The Evening Brief: June 24, 2013

New in the Texas Tribune:

· Liveblog: Abortion, Protests, Redistricting as Special Session Nears End: Updates from the Texas Legislature as lawmakers races against the clock to approve — or block — legislation on abortion, transportation, and juvenile justice.

· U.S. Senators Prepare for Key Vote on Immigration Bill: “The U.S. Senate is scheduled to cast key votes on Monday on a comprehensive immigration reform bill, including action on a border-enforcement amendment that many say is the glue holding the compromise together.”

· Supreme Court Remands Fisher Case to Lower Court: “University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers said the school was ‘encouraged’ by a U.S. Supreme Court decision to send a high-profile case regarding the use of race in admissions back to the Fifth Circuit court.”

· Slideshow: Scenes from Abortion Debate at Capitol: “Activists on both sides of the controversial abortion legislation under consideration in the Legislature this weekend came from across the state to fill the Capitol.”

· Abbott Releases Bio Video on "Perseverance”:  “In a new video biography narrated by former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, Attorney General Greg Abbott — widely believed to be running for governor — talks about the accident that paralyzed him.”

·Pitts Files Resolution to Impeach UT Regent Hall:House Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie, filed a resolution to impeach University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall on Monday.

· Mexican Bikers Make Trek to the Lone Star State: “A group of motorcycle enthusiasts from Mexico make the trek to Texas to add their own signature to a truly American experience: the Republic of Texas Biker Rally.”

Culled:

Texas abortion bill sponsor doesn’t know what a rape kit is (Salon): Jodie Laubenberg thinks rape kits are the same thing as abortions, says they allow women to "get cleaned out."

Commentary: Rick Perry’s anti-regulation zeal may bring business to Texas, but it also risks Texans’ safety (Houston Chronicle): “As Gov. Rick Perry touts the Texas Miracle to lure businesses from New York, Sen. Barbara Boxer will hold a hearing this week on the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. But back home in Texas where 16 fertilizer plants are as large as the one in West, officials are putting the lazy in laissez-faire by adopting a voluntary ‘fertilizer happens’ plan.”

Texas tackles its water woes amid reminders of continuing problems (Texas Climate News): Recent events demonstrated Texas’ heightened resolve to deal with its drought-aggravated water-supply issues, while other developments – including Friday’s cancellation of an embattled coal-plant proposal near Abilene – have underscored those issues’ complexity and the challenging impacts of continuing water shortages.