The U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday that it will hear a major cross-border water case that pits Tarrant County against Oklahoma. North Texas wants water, but Oklahoma doesn't want to sell. Full Story
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The Texas attorney general's office secured $36 million Friday in a lawsuit settlement with Pfizer Inc. and Endo Pharmaceuticals, which had been accused of illegally inflating the market prices of certain drugs in reports to the state. Full Story
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State officials are optimistic about the new Texas Women’s Health Program, which launched this week amid a long-running legislative fight. But at least one state lawmaker thinks there’s a problem with the program’s list of providers. Full Story
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A little-noticed piece of the fiscal cliff deal approved by Congress this week could mean a windfall for the new Formula One racetrack in Austin. The so-called NASCAR tax credit allows racetracks to potentially write off millions of dollars in costs. Full Story
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It feels like the 2013 legislative session, which gets under way Tuesday, is a five-month interruption of the election season. At some point, elections expanded to fill all of the space between the biennial sessions. Full Story
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There is a significant amount of excitement in the Rio Grande Valley about a proposal to combine the University of Texas at Brownsville and the University of Texas-Pan American into a new university that would also have a planned medical school. Full Story
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It could cost Texas up to $11 million to clear the backlog of some 20,000 untested rape kits in police agencies statewide. If Congress doesn't come through with funding, lawmakers here in Texas will search for funds to help solve the crimes. Full Story
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State Rep. David Simpson may be braving an uphill battle in the speaker's race, but now he's doing so with two more supporters at his side. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Cruz, new Texas congressmen sworn in; Gohmert votes for Allen West for speaker; TxDOT suspends use of road signs for gun shows Full Story
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Using less water is the cheapest way to meet Texas’ water needs. So what could Texas lawmakers do to promote water savings? Among the proposals are requiring meters on farmers' wells and a sales-tax exemption for water-efficient appliances. Full Story
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The Texas congressional delegation has eight new members — four resulting from retirements and elections, and four because the state’s growth increased the size of the delegation to 36 from 32. We've updated our congressional directory to mark the delegation's start. Full Story
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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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