The Brief: July 20, 2012
With early voting starting Monday, the U.S. Senate race is finally heading into the home stretch. Full Story
With early voting starting Monday, the U.S. Senate race is finally heading into the home stretch. Full Story
Though Texas has partly recovered from extreme drought conditions thanks to heavy rains, the Midwest is enduring one of its worst dry spells in decades. And as conditions in the Midwest drive food prices up, some say Texas farmers stand to benefit. Full Story
Medicaid fraud officials have won rave reviews for a new dollar-recovery strategy that lets them freeze funding to accused health providers while they pursue an investigation. But some doctors and dentists say there's no due process. Full Story
Texas likes to be No. 1 at everything. But the state is last when it comes to the reliability of our electrical system, according to a recent assessment by an outside group. Can higher prices and conservation solve the problem? Full Story
Two smokestacks in El Paso — remnants of the smelting company ASARCO — remind many residents of a legacy of environmental damage. But to a local group, the stacks, now slated for demolition, are landmarks worth saving. Full Story
U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano had a heated exchange Thursday at a hearing after Napolitano took issue with accusations she said are being made against people solely because they are Muslim. Full Story
Your evening reading: Cruz, Dewhurst agree to another debate; Texas executes first inmate using one-drug injection; new Dewhurst ad says Cruz "lost control" during radio show Full Story
Ted Cruz has argued more cases before the U.S. Supreme Court than any practicing lawyer in Texas, reporter Aman Batheja explains. And reporter Morgan Smith discusses how to track Texas schools with the Tribune's Public Schools Explorer. Full Story
President Obama’s decision to grant deferred action to thousands of immigrants eligible for deportation was in the spotlight again Thursday, as members of Texas’ congressional delegation either admonished or applauded the move in statements. Full Story
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz will participate in a third televised debate on Monday in Houston. Full Story
Houston Mayor Annise Parker stopped by Comedy Central's The Colbert Report on Wednesday night to talk about the secret to the city's strong economy. Full Story
The outgoing president of Texas Tech University talks about tier-one status, the challenges and benefits of being in Lubbock, and football coach Mike Leach. Full Story
Though they've been battling publicly for months, seeds of tension between Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst may have been planted years ago. Full Story
Take a look at our interactive table to compare family planning providers who contracted with the state in fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and see how their funding levels have changed. Full Story
From the evolution of state and federally subsidized contraception to the battle over Planned Parenthood to the cost of unplanned pregnancies, this six-part series is the most comprehensive look yet at the politics of reproductive health in Texas. Full Story
Use our interactive map to chart the locations of health care providers participating in Texas' Women's Health Program. Flip through various map styles to compare women's health statistics statewide, or get a video tutorial here. Full Story
In 2009, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst invited Ted Cruz to help with the voter ID debate in the Texas Senate. What followed was a nearly $50,000 bill and an eventual payment of $10,000 for the legal services. Full Story
Reeve, Brandi, Jay and Jim parse Gov. Rick Perry's comments on Mitt Romney's tax returns, review the U.S. Senate debate and discuss the issue of prosecutorial misconduct. Full Story
The director of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission told lawmakers on Wednesday that the agency is working on plans to make obtaining a beer or liquor license simpler and faster. Full Story
Your evening reading: new ads go after Cruz's ties to client involved in corruption scandal; Governor's Mansion restoration complete; Adelson aiding Dewhurst Full Story