The state Senate last week voted overwhelmingly in favor of legislation that would expand the number of charter school licenses in Texas, but the bill faces challenges in the House — and strong opposition from some teachers' groups. Full Story
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In Texas, private lawyers can receive millions of dollars for winning big lawsuits filed on behalf of counties against companies that pollute. But state lawmakers may soon put an end to that. Full Story
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With the death this weekend of Houston homebuilder Bob Perry, Texas Republicans lost one of their stalwarts, and one of their biggest and most reliable donors. So did a few Democrats. Full Story
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After initial hopes of harmony on immigration reforms in both Austin and Washington, Texas lawmakers are holding back and Texans in Washington are taking opposing tacks on border security. Full Story
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A new report out Tuesday urges lawmakers to reduce penalties for prostitution and send more defendants to diversion and intervention programs. Advocates argue it will save the state money. Full Story
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With the legislative clock starting to tick, Gov. Rick Perry on Monday tasked state lawmakers with business tax relief. Full Story
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On the latest Agenda Texas, from KUT News and the Tribune: A guide to the week ahead in the Legislature, which is set to debate bills on guns in schools and the Texas Ethics Commission. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Perry calls for $1.6 billion in business tax relief; George P. Bush jabs at Obama in new campaign video; Perry launches ad campaign targeting Illinois businesses Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry unveiled a four-point, $1.6 billion business tax relief plan Monday that includes an across-the-board rate reduction of the business franchise tax. Full Story
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UPDATED: The Texas Senate on Monday approved legislation that aims to tackle Medicaid fraud. Full Story
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UPDATED: Gov. Rick Perry launched a weeklong ad campaign Monday to lure Illinois businesses to Texas. The effort follows recent high-profile efforts by Perry to poach businesses from California. Full Story
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Texas remains behind most other states on issues related to educational achievement, public health and the environment, according to the latest version of the "Texas on the Brink" study, released Monday. Full Story
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Three days after the governor raised the possibility of new revenue streams — including the issuing of 100-year bonds — to fund transportation, members of Texas Tea Parties warned legislators against caving on conservative principles. Full Story
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In an exclusive interview with Texas Monthly, controversial University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall acknowledged that he did not recognize the need for ongoing communication with the Legislature. Full Story
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A highway under construction in Mexico is widely expected to lead to a surge in produce trucks from Mexico’s western growing regions entering the U.S. through Hidalgo County. Full Story
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The Legislature has taken up a bill that would increase the number of extended-family members who can sue for visitation rights if they believe a parent has put a child's well-being at risk. Full Story
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Lawmakers, like professional athletes, want to play fair and also want to win. That's why it's hard to get them to write their own rules. Full Story
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With about 90 percent of Texas still weathering drought conditions, climate experts say tropical storm and hurricane landfall could be the best hope to get rain to parts of Texas that will desperately need it this summer. Full Story
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Bob Perry, a behind-the-scenes titan in the Texas political world, has died at the age of 80. Full Story
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Bob Perry, a wealthy homebuilder and philanthropist who was among the nation's largest political givers, has died at his home in Nassau Bay, near Houston. He was 80. Full Story
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