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As the death penalty went on trial in Texas on Monday, one side of the courtroom fell silent.

Your afternoon reading: death penalty hearing, truth about taxes, and bullying bills

Texas got its first taste of a Medicaid-less future on Friday. And the future doesn't look pretty.

Your afternoon reading: more conservative activists entering speaker's fray, Texas gains in the U.S. House, and a key Medicaid report

Republican dreams of a House supermajority were dashed Thursday night.

Your afternoon reading: Sheila Jackson Lee and WikiLeaks, talk of a pardon for Tom DeLay, and Chuck Norris (yes, that Chuck Norris)

Some House newbies on Wednesday experienced the crush of political defeat for the first time — courtesy of a box of ping pong balls.

Your afternoon reading: freshman orientation, Kirk Watson and the budget, and Warren Jeffs in Texas

Dormant since campaign season, one of the year's biggest ethics flaps is back.

Your afternoon reading: Earmark ban fails, Kaywatch and Dunnam's replacement

Want to see the most feel-good salvo yet in the speaker's race?

Your afternoon reading: Hunger strike targets Hutchison; more double-billing ethics questions

Budget talks got a surprise visitor last week: candor.

Your afternoon reading: politics and the DeLay conviction, a new NRA legal battle, and earmark concerns for Dallas

He lost this battle, but Tom DeLay may have already won the war.