Sources close to state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, say she is poised to make an announcement on her political future on Friday. But the likely Democratic contender for lieutenant governor is expected to do what gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis did: reveal a future date for a formal announcement. The two women are now inextricably linked for their roles in the June 25 filibuster against a law that further regulated abortion facilities. Their appearance at the top of the ticket will likely heighten enthusiasm with the Democratic base.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott gave a 25-minute speech to a Tarrant County Tea Party group, outlining about a dozen policy proposals he would push if he wins the Governor's Mansion. One of those proposals would overhaul the state's ethics laws significantly and is getting plaudits initially from ethics watchdogs.

One of the UT System's top lawyers told the House select committee looking at possible articles of impeachment against Regent Wallace Hall that he may have been given confidential student information which he shared with his attorneys. In other developments, the committee issued and then recalled a subpoena for Hall because it would have summoned him on the wrong date. And UT regents formally requested an opinion from Attorney General Greg Abbott asking whether a legislative committee can compel testimony on matters protected by attorney-client privilege.

Michael Quinn Sullivan rejected a proposed settlement from the Texas Ethics Commission with a simple response: the word "NUTS" where his signature would have gone. He's contesting complaints filed by two lawmakers — state Rep. Jim Keffer, R-Eastland, and former state Rep. Vicki Truitt — that he acted as a lobbyist with registering as one for the 2010 and 2011 calendar years.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst called for a congressional investigation into whether the National Security Agency's domestic spying program has ever targeted gun owners, kept a list of firearms purchases or tracked gunshow visits. A previous survey conducted by the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll found the vast majority of Texas registered voters believe the NSA is the most likely of government agencies and other large organizations to violate their privacy.

The University of Texas at Austin’s lawyers and attorneys for Abigail Fisher, who is challenging the school’s consideration of race in admissions decisions, once again found themselves arguing before federal judges. The case is drawing national attention for what it could mean for the future of looking at race to promote diversity on college campuses.

The city of Wichita Falls will soon enter an unprecedented stage 4 of emergency drought response, which includes a total ban on outdoor watering and an internal audit of water consumption by local businesses. “It’s a vital resource now,” said Barry Levy, the city’s public information officer. The lakes’ combined capacity has dropped by 25 percent since February.