Supreme Court Gives OK to Leal Execution
Despite the Obama administration's plea for a stay, the U.S. Supreme Court won't stand in the way of Texas' plans to execute Mexican citizen Humberto Leal Jr. tonight. Full Story
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Proof of Legal Status Now Required for State-Issued ID Cards
An amendment attached to SB 1 during the special session will require applicants for driver's licenses and other state-issued identification cards to produce government-issued documents affirming their legal status. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman -
Texas 12th Most Obese State, Study Finds
They say everything's bigger in Texas — and apparently, that includes the people. Texas ranks as the 12th most obese state in the U.S., according to a new study by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Full Story
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Courtroom Battle Begins on Abortion Sonogram Law
Opposing legal teams presented arguments at the first courtroom hearing on Texas' new abortion sonogram law on Wednesday, and U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks said he hoped to rule by September on whether the measure could take effect. Full Story
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Perry's TWIA Nemesis Loses Battle but Promises War Isn't Over
Trial lawyer Steve Mostyn insists the governor and the GOP-led Legislature punished him for donating millions to Democrats by putting his clients — coastal homeowners — in the crosshairs. "It's straight-up vendetta politics," he says. Full Story
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Texplainer: What are the State's Events Trust Funds?
Hey, Texplainer: What are the State Comptroller’s Events Trust Funds, and how do they work? Full Story
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For Perry, Support of Death Penalty May Be Mixed Bag Nationally
In tough-on-crime Texas, Rick Perry has overseen the executions of 230 prisoners — more than any other modern governor. As he eyes a White House bid, his support of the death penalty could have mixed consequences. Full Story
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Perry Chooses New Forensic Science Board Chairman
Gov. Rick Perry today announced he has appointed Dr. Nizam Peerwani, a well-known Fort Worth medical examiner, to lead the Texas Forensic Science Commission. He replaces Williamson County District Attorney John Bradley as leader of the panel that has been embroiled in controversy practically since its inception. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Sine Die Report: What Survived, What Died
The Trib's been keeping track of the key issues throughout the special session. From budget measures to school finance, health care and airport groping, here's our final rundown of bills that passed, and the ones that died. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Updated: Combs to Appeal Deposition Ruling
Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs will appeal an order that she participate in a three-hour deposition, in the aftermath of the largest privacy breach by a state agency in Texas history. Full Story
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Lawmakers Move to Limit Scrutiny of Perry Travel
Just as Gov. Rick Perry steps out on the national stage, lawmakers back home are moving to limit public access to detailed records showing how much it’s costing to protect him during his travels. Full Story
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Credit: Jay Root -
Lawmakers Approve Windstorm Insurance Fix
Over objections from some Democrats and from the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Texas Legislature voted to revamp the state's windstorm insurance program, disposing of a prickly issue that could have forced a second special session. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Video: Lawmakers Optimistic About Windstorm Deal
June 27, 2011 State Rep. Larry Taylor of Friendswood explains why he is optimistic about the compromise reached on reforms of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Full Story
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Windstorm Insurance Deal Ready for Final Vote
State legislators say they've reached a compromise on reform of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, potentially averting a second special session this summer. Full Story
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A Legislative Vortex
Gov. Rick Perry is promising to bring lawmakers back for another special session if they can't dig their way out of the TWIA hole. Full Story
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Video: The Week in Texas Politics Recap: June 20 to 24, 2011
Want a quick recap of some of the happenings this week in the Texas Legislature? We've made it easier for you with our weekly video rundown of the action under the dome. Full Story
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Texplainer: How Much Does the Capitol Recycle?
Hey, Texplainer: How much does the Texas Capitol recycle during a legislative session? During this session, 72 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum, bringing in $12,000 to the fund that maintains state buildings. Full Story
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Credit: Todd Wiseman -
Texplainer: What Happens to a Bill Perry Doesn't Sign or Veto?
Hey Texplainer: What happens to the bills that Perry doesn't sign or veto? Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed and signed a multitude of bills this year, but to date there have been 27 he allowed to become law by default. Full Story
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![Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed HB 274, which brings lawsuit reforms to Texas courts, including a loser pay system for frivolous lawsuits on May 30th,2011]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
The Brief: Top Texas News for June 23, 2011
Lawmakers to lobbyists: Butt out of TWIA fight. Full Story
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Credit: Marjorie Cotera -
Lawmakers: Get Lobbyists Out of Windstorm Fight
Lawmakers and consumer groups say special interests need to butt out of the battle over the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. Full Story
Credit: Bob Daemmrich
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