The Midday Brief: July 29, 2011

Your afternoon reading:

• "About an hour into the fifth day of his sexual assault trial, Warren Jeffs broke his silence when the prosecution attempted to submit as evidence a 2004 list of the names of his wives and family at the Yearning for Zion Ranch." — Jeffs delivers 55-minute objection speech, San Angelo Standard-Times

• "An adviser on another Republican campaign wisecracked to me: 'So, the governor was "fine with" gay marriage before he was "not fine" with it. As Perry thinks about tossing his cowboy hat in the ring, everyone will see that this is just one in a Texas-sized string of flip-flops.' You can see the attack ads now." — Perry snared by gay marriage issue, The Washington Post
  

New in The Texas Tribune:

• "The Texas Forensic Science Commission’s investigation of the science used to convict Cameron Todd Willingham may be at an end after the state’s top attorney ruled that the panel cannot consider evidence in cases older than 2005." — AG Ruling May Spell End of Willingham Investigation
  

• "Texas may have two well-known Republican candidates running for president, and some say Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Rep. Ron Paul are 'diametrically opposed' to one another. The real battle between them isn't over money. It's over ideas." — Video: Rick Perry vs. Ron Paul

• "As cash-strapped public schools attempt to squeeze every possible dollar out of their budgets, an unpleasant reality awaits parents: They will most likely have to pay for programs and services that schools once provided for free." — Fees for Students Redefine "Free" Public School