The U.S. Supreme Court declined a request to stay the execution of Marvin Wilson scheduled for this evening. Wilson’s lawyers argue that he is mentally disabled and should be exempted from the death penalty.
Aug 7, 2012 5:17 pm
Posted inState Government
The Evening Brief: Aug. 7, 2012
Your evening reading: Cruz, teaming with Romney, says Obama wants to keep poor people “trapped in dependency”; Steinbeck’s son jumps into Texas death penalty debate; family physicians group endorses Davis
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Inside Intelligence
Inside Intelligence: Runoff Fallout
For this week’s nonscientific survey of political and governmental insiders, we asked about the fallout of the election, what it did to the clout of various leaders, and let the insiders play pundit.
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Public Education
Michael Brick: The TT Interview
The author of a new book that investigates what communities lose when schools are shuttered talks about standardized testing and how students, teachers and parents cope with testing pressures.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: Aug. 7, 2012
A week later, the forces that helped push Ted Cruz to victory already face another test.
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Criminal Justice
Surprise Inspections of Juvenile Facilities Reveal Areas for Improvement
Last month, inspectors conducted surprise safety and security reviews at the state’s secure juvenile facilities. Among the findings: lax security procedures and problems with documentation.
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Energy
Concerns Over Air Pollution Weigh on Fracking Industry
Oil and gas production has soared in Texas since the introduction of the mining technique called hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” But the boom in production has also raised concerns about air pollution.
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Energy
Study Links Gas Drilling to Earthquakes in Texas
Texans living near the Dallas-Fort Worth drilling area called the Barnett Shale may have recently noticed some tremors under their feet. A new study out this week from the University of Texas names the oil and gas industry as the culprit.
Posted inState Government
USPS to Honor Lady Bird Johnson With Commemorative Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service is recognizing Lady Bird Johnson’s centennial with the release of a commemorative stamp featuring her White House portrait, making her one of only five first ladies to be featured on postage.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: Cost Per Vote in the 2012 Texas Runoffs
State candidates spent $5 million in their bids for a party nomination. Some got more for their money than others. Use our interactive to see where candidates ranked in spending per vote.