The Texas Youth Commission terminated its contract Friday with a psychologist who testified repeatedly in death penalty cases that Hispanic and black men were more likely to be dangerous in the future.
John Whitmire
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Updated: TDCJ Will End Final Feasts Before Executions
The long-standing tradition of allowing death row inmates one last meal of their choosing before they enter the execution chamber ends today, said Brad Livingston, executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Thompson Feeds Her “Little Dogs” and Throws a Bone to Bigger Ones
Rep. Senfronia Thompson’s almost 40-year House tenure is defined by her defense of the underserved. But her legislative career is peppered with occasional paradoxes.
Posted in
Higher Education
Report Questions How Texas Schools Mete Out Discipline
Almost 55 percent of recent Texas public school students were suspended at least once between their seventh and 12th grade years, according to a statewide report released today.
Posted in
State Government
Updated: As Special Session Winds Down, TWIA Fight Continues
Calling it “absolutely” must-pass legislation, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said this afternoon he is working with senators to hammer out a bill to reform the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
Posted in
Demographics
Sanctuary Cities Bill Clears Texas Senate
Texas peace officers will be allowed to inquire into the immigration status of any person arrested or legally detained under legislation passed by the Texas Senate early Wednesday morning.
Posted in
Demographics
The 82nd Lege Session: The Highlights Reel
The Trib’s multimedia team highlights some of the most memorable — and surprising — moments from the 82nd Legislative Session. Our lawmakers sure do love to make a statement, complete with finger pointing, yelling and props. (Some video courtesy the Texas House, the Texas Senate and legetv.org.)
Posted in
State Government
Anti-Bullying Bill Clears Another Hurdle
As the parents of Asher Brown watched, the Senate today unanimously approved a bill meant to prevent bullying in schools. If the House, as expected, approves some changes the Senate made to the measure, it will go to Gov. Rick Perry’s desk for a final signature.
Posted in
State Government
Senators Work to Narrow “Puppy Mill” Bill
A controversial bill meant to shut down puppy mills has drawn another opponent in state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston. “I’m a barking ‘no,'” Patrick said during a recent public hearing.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers Target Prison School for Makeover
Texas could save money, and prisoners could get a better education, some lawmakers say, if inmate learning programs were provided online. But correctional education experts and teachers say lawmakers’ ideas — particularly about online programs — show a lack of understanding about prison life.
