TribWeek: In Case You Missed It

Democrats were dreaming of a White Thanksgiving this shortened holiday week, as the mayor of Houston's expected entrance into the Democratic primary for governor threatened to make the November general election much more interesting if not much more competitive.

Better late than never: Dallas churches are waking up to the social ills and racial divison on their doorsteps. The question is, what can they do to make their communities healthier?

What happened to those extra checks for retired teachers and other public employees?

Not all Mexican immigrants are mug-shot-worthy. Some have multiple college degrees.

The payday lending industry has been essentially unregulated for four years. Would you be surprised to learn that the industry has made generous donations to lawmakers in both parties during that time?

Why don't parents know about the use of force by school district police departments?

The Republican Governors Association meeting in Texas sounded nothing like a tea party.

Finally, Billy Hamilton and Dale Craymer weighed in on the state of the state budget (not good).