Texas has more unfilled U.S. attorney positions than any other state — and that isn’t going to change soon. Currently, none of the four Texas districts have “presidentially confirmed” federal prosecutors, who are responsible for enforcing federal laws. Last week, John B. Stevens, a state district judge in Beaumont who was Barack Obama’s only nominee in Texas, withdrew his name from consideration, citing the protracted confirmation process. And that means we risk being left out of the administration’s inner circle on criminal and civil justice issues.
The Case of the Missing Prosecutors
Posted in
Demographics
Counting the Colonias
A joint effort among the U.S. Census Bureau, Valley lawmakers and community groups is smoothing over the tensions of the past couple of weeks, when the bureau announced that 95 percent of residents of South Texas colonias were not getting their Census forms in the mail.
Posted in
Energy
Is Claytie Williams All Wet?
Allies of the billionaire oilman are brandishing a study purporting to show that his proposed pumping of the Edwards-Trinity Aquifer will do no harm. Environmentalists and elected officials in the Rio Grande Valley still think he’s a water profiteer with their worst interests at heart.
Posted inState Government
Doubling Down on Pension Losses?
When the economy tanked, public pension funds across the country — including here in Texas — lost billions. Some funds are looking to put more money into private equity, which promises big returns and carries big risks. As Matt Largey of KUT News reports, it could be doubling-down on losses already suffered.
Posted in
Politics
Sarah Palin in Austin
The former Alaska governor was in Austin last night speaking to and raising money for an anti-abortion group. Mose Buchele of KUT News talked to people who had come to support and protest her appearance.
Posted in
Demographics
TribBlog: What Happens in Arizona…
It’s no surprise that Arizona’s new immigration enforcement law is unpopular with Texas Democrats. But it’s hard to find a high-ranking Republican in the state who’ll endorse it, either.
Posted in
Demographics
TribBlog: ATX to Ariz: No Thanks!
In the wake of Arizona’s immigration legislation, the City of Austin will formally consider limiting travel and business with the state.
Posted in
Demographics
TribBlog: Perry Questions Arizona Law
Gov. Rick Perry does not think Texas should adopt a law like the one recently passed in Arizona.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: April 29, 2010
Lawmakers fought the latest battle in the State Board of Education wars at a Capitol hearing yesterday.
