Today brings the latest step in the state's ongoing higher education debate: the inaugural hearing of the Joint Oversight Committee on Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency. Full Story
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Rolando Pablos, the former chairman of the Texas Racing Commission, will fill the empty slot at the Texas Public Utility Commission. Separately, the state's electric grid operator announced that its board chairwoman, Laura Doll, is stepping down. Full Story
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In a much-anticipated speech this afternoon to the Real Estate Council of Austin, state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, outlined his plan for the development of a medical school in Austin. "This is the moment," he said. Full Story
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Your afternoon reading: Perry dines with Rupert Murdoch; Santorum attacks Perry's Middle East policy speech; Ogden won't seek re-election Full Story
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Responding to cases of abuse and even death in Texas' residential treatment centers, a mental health organization is funding a program to better train direct-care workers. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry delivered a harsh denunciation of the Obama administration's Middle East policy on Tuesday, calling it "naive, arrogant, misguided and dangerous," and said its "appeasement" led the Palestians to pursue U.N. recognition. Full Story
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The Texas Senate's chief budget writer — Sen. Steve Ogden, R-Bryan — won't seek re-election, he announced this morning. Full Story
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A small-scale version of the potential 2012 showdown between President Obama and Gov. Rick Perry erupted Monday. Full Story
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The University of Texas at Austin reports that its Hispanic enrollment has hit a record high this year. Nathan Bernier of KUT News has a closer look at the figures and what they mean for the state’s efforts to close achievement gaps. Full Story
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The U.S. Justice Department said Monday that new political maps for the Texas House and the state's congressional delegation don't protect the electoral power of the state's minority populations as required by the federal Voting Right Act. Full Story
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The drought and extreme heat are taking their toll on school districts across Texas. Costly problems include cracks in building foundations, increased maintenance costs and loss of vegetation. Full Story
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In Texas, eyewitness misidentifications have accounted for 80 percent of the 44 wrongful convictions overturned through DNA evidence. A new report released Monday urges significant changes in how police lineups are conducted. Full Story
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Tea Party activists staged a news conference Monday urging Gov. Rick Perry to take more stringent action against illegal immigration. They want the governor to enact a ban on so-called “sanctuary cities.” Full Story
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The University of Texas System regents today gave UT President Bill Powers the authority to take any necessary actions regarding conference realignment, another step in the university's possible departure from the Big 12. Full Story
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After two decades in the Texas Senate, Plano Republican Florence Shapiro said this afternoon that she won't seek re-election. State Rep. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, starts as a strong replacement candidate. Full Story
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Your afternoon reading: Perry 31%, Romney 24% in new USA Today/Gallup poll; Tea Party activists push Perry on immigration; Perry to attend rally against Palestinian statehood Full Story
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Two debates and weeks of campaigning haven't quieted some swing-state Republicans' concerns about Rick Perry. Full Story
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In the latest of our nonscientific polls of government and political insiders, we asked about wildfires and the drought and about what changes — if any — should be made to government policy and regulation. Full Story
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Three statewide elected officials have their eyes on the lieutenant governor’s job now that David Dewhurst is running for U.S. Senate. They admit it's early to be maneuvering for an election that’s almost three years away — but they admit it while pressing forward. Full Story
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New rules intended to reduce the danger of concussions in high school football players are now in effect. But do they go far enough? Full Story
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