Two Texas charter schools are each eligible to receive just less than $30 million in federal Race to the Top money. Idea Public Schools and Harmony Science Academy were among 16 winners chosen from 61 finalists from across the nation. Full Story
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For this week's nonscientific survey of insiders in politics and government, we asked about the power of the three leaders in the Capitol, and a ranking of who's strongest and weakest among the statewide elected officials in Texas. Full Story
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At the Trib's November 29 symposium on higher education at Texas A&M University, Reeve Hamilton talked about pathways to student success with Shirley Reed of South Texas College, House Higher Education Committee Chairman Dan Branch, Denise Trauth of Texas State University and Lawrence Schovanec of Texas Tech University. Full Story
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If the new graduation numbers released by the U.S. Department of Education are correct — that 86 percent of Texas students graduated high school in four years in the 2010-2011 school year — we all certainly have something to celebrate. But they're probably not correct. Full Story
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Guaranteeing safe, clean and available water supplies should be a top priority when lawmakers assemble for their regular legislative session next month. Full Story
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On November 8, the Tribune and the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Politics Project asked four experts on state health, water, transportation and education policy to preview the fights over those issues in the 83rd session. Full Story
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Speaker Joe Straus won his leadership post with the support of Democrats — which gives some conservatives fits. If his just-announced challenger, David Simpson, builds a similar bipartisan coalition, can he hold on to conservative support? Full Story
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Tea Party activists are releasing their priorities for the upcoming legislative session on Tuesday, and a top leader says they will call for ethics reform, an end to double-dipping by elected officials and better disclosure on personal financial statements. Full Story
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As federal policies push medical providers to switch to electronic health systems, a new job market for highly trained health IT professionals is quickly emerging — and the University of Texas at Austin is taking advantage of it. Full Story
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State Rep. David Simpson shook up the speaker's race on Monday, but has he shifted it at all? Full Story
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Two legislative committees are set to hold hearings on state programs designed to encourage businesses to invest here, about a week after a New York Times series brought increased attention to Texas' approach to such incentives. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Simpson files for speaker, wins Hughes' support; majority back path to citizenship, poll says; secession petition still awaiting White House response Full Story
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A report published Monday forecasts that the Texas power grid will be a little shakier next summer than previously projected. Thanks to the anticipation of slower power demand, the grid will be a little less shaky in 2014 and beyond. Full Story
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On Nov. 8, the Tribune and the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Politics Project asked four political strategists to talk about what the 2012 election means for the 2013 session and beyond. Full Story
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At our Hot Seat conversation at Trinity University in San Antonio, state Rep. Mike Villarreal, D-San Antonio, and state Sen.-elect Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, sparred about public education, health care and other issues in play in the upcoming 83rd session. Full Story
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State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, filed papers to challenge Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, for speaker of the House, he said in a letter to colleagues Monday morning. Shortly after, state Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, dropped out of the speaker's race and endorsed Simpson. Full Story
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A major overhaul to oil and gas drilling rules is under way at the Texas Railroad Commission. The initiative has received a cautious welcome from both environmentalists and some industry groups. Full Story
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The "late train" — the rush of supplicants making kiss-and-make-up contributions after an election — ended this weekend with the beginning of a blackout that outlaws political donations during a legislative session. Full Story
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Already a known foe of federal health care reform, Gov. Rick Perry doesn't have high hopes for the law's success nationwide, either. Full Story
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“Career coach” is not listed on Gov. Rick Perry’s résumé — but it might as well be. In the 12 years he has held Texas’ highest elected office, he has helped align the professional stars for many of his key advisers. Full Story
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