The Midday Brief: January 22, 2010

YOUR AFTERNOON READING

•“Texas employers cut payrolls by 23,900 jobs in December after two months of adding jobs, and the state unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent from 8 percent in November, according to data released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.”– Texas loses 23,900 jobs in December; unemployment rate rises to 8.3 percent – The Dallas Morning News

• “For six decades, big businesses and unions have been forbidden by federal law from contributing money to political campaigns. The law has prevented special interests from dominating our politics. But perhaps no more.” – A Stunner from the Supreme Court – The Texas Observer

• “US military chief Gen David Petraeus, said the practice of scripture references was "disturbing" and "a serious concern." – U.S. firm to remove Biblical references on gunsights – BBC

• “According to new data from the Center for American Progress, a think-tank, the cost of apprehending immigrants is rising.” – Building a Wall – The Economist

• “For college chancellors and presidents, the "salary" is often just the beginning of the haul, which can include free cars and houses and deferred compensation packages.” TribBlog: Paycheck U – Texas Tribune