State regulators say it all the time: Texas' competitive electricity market benefits customers by letting them shop for the best prices. But in many parts of the state, the complex market has left consumers paying more than they should be. Full Story
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A few Texas school districts and charters are finalists for funds through a new version of the Obama administration's Race to the Top program. Texas had refused to participate in the program at the state level in 2010, citing concerns over federal intrusion into Texas classrooms. Full Story
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Between a legal challenge and a proposed bill, the usage of radio frequency ID cards — which can track the whereabouts of students while on campus — is coming under increasing pressure. Full Story
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Reform advocates argue that a bill banning "snitch" testimony would help prevent wrongful convictions. But critics of the measure say that current rules protect defendants and that eliminating such testimony could tie prosecutors’ hands. Full Story
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So much for Texas Republicans losing their clout in Congress next year. Full Story
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Your evening reading: McCaul to chair Homeland Security Committee; Hutchison introduces alternative to DREAM Act; new Texas secretary of state named Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, will be named the chairman of the powerful House Committee on Homeland Security later today, Republican sources have confirmed. Full Story
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According to new U.S. Department of Education data, Texas has the fourth-highest graduation rate in the nation. Full Story
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Outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Tuesday introduced a bill that would provide legal status for immigrants brought to the country illegally as minors. She made clear that the proposal does not guarantee citizenship. Full Story
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John Steen, a lawyer from San Antonio, will be Texas' next secretary of state. He is replacing Hope Andrade, who resigned Friday. The appointment takes effect Tuesday. Full Story
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After the Legislature cut billions of dollars from the state budget in 2011, some hoped to see at least some of the funding restored in 2013. But with the next legislative session quickly approaching, others are pushing to limit that spending. Full Story
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Days before taking office as the next president of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto will visit the White House on Tuesday to take part in a discussion likely to focus on trade, the economy and transnational violence. Full Story
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Though Texas has been promised at least $100 million for coastal restoration after the BP oil spill, the process of disbursing funds for projects like protecting marshland is facing delays. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry has left his latest mark on a court that already heavily bears his imprint. Full Story
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Your evening reading: Perry appoints chief of staff to Texas Supreme Court; Texas lawmakers standing firm on anti-tax pledge; Florida governor announces $10,000 degree challenge similar to Perry's Full Story
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The Senate Committee on Open Government heard testimony Monday surrounding the Texas Public Information Act. Among the discussions was one focused on reducing “frivolous and overly burdensome” requests. Full Story
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Even in gubernatorial circles, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Just ask Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who recently announced a $10,000 degree challenge modeled after the approach of his Texas counterpart, Gov. Rick Perry. Full Story
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Gov. Rick Perry has named Jeff Boyd, his chief of staff, as his choice to replace Texas Supreme Court Justice Dale Wainwright, who resigned from the state's highest civil court earlier this year. Full Story
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Millions of "smart" electricity meters have been installed in homes, but now some Texans say the program should be optional. And some lawmakers are listening. Full Story
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This month, the state's Sunset Advisory Commission released a series of recommendations on how the Railroad Commission — which governs the oil and gas industry, not railroads — could better serve the state. Among the recommendations: a name change. Full Story
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