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The Evening Brief: Nov. 28, 2012

By David Muto Nov. 28, 2012

Your evening reading: Norquist says Perry could be viable 2016 candidate; Abbott moves to seize polygamist ranch; panel says Reyes may have violated ethics rules Full Story

Credit: Gage Skidmore
Puppy Mill Law Faces Legal Challenge

By Audrey White Nov. 28, 2012

A Texas law that aims to prevent puppy and kitten breeders from abusing animals faces a court challenge, but advocates have come forward to defend the law. Full Story
Lawmakers Hear Concerns Over Rural Water Rate Hikes

By Kate Galbraith Nov. 28, 2012

Some Texans in rural areas face double- or even triple-digit rate increases from private water providers. On Wednesday they urged the Senate Committee on Natural Resources to address the problem, and lawmakers seemed receptive. Full Story

Credit: Steve A. Johnson / Flickr
TribCast: Secessionists, Polygamists and Cronies

By Reeve Hamilton Nov. 28, 2012

Ross, Reeve, Emily and Ben discuss the latest bout of secession fever, the latest news regarding the Yearning for Zion ranch and Gov. Rick Perry's latest political appointments. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
Attorney General Seeks to Seize Polygamist Ranch

By Emily Ramshaw Nov. 28, 2012

The Texas attorney general's office is pursuing legal action to seize the West Texas ranch owned by the polygamist sect led by Warren Jeffs, who is serving life in prison for sexually assaulting young girls. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
The Hot Seat: A Conversation with Hunter and Farenthold

By Evan Smith Nov. 28, 2012

At our Hot Seat conversation at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, talked state and national politics and previewed both the 83rd session and the 113th Congress. Full Story
State's Crowded Electricity Market Often Masks Prices

By Dave Fehling, Houston Public Media Nov. 28, 2012

State regulators say it all the time: Texas' competitive electricity market benefits customers by letting them shop for the best prices. But in many parts of the state, the complex market has left consumers paying more than they should be. Full Story

Credit: Kevin Dooley
Texas School Districts, Charters Are Finalists in Federal Competition

By Morgan Smith Nov. 28, 2012

A few Texas school districts and charters are finalists for funds through a new version of the Obama administration's Race to the Top program. Texas had refused to participate in the program at the state level in 2010, citing concerns over federal intrusion into Texas classrooms. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Case May Affect Future of High-Tech Student IDs

By Maurice Chammah, The Marshall Project Nov. 28, 2012

Between a legal challenge and a proposed bill, the usage of radio frequency ID cards — which can track the whereabouts of students while on campus — is coming under increasing pressure. Full Story

Credit: Jennifer Whitney
Bill Would Restrict Informant Testimony in Death Penalty Cases

By Brandi Grissom Nov. 28, 2012

Reform advocates argue that a bill banning "snitch" testimony would help prevent wrongful convictions. But critics of the measure say that current rules protect defendants and that eliminating such testimony could tie prosecutors’ hands. Full Story

Credit: Neil Conway
The Brief: Nov. 28, 2012

By David Muto Nov. 28, 2012

So much for Texas Republicans losing their clout in Congress next year. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich