The Brief: Feb. 20, 2012
The Santorum swell seems to have spread to Texas. Full Story
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In "Downton Abbey," a Glimpse of Texas' Energy Future
The British period series Downton Abbey made headlines this year for drawing American audiences into its world of costumes and drama, but as Terrence Henry of StateImpact Texas reports, the show's affectionate portrayal at the past may offer Texans a look at their own energy future. Full Story
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Panama Canal Expansion Raises Hopes in Houston
The Panama Canal's expansion will probably mean the Port of Houston sees more container ships, but local officials disagree on whether the area is ready for the extra business. Full Story
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Despite Report, Researchers Say Fracking Poses Risks
A recent report from the University of Texas found no direct link between hydraulic fracturing and water contamination. But as Mose Buchele of StateImpact Texas reports, researchers say that doesn't mean the practice comes without significant environmental risks. Full Story
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In Texas Schools, Climate Change an Unsettled Science
A high-profile leak last week exposed an effort to undermine the teaching of climate change in schools. As Erika Aguilar of KUT News reports, the subject also faces skepticism in Texas classrooms, where instructors must teach climate change denial alongside mainstream global warming theories. Full Story
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Sullivan Gets His Message Across, Loud and Clear
Michael Quinn Sullivan's guerrilla politics irritate some of the state's leaders, but he's succeeded at what he set out to do: He's got their attention. Full Story
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UT/TT Poll: Santorum Has Huge Lead in Texas
In Texas, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania has a commanding lead over his Republican rivals in the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll. Full Story
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TribWeek: In Case You Missed It
Aaronson interactively charts the legal wrangling between Texas and the feds, Aguilar on what Obama's budget means for the border, Galbraith on congressional ambivalence about a wind tax credit, Grissom on cuts to crime victims services, Hamilton on UT-Austin's plan to boost graduation rates, Ramsey on our woefully low voter turnout, Ramshaw on a new Super PAC targeting incumbents of both parties, Root on conservative opposition to the Keystone pipeline and M. Smith on cash-starved school districts in the advertising game: The best of our best content from February 13-17, 2012. Full Story
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Video: Birth Control Rally Draws Supporters, Opponents
On Friday, a student-organized rally on the University of Texas at Austin campus applauded reforms intended to increase access to birth control for women. Counterprotesters responded with their own anti-birth control message. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: Feb. 17, 2012
Your evening reading: Perry to make first appearance on behalf of Gingrich; Texas Education Agency delays STAAR's 15 percent rule; longtime Austin advisers re-joining Perry's inner circle Full Story
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Texas Education Agency Delays STAAR's 15 Percent Rule
Education Commissioner Robert Scott said today that he will postpone for a year a controversial requirement that new exams count for 15 percent of students' final grades. Full Story
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Video: How Late Texas Primary Could Affect Voters, Candidates
Federal judges have set May 29 as a tentative state primary date. The Tribune's Thanh Tan explains what that date could mean for candidates, voters and the election process. Full Story
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The Brief: Feb. 17, 2012
Rick Perry seems to want back in the presidential race — on the money side, that is. Full Story
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Turf for Sale: Schools Turn to Ads for Money
Texas school districts are getting into the advertising game as they look for ways to make ends meet after major state budget cuts. But some researchers question whether schools fully grasp the consequences of creeping commercialism. Full Story
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Keystone Pipeline Sparks Property Rights Backlash
The Canadian company that wants to build the Keystone XL pipeline is using its land seizure powers to get property easements for the project. And it’s causing frustration in a conservative patch of Texas. Full Story
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A Rush for Water Wells as Texas Drought Drags On
As the drought drags on, many Texans are getting their own water wells drilled. But the growing demand has some worried that the groundwater could start drying up, too. Full Story
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![Workers with Bee Cave Drilling install a jackhammer bit on the drilling rig while putting in a water well on a private lot in Spicewood, Texas on February 6, 2012.]()
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Unsettled District Lines Hurting Some Candidates' Finances
Texas' state Senate maps were finalized this week, but the protracted court battle has left state House and congressional districts without boundaries. And as Andy Uhler of KUT News reports, the district-line confusion is costing some candidates time and money. Full Story
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Texans Leave the Voting to a Small Minority
With redistricting fights pushing the state's primary closer to summer, voter turnout could be even lower than normal. Full Story
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The Never-Ending Story
There is a date for primary elections, but it's uncertain. And there is one redistricting map done, with two to go. And for what it's worth, the judges seem to be in a hurry. Full Story
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Trying to Change the Subject
Elizabeth Ames Jones sent Gov. Rick Perry a letter this week quitting the Railroad Commission, but that didn't stop Sen. Jeff Wentworth's questions about whether she was eligible to serve there. Full Story
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