The Brief: Oct. 11, 2013
A down-ballot dispute over in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants has spilled into the governor's race. Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
TCEQ: Judge Wrongly Said the State Should Protect the Atmosphere
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is appealing a lawsuit that it has already won — and that was filed by children. Environmental advocates say the case is a waste of state resources. Full Story
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![Steam rises from the stacks at the Martin Lake Coal-Fired Power Plant in Tatum, TX March 30, 2011.]()
Credit: Tom Pennington -
Celebrating Their Wendish Heritage, Festival and All
More than 150 years after about 500 Wendish people came to Texas on a ship called the Ben Nevis, descendants of those immigrants and of others are striving to maintain their culture, customs and heritage. Full Story
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![A German-language service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin, Texas, founded by Wendish immigrants.]()
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Abbott Urges Reform, Not Repeal, of DREAM Act
While other Republicans make noise about repealing the law that lets young undocumented immigrants pay in-state tuition rates, the front-running GOP candidate for governor has been silent on the issue. Aides say he wants to reform the law — not repeal it. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Cornyn Tries to Make His Own Political Luck
The state's senior U.S. senator is up for re-election and drawing criticism from the Republican Party's right wing — but John Cornyn might get out of 2014 without serious opposition. Full Story
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TxDOT to Crack Down on Toll Road Scofflaws
Armed with new legislation, the Texas Department of Transportation is starting to put more pressure on the tens of thousands of drivers who use toll roads without paying. On Oct. 17, the names of habitual offenders will be made public. Full Story
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![Interstate 45 Gulf Freeway's HOV and Toll lanes exit into Metro's Eastowood Transit Center in Houston Friday, October 19, 2012.]()
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Environmentalists Push for Access to Well Sites
Giving researchers access to well sites would boost the credibility of the the oil and gas industry's claims that it is protecting the state's air and water, environmentalists say. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: Oct. 10, 2013
Your evening reading: Cruz supports six-week debt ceiling hike; Republicans to hold fundraiser for Texas Women's Health Program; federal government to fine West plant company Full Story
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![U.S. Ted Cruz speaking at the 2013 Young Americans for Liberty National Convention at George Mason University in Arlington, Va.]()
Credit: Gage Skidmore -
Guest Column: Beware the "Ministry of Truth"
The battle between top legislators and a regent at the University of Texas System might look like a sideshow, but the consequences to open government — not to mention the waste of money — are more serious. Full Story
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Polling Center: Clear Demographics, Unclear Politics
Sages in both political parties say they are the natural ideological allies of the rising Hispanic population in Texas. But while the demographic trends are undeniable, the political meaning behind them is cloudy. Full Story
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Mexican Exiles Speak Out Against Claims They're Gaming Asylum System
As lawmakers in Washington call for a review of how asylum law pertains to Mexicans seeking protection, one Mexican exile is embarking on his own public relations campaign. Full Story
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TribuneFest: Audio From the Energy Track
The energy track at The Texas Tribune Festival featured discussions about regulation, the shale boom, energy efficiency and the fight over electricity. You can hear the sessions here. Full Story
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Credit: Spencer Selvidge -
Researchers: Politics Obscure the Results of New Fracking Study
University of Texas scientists who led a study of methane gas emissions say both sides of the fracking debate are misinterpreting the results of the report. Full Story
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In Texas, a Struggle to Get Schools to Identify Dyslexia
School districts in Texas are required to provide accommodations and services to students diagnosed with dyslexia. But getting districts to recognize a student's learning disability can sometimes prove challenging. Full Story
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The Brief: Oct. 10, 2013
More than a week into the government shutdown, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn sees a potential end in sight. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: Oct. 9, 2013
Your evening reading: national Republicans launch Hispanic outreach effort in Texas; Battleground Texas moving key staffers to Fort Worth; TxDOT may get extra funding for damaged roads Full Story
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![Greg Abbott at a rally in Wichita Falls on July 16, 2013.]()
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Abbott Gets Boost From National Republicans in Effort to Reach Hispanics
Attorney General Greg Abbott, the GOP front-runner for governor, is getting help from the Republican National Committee to reach Hispanic voters in Texas. Full Story
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TxDOT May Get Extra Money for Damaged Roads
State lawmakers are expected to give the Texas Department of Transportation an extra $250 million for work in counties affected by the drilling boom, but that likely won't stop some paved roads from being converted to gravel. Full Story
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![A driver maneuvers around a badly damaged portion of the IH 37 frontage road south of FM 99 in Live Oak County, TX on Firday, August 16, 2013]()
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TribCast: Shutdown, Tutoring and In-State Squabbles
Reeve, Morgan, Evan and Ben discuss the government shutdown and what it means for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, what went wrong with a tutoring program in Texas, and recent arguments over in-state tuition for immigrants in the race for lieutenant governor. Full Story
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Texas Drops Two Spots in National Business Tax Ranking
Texas dropped two spots, from ninth to 11th, on the Tax Foundation's widely cited State Business Tax Climate Index. But the index did not factor changes lawmakers made to the franchise tax this year. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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