The Brief: Dec. 14, 2011
A pointed warning from the Obama administration has heightened the drama surrounding the state's already chaotic redistricting process. Full Story
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Jana Duty: The Texas Tribune Interview
The Williamson County attorney on how the Michael Morton case inspired her to run against Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley, and her concerns that his office could still allow the same mistakes. Full Story
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Price Caps at Center of Energy Debate
Though a state commission is considering raising the cap on energy prices, Dave Fehling of KUHF News and StateImpact Texas reports that some think allowing rates to rise won't be enough to ensure that companies can keep building plants in a state that keeps on growing. Full Story
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Was Federal Ruling a Win or a Loss for Family Planning Providers?
The federal government's rejection this week of a state request to exclude certain providers — namely Planned Parenthood — from the Women's Health Program came as a victory to some family planning advocates, and a travesty to others. Full Story
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Attorney General Holder: We Must Uphold Voting Rights Act
The warning from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder was polite but firm: The U.S. Department of Justice will not stand idly by if it feels Texas intends to halt or reverse gains for minority voting rights. Full Story
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More Time, But No Maps or Election Dates for Texas Candidates
The Texas primary elections are still set — precariously — for March 6 but a panel of three federal judges extended the filing deadlines for candidates to Monday. Full Story
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The Midday Brief: Dec. 13, 2011
Your afternoon reading: in video, Perry says he has momentum; ESPN commentator Craig James to enter U.S. Senate race; FreedomWorks planning "call day" for Cruz Full Story
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Fracking Disclosure to Start in February
Rules requiring the disclosure of chemicals used in the controversial hydraulic fracturing process will take effect in Texas in February, the Texas Railroad Commission decided on Tuesday. Full Story
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Quoting Pundits, Perry Asserts He Has Momentum
In a new web-only video, Rick Perry asserts his struggling candidacy is on the rise — in part because of pundit praise for his most recent debate performance. Full Story
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On the Records: What Are Federal Lawmakers Saying?
The Sunlight Foundation released an update to the interactive Capitol Words on Monday. The application allows users to search and compare words spoken by federal legislators using data from the Congressional Record. Full Story
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The Brief: Dec. 13, 2011
Today, the Texas redistricting chaos may begin to clear. Full Story
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In New Ad, Perry Touts Truth-Telling
In his latest ad, set to air beginning today in Iowa, Rick Perry decries the unwillingness of Washington insiders to tell "politically correct" truths. Full Story
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Perry Ground Game: An Old-Fashioned Bus Tour
Voters in Iowa are running out of time for browsing the candidates as the Jan. 3 caucuses draw nearer. Gov. Rick Perry is hoping to give them another good look as he travels the state on an old-fashioned bus tour. Full Story
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Dean's Ouster Raises Questions About Foundation Money
Who knew about the $500,000 payment Larry Sager received from the University of Texas School of Law’s foundation — and when — are among the many questions swirling after his surprise ouster as dean last week. Full Story
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UT System Launches New Online Route to Degree Completion
For students who started but — for whatever reason — haven't been able to finish their college degrees, the University of Texas System is opening a new pathway to completion. Full Story
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Paul Campaign Rejects Third-Party Buzz
Ron Paul denies he is interested in a third-party candidacy, despite having left the door open in a recent interview. But longtime GOP strategist Mark McKinnon believes the two-party system will be tested in 2012 — and that Paul could do it. Full Story
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On the Records: Texas Exonerations
Texas ranks third in the number of exonerations in the United States since 1989, according to data compiled by Mother Jones. Take a look at how Texas compares to other states across the nation with this map. Full Story
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Narcotics Seizures Increase as Immigrant Apprehensions Drop
Drug seizures are up but illegal immigrant arrests are falling on the southern border, according to data released today by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Full Story
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Combs: State Revenues Higher Than Expected
The state's finances are in better shape than previously believed, the state comptroller said Monday, with a new projection showing $1.6 billion more than lawmakers expected, even after the state covers part of the its Medicaid shortfall and restores some cuts to state agencies and universities. Full Story
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Community College District Responds to Billboard
Dallas County Community College District Chancellor Wright Lassiter said a new billboard from the Texas Association of Business knocking DCCCD graduation rates shows "a fundamental lack of understanding" about community colleges. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Robert Wood
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