The Brief: Nov. 29, 2012
He hasn't even taken office yet, but one of Ted Cruz's first moves as Texas' senator-elect is already delighting conservatives. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: Nov. 28, 2012
Your evening reading: Norquist says Perry could be viable 2016 candidate; Abbott moves to seize polygamist ranch; panel says Reyes may have violated ethics rules Full Story
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Puppy Mill Law Faces Legal Challenge
A Texas law that aims to prevent puppy and kitten breeders from abusing animals faces a court challenge, but advocates have come forward to defend the law. Full Story
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Lawmakers Hear Concerns Over Rural Water Rate Hikes
Some Texans in rural areas face double- or even triple-digit rate increases from private water providers. On Wednesday they urged the Senate Committee on Natural Resources to address the problem, and lawmakers seemed receptive. Full Story
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TribCast: Secessionists, Polygamists and Cronies
Ross, Reeve, Emily and Ben discuss the latest bout of secession fever, the latest news regarding the Yearning for Zion ranch and Gov. Rick Perry's latest political appointments. Full Story
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Attorney General Seeks to Seize Polygamist Ranch
The Texas attorney general's office is pursuing legal action to seize the West Texas ranch owned by the polygamist sect led by Warren Jeffs, who is serving life in prison for sexually assaulting young girls. Full Story
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The Hot Seat: A Conversation with Hunter and Farenthold
At our Hot Seat conversation at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, talked state and national politics and previewed both the 83rd session and the 113th Congress. Full Story
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State's Crowded Electricity Market Often Masks Prices
State regulators say it all the time: Texas' competitive electricity market benefits customers by letting them shop for the best prices. But in many parts of the state, the complex market has left consumers paying more than they should be. Full Story
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Texas School Districts, Charters Are Finalists in Federal Competition
A few Texas school districts and charters are finalists for funds through a new version of the Obama administration's Race to the Top program. Texas had refused to participate in the program at the state level in 2010, citing concerns over federal intrusion into Texas classrooms. Full Story
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Case May Affect Future of High-Tech Student IDs
Between a legal challenge and a proposed bill, the usage of radio frequency ID cards — which can track the whereabouts of students while on campus — is coming under increasing pressure. Full Story
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![Northside Independent School District in San Antonio has implemented a pilot program to track students while on campus, having them wear radio frequency identification chips on cards around their neck, September 14, 2012.]()
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Bill Would Restrict Informant Testimony in Death Penalty Cases
Reform advocates argue that a bill banning "snitch" testimony would help prevent wrongful convictions. But critics of the measure say that current rules protect defendants and that eliminating such testimony could tie prosecutors’ hands. Full Story
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The Brief: Nov. 28, 2012
So much for Texas Republicans losing their clout in Congress next year. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: Nov. 27, 2012
Your evening reading: McCaul to chair Homeland Security Committee; Hutchison introduces alternative to DREAM Act; new Texas secretary of state named Full Story
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McCaul to Be Named Chairman of Homeland Security Committee
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, will be named the chairman of the powerful House Committee on Homeland Security later today, Republican sources have confirmed. Full Story
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Texas High School Graduation Rates Among Highest in U.S.
According to new U.S. Department of Education data, Texas has the fourth-highest graduation rate in the nation. Full Story
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Hutchison Co-authors Immigration Bill That Focuses on Minors
Outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Tuesday introduced a bill that would provide legal status for immigrants brought to the country illegally as minors. She made clear that the proposal does not guarantee citizenship. Full Story
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John Steen Named Texas Secretary of State
John Steen, a lawyer from San Antonio, will be Texas' next secretary of state. He is replacing Hope Andrade, who resigned Friday. The appointment takes effect Tuesday. Full Story
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Two Years After Big Cuts, Battle Over Budget Caps Looms
After the Legislature cut billions of dollars from the state budget in 2011, some hoped to see at least some of the funding restored in 2013. But with the next legislative session quickly approaching, others are pushing to limit that spending. Full Story
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D.C. Visit to Highlight Big Agenda Awaiting New President of Mexico
Days before taking office as the next president of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto will visit the White House on Tuesday to take part in a discussion likely to focus on trade, the economy and transnational violence. Full Story
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Long After BP Spill, Texas Awaits Restoration Funds
Though Texas has been promised at least $100 million for coastal restoration after the BP oil spill, the process of disbursing funds for projects like protecting marshland is facing delays. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Kris Krüg
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