The Midday Brief: Oct. 14, 2011
Your afternoon reading: Perry calls for "made in America" energy revolution; Obama campaign calls Perry's plan "straight out of the past"; Romney reports raising $14 million Full Story
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Video: Perry Talks Jobs, Religion on the Morning Shows
Gov. Rick Perry made appearances on the morning news shows to preview the announcement of his big jobs plan, but the hosts wanted to talk more about Anita Perry, religion and polls. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
In Pennsylvania, Perry Calls to Energize America
Looking to turn the corner after a series of flat debate performances, Gov. Rick Perry today delivered the first major economic policy speech of his presidential campaign, calling for "a 'made in America' energy revolution." Full Story
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![Gov. Rick Perry tours a steel mill in West Mifflin, Pa. before giving a speech there on Oct. 14.]()
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The Brief: Oct. 14, 2011
During Gov. Rick Perry's major policy speech today, expect to hear echoes of a familiar refrain: drill, baby, drill. Full Story
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In State Leadership Changes, Timing is Everything
The easiest way to win an election is to have the votes. The next easiest way is to change the rules of the election. Some political folks, inside and outside the Texas Senate, are looking at the rules. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Online Classes Booming, But With Red Flags
As the popularity of online learning grows, public schools are grappling with how to most effectively integrate it into their classrooms — and some in the education community worry about the increasing influence of for-profit companies. Full Story
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![Eagle Scout and high school graduate Will Clarkston, 20, logged in to The Bridge School from his bedroom in Houston on Tuesday, October 4, 2011. He is taking online classes now and planning to attend community college in the spring.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Peanut Farmers Feeling Strain of Record Drought
Little-known fact: Texas is second only to Georgia in peanut farming. But as Terrence Henry of KUT News reports, while Texas' peanut farmers have dealt with droughts before, they've never seen anything like this year's crippling dry spell. Full Story
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Pharmacies Feeling Pressure of Reduced Medicaid Fees
Some independent pharmacies may have to lay off workers and cut services because of looming lower dispensing fees. Beginning in March, a new managed-care plan will reduce the amount pharmacies receive for Medicaid prescriptions. Full Story
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Looking Back on Perry's Energy Record
With Rick Perry set to unveil an energy-centric jobs plan today, Mose Buchele of KUT News looks back at the governor's handling of energy policy here in Texas. Full Story
Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Bob Daemmrich -
Campaign Chatter
Another veteran is retiring from the Legislature, special election candidates are flinging endorsements at each other, and a doctor is leaving the House. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Wait and See
The Texas governor turned presidential candidate isn't as sick as he looks. And by the way, he wasn't as healthy as he looked a couple of weeks ago. Full Story
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![Gov. Rick Perry at the Republican presidential debate at Dartmouth College on Oct. 11, 2011.]()
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Frustrated by Legislature, Schools Go to Court
The lawsuits are back for the sixth time in the last 40 years, carrying the issue that dominated Rick Perry's first years as governor: Is the state spending enough money, and distributing it fairly enough, to ensure that every kid in the state has a shot at an adequate public school education? Full Story
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Ante Up
The race for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas is going to be pricey. Full Story
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Updated: Bradley Withdraws Motion to Expedite Morton Case
The Williamson County district attorney this afternoon withdrew a motion he had filed seeking to quickly dismiss the Michael Morton case. Morton's attorneys worried that he was attempting to quash investigation of allegations of prosecutorial misconduct. Full Story
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![Michael Morton sits beside his mother, Patricia Morton, during an emotional press conference in October 2011 after a judge agreed to release him on personal bond after he spent nearly 25 years in prison for the murder of his wife. Recently tested DNA indicates another man committed the 1986 killing.]()
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Video: Tea Party "Fed Up" With Perry
Members of the Tea Party Caucus of Texas said at a press conference today that they are "fed up" with Gov. Rick Perry for not taking action to ban sanctuary cities, a measure he declared an emergency item during the legislative session this year. Full Story
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The Midday Brief: Oct. 13, 2011
Your afternoon reading: in emotional address, Anita Perry says media has "brutalized" her husband; Cruz raises $1 million; Driver announces retirement from House Full Story
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Higher Ed Guru: Seven Solutions a "Good Start"
Thomas Lindsay, recently selected to head the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Center for Higher Education, attributes the state's growing awareness of higher education to the discussion begun by the TPPF. Full Story
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The Brief: Oct. 13, 2011
The rise of Herman Cain may give Rick Perry an opening. Full Story
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With the Drought, More Dust Storms
Despite last weekend's rains, the Texas drought lingers — and experts say the number of irritating and dangerous dust storms could increase across the state, especially in West Texas and the Panhandle. Full Story
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Elderly Texans Could Play Key Role in 2012 Elections
With baby boomers hitting retirement age, the number of Medicare recipients is on the rise. As Erika Aguilar of KUT News reports, that means elderly voters in Texas, as in the rest of the nation, could form a crucial voting block next year. Full Story
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