For thousands of West Texans, severe water restrictions are in store if the heavens don't provide precipitation soon. State leaders say the unrelenting drought means they must find a way to fund a statewide water plan. Full Story
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The U.S. Supreme Court may determine the fate of a key provision of the Voting Rights Act that became an Achilles' heel for Republican lawmakers this year. That could free Texas from federal oversight in election laws. Full Story
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The state this week launched its own version of the Women’s Health Program, which provides some health services to low-income women. Texas is funding the program on its own after the federal government pulled money following a long-running dispute over Planned Parenthood. Full Story
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The end of the "fiscal cliff" drama has provoked a round of hand-wringing among Texas Republicans in Congress. Full Story
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Your evening reading: fiscal cliff deal leaves Texas Republicans stewing; congressman-elect says he won't vote for Boehner; Simmons' PAC fined over illegal donations Full Story
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The political action committee for Waste Control Specialists, which is owned by Dallas billionaire Harold Simmons, was fined Wednesday by the Texas Ethics Commission over illegal political contributions. Full Story
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Eight contenders have filed paperwork to run in the Jan. 26 special election to replace the late Sen. Mario Gallegos Jr. The packed field could mean the district goes without representation until spring if a runoff is needed. Full Story
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Evan, Ross, Reeve and Ben talk about the Texans who voted for the fiscal cliff deal, allegations of embezzlement by a top adviser to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, and what to look for on the opening days of the 2013 session. Full Story
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Last year we logged record site traffic and blew through what we all agreed was an overly ambitious fundraising goal. We are truly grateful, as ever, for your support. Full Story
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The Rio Grande Valley became one of the last regions to operate under Medicaid health maintenance organizations last year. Now, many doctors there say the red tape in the new system has taken the joy out of practicing medicine. Full Story
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Willie Nelson and Mickey Mouse may not have been candidates in the 2012 presidential election, but they won write-in votes. That support didn't get them any closer to the White House, as counties don't officially count write-in votes for uncertified candidates. Full Story
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A former U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent says that a new security policy announced in Mexico signals a growing focus on sovereignty and a shift from some initiatives considered priorities by the United States. Full Story
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The all-consuming "fiscal cliff" saga came to a dramatic end late Tuesday with a deal that won the support of only a handful of Texas Republicans. Full Story
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UPDATED: The fiscal cliff bill has passed the U.S. House with the support of four Texas Republicans: U.S. Reps. Pete Sessions, Kevin Brady, Mac Thornberry and Lamar Smith. Rep. Ron Paul was the lone member of the Texas delegation who did not vote. Full Story
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For more than a year, Evan Smith has traveled all over Texas to interview state legislators back home, in their districts, in front of hundreds of their constituents. At university campuses from Corpus Christi to Tyler and in between, lawmakers talked about issues that affect every one of us in Texas, from education and health care to water and immigration. Full Story
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A final decision in the school finance trial against the state involving more than two-thirds of its districts and charter schools likely won’t happen until after the lights go out in the 83rd Legislature. But that doesn’t mean what’s happening inside of the courtroom now won’t have an impact on policy under the pink dome. Full Story
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The state’s launch of the Texas Women’s Health Program will proceed as planned — without Planned Parenthood — on Jan. 1. Full Story
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Some state lawmakers don't trust themselves not to spend more money than they really think they should spend. They want a law that would tie their own hands. Full Story
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New President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico recently announced a plan targeting violence in the country. As the country and analysts wait to see results, some aren’t placing bets that the situation will improve soon. Full Story
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Health care providers across Texas are submitting proposals to transform the way they care for the poor and uninsured. But the complicated bureaucratic process for achieving these lofty goals to transform the system has led to disagreements over how to distribute money. Full Story
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