The Midday Brief: March 22, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

“Texas will join other states in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of federal health care legislation as soon as President Barack Obama signs the bill, Attorney General Greg Abbott said.” — Abbott: Texas to challenge health care overhaul — Austin American-Statesman

“The opening salvos in the governor's race have focused on the government finances and budgeting. And strategists in both camps agree that mud on the subject might be slung all the way to November.” — Governor's race may focus heavily on spending— San Antonio Express-News

With the House set to vote on health-care legislation, the congressional debate on the issue seems to be nearing its conclusion. But if the bill does become law, the battle over federal control of health care will inevitably shift to the courts. — Is health-care reform constitutional? — Washington Post

“State transportation officials are worried that a first-of-its-kind intersection in Plano could cause widespread driver confusion when it opens this summer.” — Officials worry that 'Michigan left turn' at Plano intersection will confuse drivers — Dallas Morning News

The pre-dawn discovery of two bodies cut into pieces and shoved into two black bags brought a tragic end Monday to a search for two missing police officers in the southern state of Guerrero.—  Grisly find in Mexico: Dismembered police officers — The Associated Press

New in the Texas Tribune:

“The House Chamber is a place of decorum and respect.  The timing and tone of my comment last night was inappropriate.” — TribBlog: Neugebauer Shouted "Baby Killer"

“Reducing peak demand is important because some power plants get turned on only to help meet the peak, and keeping them off would save money.” — Investing in Efficiency

“Border mayors, sheriffs and other elected officials say Perry did not consult with them before announcing that he was activating the first phase of the spillover plan.”  — Spillover Politics