Basically, Texas has its own grid to avoid dealing with — you guessed it — the feds. But grid independence has been violated a few times over the years — not even counting Mexico’s help during blackouts in 2011.
February 2011
Hispanic Lawmakers Spar Over Politics of Race, Education
Protecting education and recognizing that the rapidly growing Hispanic population will gain a major political voice in Texas were themes that emerged Monday at the Tribune’s “New Day Rising” forum.
TWIA Calls Emergency Meeting on Oversight
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association called an emergency board meeting this afternoon to discuss the Texas Department of Insurance’s decision to put the agency on administrative oversight.
Rev. Carroll Pickett: The TT Interview
Rev. Carroll Pickett holds the world record for witnessing the most state executions as a chaplain. He saw 95 men die by lethal injection during his career as the death house chaplain.
Are Texas Hispanics Up for Grabs?
Republican analysts said at today’s Texas Tribune “New Day Rising” forum that as Texas’ Hispanic population continues to surge, its traditionally Democratic electorate is more and more up for grabs.
Texplainer: Are Illegal Immigrants Importing Illness?
In a recent Tribune article, state Rep. Leo Berman alleged that illegal immigrants are bringing infectious diseases into Texas. Is he right?
Rev. Carroll Pickett: The TT Interview
The onetime death house chaplain on what it was like to witness the most state executions of anyone in his job (95, by lethal injection), what changed his mind about the death penalty and why lawmakers should continue to fund the chaplain program.
The Midday Brief: Top Texas Headlines for Feb. 28, 2011
Your afternoon reading: Pitts bill draws on Rainy Day Fund; forensic science chairman approved; freed man sues state of Texas
Exoneree Sues to Clear Name, Get Compensation
Anthony Graves, who was freed from jail this year after spending 18 years behind bars for brutal murders he did not commit, sued the state of Texas today to officially clear his name and to force the Texas comptroller to pay him for the time he was wrongfully imprisoned.
Forensic Commissioners Answer to Legislators
The Senate Nominations Committee voted 4-2 today to recommend approval of the state forensic board Chairman John Bradley’s appointment. Sens. José Rodríguez and Kirk Watson voted against Bradley’s nomination.

