The Midday Brief: May 12, 2010

Your afternoon reading.

“Ortiz, who was wearing a jersey from a Mexican soccer team, said the teacher told him to sit in the front row. She proceeded to single him out repeatedly, Ortiz said, pointing at him as she made comments like, ‘The Mexicans with their attitudes are the racist ones. “ — Teacher's alleged remarks spur removal — San Antonio Express-News

“They also said BP PLC and other documents also indicated confusion over whether poor pipe integrity was allowing methane gas to leak into the well just hours before the explosion that killed 11 workers and blew the well open.” — Investigators: Leak caused well device to fail — The Dallas Morning News

“It's strange enough to meet grassroots candidates in a center of establishment politics. But much more surprising was the receiving line waiting to welcome the "every-man" candidates to their new political home: Everyone from the governor and the Speaker of the House to the head of the state Republican party came to meet these Tea Party-ers.” — A Rather Fancy Tea Party — Texas Observer

“ ‘I’ve known her for most of her adult life and I know she’s straight,’ said Sarah Walzer, Kagan’s roommate in law school and a close friend since then.” — Elena Kagan's friends: She's not gay — Politico

“Journalists have been a frequent target of violence in Mexico. Many reporters have been killed or attacked, and others have opted to leave the country.” — Insurers refuse to cover journalists working in Ciudad Juárez — Journalism in the Americas blog

New in the Texas Tribune:

“Gambling could bring in some money, particularly in the budget after next, and has some proponents. Dewhurst isn't one of them. "I don't think there's a need to consider that … [and] I am personally opposed to expanding gambling." — TribBlog: Dewhurst Predicts No Tax Hikes or Gaming

“But like a higher education version of Washington D.C.’s non-voting member of Congress he has no power beyond that of persuasion. He's the embodiment of education without representation.” — A Voice But No Vote