The Evening Brief: May 4, 2012

New in The Texas Tribune:

• In Court Reversal, Planned Parenthood May Stay in Women's Health Program: "The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed the emergency stay it granted to the state of Texas on Tuesday, meaning that the Texas Health and Human Services Commisssion may not begin excluding Planned Parenthood clinics from the Women's Health Program while a lawsuit on the matter is pending in district court."

• Straus Snags Endorsements From Anti-Abortion Groups: "House Speaker Joe Straus, a frequent target of conservatives within his own Republican Party, is rolling out endorsements from two anti-abortion groups today — including one that previously opposed his continued reign of the state House."

• Hancock, Smith Focus on Road Funding in Bid to Replace State Sen. Harris: "How to pay for the state's transportation needs has emerged as a key issue in the open state Senate District 9 primary race between Republican state Reps. Kelly Hancock and Todd Smith."

Culled:

• Texas Representatives encourage asylum for blind Chinese activist (Houston Chronicle): "Several Texas legislators have taken a stand in the on-going debate involving a blind Chinese activist who, fearing for the safety of himself and his family, is attempting to come to America. Austin Republican Rep. Michael McCaul has co-authored a letter asking Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is currently visiting China, to grant humanitarian parole and then asylum to the activist Chen Guangcheng and his family."

• First Lady Michelle Obama coming to Dallas to raise $, pitch fitness with Olympians (The Dallas Morning News): "First lady Michelle Obama will be in Dallas on Monday May 14, raising campaign cash and pitching her 'Let's Move' initiative with Olympics and Paralympics athletes."