The Brief: June 22, 2012
As Ted Cruz and David Dewhurst prepare for their first head-to-head debate, talk has turned from how they'd fix Washington to how long they'd stay once they got there. Full Story
As Ted Cruz and David Dewhurst prepare for their first head-to-head debate, talk has turned from how they'd fix Washington to how long they'd stay once they got there. Full Story
Former Police Chief Rodney Pearson has become a reluctant symbol for many in Jasper's black community of how little has changed in race relations since James Byrd Jr.’s dragging death. Full Story
Turnout was relatively low in the state's May primaries. In some counties, one party or the other didn't muster a single vote, even from the most dedicated partisans. Full Story
For the first time since March 2011, no part of Texas is under the worst stage of drought, according to new U.S. Drought Monitor data. But as Laura Rice of KUT News reports, some parts of the state are drier than they've been in the last few months. Full Story
As last year’s drought intensified, the Colorado River brought less fresh water to the Gulf of Mexico. For the latest installment in KUT News' series on water issues, Mose Buchele looks at Matagorda Bay, where water quality has suffered — and the economy, too. Full Story
Donna Campbell, who few predicted would advance in the SD-25 Republican primary, is now the focus of those hoping to replace the notoriously independent-minded incumbent Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio. Full Story
Your evening reading: Texas Democrats hit Romney over immigration plan; Abbott accuses Google of withholding documents; group says state's efforts to prevent blackouts could cost billions Full Story
Texas’ efforts to stave off future blackouts could cost ordinary households hundreds of dollars per year, a filing by a Texas industrial group suggests. Texas regulators are due to vote on the proposal next week. Full Story
The firing of Jasper's first black police chief is exposing racial tensions in the East Texas town. And how much taxpayer money should should be used to subsidize bariatric surgery? Full Story
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp announced today that Compass Group, a major private company based in North Carolina, will be taking over dining and support services at Texas A&M University. Full Story
As legislators tinker with what some say is the cornerstone of America's food safety net, some Texans are concerned about what cuts could mean for low-income families, if they come to fruition. Full Story
A long-simmering fight between the GOP and the Obama administration threatened to boil over on Wednesday, and Texas Republicans didn't miss the chance to stir the pot. Full Story
The drought has permanently changed life for some Texans, but in many ways, the scarcity just underlined a looming crisis. For the latest installment in KUT News' series on water issues, Mose Buchele looks at Wharton County, where water concerns have imperiled a generation of rice farmers. Full Story
Former state Rep. Domingo Garcia of Dallas and state Rep. Marc Veasey of Fort Worth are hoping to encourage their initial supporters to return to the polls and to widen their reach to find success in the CD-33 Democratic runoff. Full Story
Cable companies can now break existing contracts with cities, negotiating instead for state-issued franchises, after the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear an appeal of a ruling that declared a 2005 Texas law unconstitutional. Full Story
Texas officials and politicians weren't quiet about a House panel's vote on Wednesday to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt over a fight involving the "Fast and Furious" weapons operation. Use our Storify timeline to follow this week's key developments and to see what Texans had to say. Full Story
Your evening reading: House panel votes to hold Holder in contempt over Fast and Furious; immigration flares in U.S. Senate race; Governor's Mansion restoration nears completion Full Story
Reeve, Ben, Julian and Aman talk about President Obama's new immigration policy, the changing narrative of the U.S. Senate race, and the rigor of the STAAR test. Full Story
Restoration of the Texas Governor’s Mansion takes a significant step Wednesday, with the return of historic furnishings to the building. Gov. Rick Perry and the first lady are expected to return to the mansion late next month. Full Story
When legislators die or resign, their seat is filled through a special election. The new representative serves out the end of the old representative's term. Full Story