The Midday Brief: March 17, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

“The calculation he touts doesn't consider crimes committed in cities and towns where most border residents live.” — Perry bizarrely still claiming 60% drop in border crime — Grits for Breakfast

“Investigators said they are looking into many theories about the slayings, including one that suggests the killers might have made a mistake when they targeted the victims.” — Officials expect arrest in consulate-linked killings in Juárez – El Paso Times

“Its clients include classical, ethnic and pop musicians from around the world, but come March, the Tamizdat office is a bottleneck for bands on their way to Austin.” — Bridge Over the Visa Moat for Musicians Trying to Enter the U.S. — New York Times

“The University of Texas 'has a law school and a lot of politicians come out of a legal education background, but A&M doesn't have that,' Wentworth said. 'But their loyalty is unsurpassed.'” — A&M ties play major role in runoff — San Antonio Express-News

“Assuming Gov. Rick Perry receives the resignation as anticipated, he will have eight days to call a special election to fill the remainder of Averitt’s term, according to a spokesman for the secretary of state’s office.” — David Sibley says he will run in special election for Kip Averitt's state Senate seat — Waco Tribune-Herald

“Air Force Maj. Curtis Daniel Miller of Palacios was killed in action during the Vietnam War, when the gunship he was a passenger on was struck by enemy fire during an armed reconnaissance mission over southern Laos.” — Pentagon identifies remains of Texas officer missing since Vietnam War ­— Houston Chronicle