The bizarre tale of a prison gang’s plot to murder a Texas state senator has quickly come to an end.
John Whitmire
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Bill Aims to Address Changing Science in Criminal Appeals
State Sen. John Whitmire has filed a bill to make it easier for those convicted based on science that has since been discredited to appeal their sentences. Prosecutors have called such legislation unnecessary.
Posted in
State Government
Slideshow: Whitmire’s 40 Years in the Lege
Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, served 10 years in the Texas House before becoming the longest-serving member of the Texas Senate. Here’s a photographic look back at the dean of the Senate’s 40 years in elected office in Texas.
Posted in
Bidness As Usual
For Dean of Senate, Public and Private Blur
Critics say the dean of the Texas Senate, John Whitmire, D-Houston, is a poster boy for a legislative culture in which real and perceived conflicts of interest are commonplace. Whitmire says he’s proud of his four decades in office.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
New Youth Agency Taking Shape as Two Close
With the closure of two previous youth agencies, lawmakers and advocates hope to see cost savings and better results out of the new Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
TYC Ends Contract With Doctor Who Gave Race Testimony in Court
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.
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.
