The Midday Brief: February 15, 2010

Your afternoon reading:

“Kenneth W. Starr, the former independent counsel whose work led to the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton, was named president of Baylor University this morning, sources said.” — Sources: Starr named Baylor University president — Waco Tribune-Herald

“Some big companies, like Hearst and The Associated Press, have been quietly ramping up their legal efforts, by doing more of the work in-house — and saving costs by not hiring outside lawyers — and being more aggressive in states where they can recoup legal fees and at the federal level, which also allows plaintiffs in such access cases to sue for legal fees when they win.” ­— Despite Budgets, Some Newsrooms Persist in Costly Fight for Records — The New York Times

“Money and political power are the driving forces behind the push for full participation in the decennial census, a population count being used in ways the Founding Fathers never imagined when they mandated it in the Constitution as a tool for congressional reapportionment.” — For 2010 census, you really count.To urge participation, leaders will stress funding, political seats at stake.  —   Houston Chronicle

“Former Vice President Dick Cheney appeared on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, and his line of attack was predictable: President Barack Obama projects weakness to terrorists and puts American lives at risk.” — Why Dick Cheney attacks. — Politico

“At the foot of a bridge that helps bind El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, a United States Border Patrol officer warns two pedestrians not to stray once they reach the Mexican city. Stay on the main road. Avoid side streets. Very, very dangerous city. O.K.?” — Border Towns Across Rio, Worlds Apart in Drug War — The New York Times