The Midday Brief: Top Texas Headlines for March 3, 2011
Your afternoon reading: Combs calls on state to tap Rainy Day Fund; U.S. wants murderer handed over; slot machine bill filed Full Story
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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
The Brief: Top Texas News for March 3, 2011
During abortion-sonogram debate Wednesday, House Democrats brandished one of the few remaining weapons in their arsenal: the technicality. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Bill Would Allow Advertising at State Parks
With the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department facing budget cuts and park closures, Erika Aguilar of KUT News reports that lawmakers are looking at an unconventional solution — advertising in parks — to help pay for maintenance and promote tourism. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Numbers Tell Tale of Who's Vulnerable in Redistricting
You don't need a new map to find the political trouble spots in Texas — and by trouble, we mean officeholders who are vulnerable in the redistricting process. Full Story
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In Ranger, Fears of Town Waning With College's Closure
News that the state could shutter four community colleges has rattled the rural town of Ranger, whose community college faces closure. Nathan Bernier and Paulo Martins of KUT News look at what the closure could mean for the college — and the town for which it has become something of a lifeline. Full Story
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Interactive: Census Totals by House, Senate District
Our new interactive map visualizes population changes by House and Senate district for the total population and residents who are of Hispanic origin. These totals are important now given that lawmakers are preparing to redraw all 181 districts based on their growth, demographics and election histories. Full Story
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Credit: Graphic by Matt Stiles -
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 69
On this week's episode, Evan, Reeve, Ben and Brandi discuss Gov. Rick Perry's Twitter feed, the state's changing demographics and issues of innocence. Full Story
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State Affairs Takes on "Sanctuary Cities"
Tonight, the Texas House took on another of the issues that Gov. Rick Perry has designated an emergency: sanctuary cities, or cities where police do not enforce federal immigration laws. Full Story
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Another Senator, Another Proposed Tax
On Monday, state Sen. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville, said he would rather raise taxes than make the cuts under consideration. Now, state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, has introduced legislation to increase the tax on soft drinks by a penny per ounce. Full Story
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The Midday Brief: Top Texas Headlines for March 2, 2011
Your afternoon reading: abortion sonogram testimony gets graphic; conservatives suspicious of anti-bullying bills; no traction for solar panel legislation Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
House Delays Abortion Sonogram Debate
House lawmakers delayed consideration of abortion sonogram legislation until tomorrow, after Democrats raised two points of order against the bill. Some speculate finding technicalities will be Democrats' go-to strategy this session. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Experts, Business Owners Weigh In on Smoking Ban
Lighting up in bars, restaurants and in indoor areas of most businesses, health care facilities and sporting venues statewide will be a thing of the past if state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Lake Dallas, gets her way. Full Story
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The Brief: Top Texas News for March 2, 2011
Is it raining out there yet? A growing chorus of Republican voices seems to think so. Full Story
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Controversy at TWIA Prompts Outside Oversight
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association has been placed under administrative oversight for questions surrounding its ethical conduct. Gretch Sanders of KUT News reports on what the future may hold for the insurer of last resort for homeowners along the Texas coast. Full Story
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Small, Large Businesses Split on Budget Fixes
Approaches to budget cutting have divided lawmakers and their constituents, but as Erika Aguilar of KUT News reports, tension is brewing between two other worried groups: small and large businesses. Full Story
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A Conversation With Lindsey Graham
On Friday, at an event held by the Tribune and the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I interviewed the senator from South Carolina about federal immigration policy and reform. Full Story
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Guy Clifton: The TT Interview
The Houston neurosurgeon, author and frequent health care adviser to Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on his support for the individual insurance mandate, why cutting provider rates to rescue the budget is misguided and how far Texas would trim Medicaid if given the permission. Full Story
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Deuell: Make Cuts, but Raise Taxes Too
State Sen. Robert Deuell, R-Greenville, would rather raise taxes a little bit than make the cuts lawmakers are considering now, he told the Tribune this evening. Full Story
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Disability Rights Protesters Block Perry's Office
A dozen protestors from disability rights group ADAPT gathered at Gov. Rick Perry's office this afternoon to block the entrances. Organizers say they wont leave until Perry pledges to oppose cuts to community services. Full Story
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T-Squared: Our First Monthly QRANK Winner is...
Congrats to a super-smart QRANK: TT Edition player whose username is ThaddeusScott: He scored 99,711 points in February — more than 3,000 points better than the second-place finisher, KentWillis, who put up 96,505 points. Full Story
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