The Academic Building at Texas A&M University was about to have its name changed to the "Governor Rick Perry ’72 Building," but the governor declined the honor. This inspired the first song on this week's playlist: "My Name" by Kevin Morby. Full Story
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The best of our best content from Dec. 15-19, 2014. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry on Friday fired HHSC Inspector General Doug Wilson as fallout widened from the selection of a relatively unknown company for a $110 million Medicaid fraud software contract. Full Story
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Incoming Comptroller Glenn Hegar is on the hot seat as a nosedive in crude oil prices – and the increasingly gloomy forecasts that have followed – cast a pall over the next legislative session. Full Story
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A Rio Grande City teacher acquitted on charges of having an improper relationship with a student may remain in the classroom as he continues to appeal the revocation of his teacher certificate, the Texas Supreme Court ruled on Friday. Full Story
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Federal immigration agents apprehended nearly 97,000 more people trying to enter the U.S. illegally through Texas’ southern border during the 2014 fiscal year than they did in 2013, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Friday. Full Story
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Since capital punishment was reinstated by the Supreme Court in 1976, the cost of carrying out a death penalty trial has risen steadily. Full Story
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Starting next month, we'll offer daily afternoon email blasts on the scuttlebutt in the Capitol to subscribers of Texas Weekly, our paid newsletter for insiders. Need another incentive to subscribe? We'll throw in a digital subscription to The Washington Post. Full Story
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When an out-of-state retailer doesn't add Texas sales and use taxes to your bill, it's not because no taxes are owed — and it's not because the retailer is doing something illegal. Texas consumers fail to pay almost $1.8 billion annually. Full Story
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Texas Tech University expelled Tim Cole after he was arrested in 1985 and charged with rape. Cole died in prison, but DNA evidence cleared the way for a posthumous pardon in 2009. Now there's a push for Tech to award Cole an honorary degree. Full Story
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Next year will mark the fifth legislative session in a row where Texas lawmakers have considered a statewide ban on smoking in public places. More than 100 Texas cities haven't waited for them, despite pushback from some businesses. Full Story
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Perry orders up three special elections for just after the New Year and grassroots conservatives push to clean up Austin with their legislative agenda: All that and more in the latest issue of our subscriber-only newsletter for political insiders ($). Full Story
Is Texas in danger of recession next year because of the current swoon in oil prices? An economist with J.P. Morgan Chase is raising an early warning flag about that possibility. Full Story
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Texas' outgoing governor told Texas A&M graduates on Thursday evening that he needs a job, too — preferably one with a big jet and travel to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Full Story
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State Sen. John Whitmire asked the state's public integrity unit on Thursday to investigate deals between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and 21 Century Technologies. Full Story
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Just a few years ago, Texas was shipping millions of dollars in food and goods to Cuba. The White House's decision to ease sanctions could reignite the state's once-flourishing economic ties with the island nation. Full Story
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UPDATED: Gov. Rick Perry's office confirmed Thursday that Perry has declined the offer of having Texas A&M University's Academic Building named after him. Full Story
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Full video of my 12/18 conversation with U.S. Rep.-elect Will Hurd, R-San Antonio, who talked about the CIA torture report, Cuba, the Sony hack, border security, the Aggie Bonfire and more. Full Story
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We're pleased to announce a wide-ranging content and marketing partnership with The Washington Post. Starting Jan. 1, we'll share stories, collaborate on reporting, co-brand and co-produce events and expand our respective audiences in Texas and D.C. Full Story
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The Railroad Commission wants to beef up oversight of oil and gas wells in cities, and ease tension between the industry and the growing number of urban Texans living next to well pads, compressor stations and disposal wells. Full Story
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