wants dirt on Napolitano; abortion sonogram debate continues in the Senate

Enlarge photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera

Sen Jane Nelson during press conference introducing Senate Bill 7 & 8, legislation to improve health care

It's not Obamacare, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Wednesday of new state health care legislation, virtually ensuring comparisons.

Enlarge photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman

Your afternoon reading: health care bills unveiled, a lawmaker takes aim at sanctuary cities, and a Republican floats a tax