The Midday Brief: April 13, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

Perry, who serves on the board, opposes placing metal detectors and X-ray machines at the Capitol's four public entrances. But he was overruled Tuesday in a majority vote by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and other board members. — Texas Capitol to get metal detectors — Associated Press

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus III’s family could earn tens of millions of dollars if lawmakers and voters agree to let racetracks install slot machines.  The magnitude of the payout is spelled out in a pending lawsuit in Dallas County. It’s unusual—even in Texas—to encounter a single piece of legislation that has the potential to put millions of dollars in the pocket of a top state leader. — Speaker Straus’ Other Horse Race — Texas Observer

There are two options before the board. Both would keep the expansion on the west side of the mansion and would not be noticeable from the front of the 153-year-old Greek Revival-style mansion. The smaller option would add 380 square feet on each of two floors. The larger option would add 800 square feet upstairs and 650 square feet on the ground floor. — Expansion scaled down for Governnor's Mansion — Houston Chronicle

Frustrated by recent political setbacks, Tea Party leaders and some conservative members of the Oklahoma Legislature say they would like to create a new volunteer militia to help defend against what they believe are improper federal infringements on state sovereignty. — Tea Party asks Oklahoma Legislature for support in forming militia — Associated Press

New in the Texas Tribune:

The vast majority have little knowledge of the law or interest in navigating their case through the complex legal system. They simply can’t afford a lawyer, and Legal Aid in Texas only serves those who earn up to a mere 125 percent above the poverty line. — Going It Alone

Just days after the majority of military troops deployed to patrol the streets of the most violent city in the Americas withdrew, the city’s mayor concedes his local police force is still infiltrated with elements of organized crime.  — TribBlog: Juarez Mayor Says Local Police Still Corrupted

Juárez Mayor Jose Reyes Ferriz addresses rampant rumors that he's found a home in El Paso instead of living in his violence-ridden city. In an excerpt of an interview with Tribune reporters Brandi Grissom and Julian Aguilar, Reyes Ferriz blames the media for the residency questions. — Video: Juarez Mayor Denies He's Living in Texas