The Brief: Nov. 27, 2013
The Obama administration said on Tuesday it is taking action to curtail the growing influence of "dark money" in U.S. politics. Full Story
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Prosecutors Prepare to Open Their Files
As 2014 approaches, Texas district and county attorneys are preparing to implement a new law that aims to prevent wrongful convictions by requiring prosecutors to open their files to defense lawyers. Full Story
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![Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signs Senate Bill 1611, known as the Michael Morton Act, which requires prosecutors to disclose evidence in criminal cases. Morton served nearly 25 years in prison for his wife's murder before he was exonerated in 2011.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
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The Evening Brief: Nov. 26, 2013
Your evening reading: gun advocates find hope in Abbott's open-carry proposal; O'Rourke stock purchase might have broken new restrictions; IRS issues new guidelines to squeeze dark-money groups Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott speaking before a NE Tarrant Tea Party meeting at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Bedford TX. Abbott is seeking to become the next governor of Texas.]()
Credit: Mark Graham -
Inside Intelligence: About the State of the Parties...
For this week’s nonscientific survey of insiders in politics and government, we asked about state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte’s effect on the Democratic ticket, when Republicans will win a majority of Hispanics and how the primaries foretell the future. Full Story
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Guest Column: The 2013 Senate, From Left to Right
How Texas state senators rank, from liberal to conservative, based on nearly 1,000 nonlopsided votes during the regular and special legislative sessions in 2013. Full Story
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Credit: Tommy LaVergne of Rice University -
Open-Carry Advocates See Hope in Abbott Proposal
If the state's Republican leadership succeeds, Texans could find themselves growing accustomed to the sight of openly carried handguns. Full Story
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Dispute Tied to Border Bridge Persists, but 2011 Deal May Offer Opening
A 2011 settlement between U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Union Pacific could play a role in ending the current stalemate over the transfer of a Cameron County rail scanning machine. Full Story
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![The uncompleted new international railroad bridge near Brownsville passes over the border fence and US 281 before crossing the Rio Grande.]()
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The Brief: Nov. 26, 2013
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn was in fence-mending mode with conservative gadfly Glenn Beck on Monday Full Story
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Funding Woes Imperil Future of State Parks
The struggle to secure funding and land for state parks in Texas dates back to the early 1900s. Today, as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department marks the end of its 50th year in operation, the struggle continues. Full Story
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On Capacity Market Decision, Lawmakers Question PUC's Authority
At a contentious hearing on Monday, lawmakers expressed skepticism about transforming Texas' wholesale energy market in an attempt to ensure the long-term reliability of the state's electric grid. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Evening Brief: Nov. 25, 2013
Your evening reading: the changing face of Fort Bend County; fears of bigger voter ID headaches to come; noted D.C. political pundit weighs in on Wendy Davis' chances Full Story
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Ethics Commission Chief Leaves for CPRIT
David Reisman, the executive director of the Texas Ethics Commission, will become the chief compliance officer of the embattled Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, officials confirmed on Monday. Full Story
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Two Texas GOP Senators, Two Very Different Styles
The state's two U.S. senators couldn't be more different — at least on the surface. They've done it in different ways and at different speeds, but both John Cornyn and Ted Cruz are near the center of national politics. Full Story
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![Republican U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (l) and John Cornyn]()
Credit: Jamelle Bouie / Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
The Brief: Nov. 25, 2013
State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte launched her campaign for lite guv with a line of argument sure not to be repeated by her counterparts on the GOP side of the contest. Full Story
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![State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte speaking to press during a visit to a phone bank in Austin.]()
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Slideshow: The Diversity of Fort Bend County
Use this slideshow to look at Fort Bend County, which is the nation's most ethnically diverse county, according to a Rice University sociology professor. Full Story
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![BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Stafford, is surrounded by apartments and suburban homes.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Fort Bend County, the Picture of Ethnic Diversity
Fort Bend has been called the most ethnically diverse county in America, with a population that comes close to an equal division among blacks, whites, Asians and Latinos. Full Story
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![Jaanvi Sabharwal's hands were decorated with henna for an Indian wedding she attended in Sugar Land. She was visiting from Toronto.]()
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Women-Led Ticket Highlights Democrats' Suburban Voter Efforts
Democrats seeking a return to the Texas Governor's Mansion are betting on the suburbs — and, in particular, on the women there. Full Story
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![State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte announcing her run for lieutenant governor at San Antonio College on Nov. 23, 2013.]()
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Injured Worker's Ex-Employer Denies Retaliation
UPDATED: A 19-year-old Honduran injured on the job is at the center of a workplace safety controversy. The Workers Defense Project says he was fired for speaking to investigators. His former employer says the firing was unrelated. Full Story
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![The Workers Defense Project and Iron Workers Union organized a demonstration Nov. 23, 2013.]()
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The Playlist: Just a Game
A planned — and quickly canceled — game of "catch an illegal immigrant" at the University of Texas at Austin caused an uproar this week, so we begin our weekly news-based playlist with Birdy's "Just a Game." Full Story
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