The Midday Brief: July 6, 2011

Your afternoon reading:

• "A federal judge today offered little indication how he will rule on a request for an injunction to stop Texas from implementing a strict sonogram law requiring doctors to provide images of a fetus and sounds of a heartbeat before performing an abortion." — Judge hears arguments on sonogram law, San Antonio Express-News

• "The letter that anti-gay activist David Wilson sent out last month outlining what he calls Mayor Annise Parker’s 'homosexual agenda' is being used by Parker to solicit donations nationwide for her re-election campaign." — Parker uses letter directed against her to raise cash, Houston Chronicle

• "On Thursday, Texas is scheduled to execute its seventh prisoner this year. While anti-death penalty advocates have rallied against all the executions, this particular case has also drawn protests from former judges and diplomats, the UN, and the Obama administration — not out of opposition to capital punishment, but concern for America's place in the international community." — In Texas, a Death Penalty Showdown With International Law, The Atlantic

• "Taking a cue from the Legislature, the Public Utility Commission of Texas has dropped a proposal that would have mandated that electricity generators buy renewable energy other than wind." — Utility commission drops plan for renewable energy mandate, Austin American-Statesman

• "Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who is considering a run for president, is working from home in Austin after minor surgery on his back, a spokesman for the governor said on Wednesday." — Texas Governor Perry recovering after back surgery, Reuters

• "Economic, demographic and social changes in Mexico are suppressing illegal immigration as much as the poor economy or legal crackdowns in the United States." — Better Lives for Mexicans Cut Allure of Going North, The New York Times

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "It may be a bad year for hunters: The number of wild turkeys, quail and even squirrels will be down due to one of the worst droughts in state history. One bright spot is that feral hogs, a statewide nuisance, will also decrease." — Lengthy Drought Takes Toll on Wildlife