Janitors in Houston are in their fifth week of protests amid unsettled negotiations with employers over a wage increase. Their employers say the janitors' proposal is unrealistic given current economic conditions. Full Story
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Thomas Ratliff, a lobbyist and State Board of Education member, has taken on exoneree Michael Morton as a client for the 2013 session. It's a decision that is sure not to warm the frosty relations between Ratliff and fellow SBOE member David Bradley. Full Story
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A program started in Hawaii that closely oversees criminal offenders' probation periods is starting a test run in Texas. The experiment, which is getting federal funds, will help determine how the program translates to the mainland. Full Story
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The U.S. Supreme Court declined a request to stay the execution of Marvin Wilson scheduled for this evening. Wilson's lawyers argue that he is mentally disabled and should be exempted from the death penalty. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Cruz, teaming with Romney, says Obama wants to keep poor people "trapped in dependency"; Steinbeck's son jumps into Texas death penalty debate; family physicians group endorses Davis Full Story
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For this week's nonscientific survey of political and governmental insiders, we asked about the fallout of the election, what it did to the clout of various leaders, and let the insiders play pundit. Full Story
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The author of a new book that investigates what communities lose when schools are shuttered talks about standardized testing and how students, teachers and parents cope with testing pressures. Full Story
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A week later, the forces that helped push Ted Cruz to victory already face another test. Full Story
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The U.S. Postal Service is recognizing Lady Bird Johnson's centennial with the release of a commemorative stamp featuring her White House portrait, making her one of only five first ladies to be featured on postage. Full Story
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Texans living near the Dallas-Fort Worth drilling area called the Barnett Shale may have recently noticed some tremors under their feet. A new study out this week from the University of Texas names the oil and gas industry as the culprit. Full Story
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Oil and gas production has soared in Texas since the introduction of the mining technique called hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." But the boom in production has also raised concerns about air pollution. Full Story
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Last month, inspectors conducted surprise safety and security reviews at the state's secure juvenile facilities. Among the findings: lax security procedures and problems with documentation. Full Story
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State candidates spent $5 million in their bids for a party nomination. Some got more for their money than others. Use our interactive to see where candidates ranked in spending per vote. Full Story
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University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers expressed confidence Monday in the school's admissions policy, after UT-Austin filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in response to a case questioning the role that race plays in its admissions process. Full Story
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House Administration Committee Chairman Charlie Geren has sent a letter to his House colleagues saying he would not accommodate a request by the Tribune to release his federal income tax returns. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Romney campaign highlights support from Cruz; Perry to speak at Iowa conservative summit; state urges judge to stay ruling on voting provisions Full Story
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The state of Texas has requested that a federal judge stay a ruling that blocks restrictions for deputy voter registrars. Attorneys for the state say the injunction is adding confusion to the elections process. Full Story
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In the rollout of a new campaign video Monday focused on Texas, Mitt Romney's presidential campaign highlighted support from the state's rising political star, GOP U.S. Senate nominee Ted Cruz. Full Story
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A proposed state rule that would prohibit doctors in Texas' Women's Health Program from discussing the option of abortion with their patients — even if the patient asks about it — has drawn the opposition of Texas medical groups. Full Story
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Ted Cruz capped off a whirlwind week with his first appearance on Sunday morning political TV. Full Story
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