The Midday Brief: March 18, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

“The House remains closely divided between 77 Republicans and 73 Democrats. But a number of big and small events recently suggest more success for the speaker.” — Straus well-positioned to repeat as speaker — Austin American-Statesman

“Why have Democrats been so successful? It is not because our candidates are the darlings of corporate special interests seeking favors and money from state government.” — Veasey: Democrats making gains in Texas House — Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“The author begins his piece with the observation that 'Paul Burka is no admirer of conservatives….' He is quite right. Nor am I an admirer of liberals.” — “Bad” Review — Texas Monthly

“Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said there's a threat of spillover violence in the United States, and he's seeking a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to determine the danger to Americans.” — Texas senators urge Obama to beef up border security — San Antonio Express-News

“The number of newly laid-off workers requesting jobless benefits fell slightly last week for the third straight time. But initial claims remain above levels that would signal net job gains.” —  Economic mixed bag: No inflation but little hiring — The Dallas Morning News

“ ‘The El Paso law enforcement community has come together today to locate Barrio Azteca members as part of a major intelligence collection effort,’ said Special Agent Andrea Simmons, spokeswoman for the FBI in El Paso. ‘This surge is being done to generate leads regarding the ongoing investigation into Saturday's murders,’ Simmons said.” — Gang sweep seeks leads on Juarez killings  — El Paso Times