The Midday Brief: Top Texas Headlines for March 2, 2011

Your afternoon reading:

• "The anti-abortion group Operation Rescue held a press conference today alleging “widespread abortion abuses in the entire state of Texas,” according to the organization’s president, Troy Newman." — Anti-abortion group alleges ‘widespread abortion abuses’, Postcards

• "Solar panel bills met a dimmer fate than expected this morning, suggesting even the least controversial homeowners association bills will face challenges this session." — Solar panel bills get little light in Senate committee, Trail Blazers

• "Conservative groups told state lawmakers that a bill meant to prevent cyberbullying in schools may result in special protection for gay students." — Conservative groups claim bullying bill is about gay rights, Trail Blazers

• "Aggies on Tuesday shot down an effort to support concealed-carry legislation, voting like they did two years ago, this time opposing it with 57 percent of more than 13,600 votes cast." — Aggies reject guns on campus, The Eagle

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "House lawmakers have launched into debate over their version of an abortion sonogram bill, and the gloves are off. Democrats even brought a sonogram probe up to the dais." — House Debates Abortion Sonogram — in Graphic Detail

• "Lighting up in bars, restaurants or other workplaces across Texas will be a way of the past if state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Lake Dallas, gets her way. Crownover has again introduced a bill that would prohibit smoking in indoor areas of most businesses, health care facilities and sporting venues." — Experts, Business Owners Weigh In on Smoking Ban

• The Houston neurosurgeon, author and frequent health care adviser to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on his support for the individual insurance mandate, why cutting provider rates to rescue the budget is misguided and how far Texas would trim Medicaid if given the permission. — Guy Clifton: The TT Interview