The Evening Brief: June 25, 2013

New in The Texas Tribune

•    Liveblog: Dems Approach Abortion Victory as Special Session Wanes: "While various lawmakers are discussing the possibility of a second special session if state Sen. Wendy Davis' filibuster is successful, Gov. Rick Perry is not showing his cards. A spokeswoman for the governor's office said it is too early to tell whether Perry will call a second special session if key legislation fails to pass today."

•    High Court Strikes Down Key Provision of Voting Rights Act: "The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declared Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, a major blow to supporters of oversight of voting laws that they say protects against discrimination. The ruling in Texas means that now the state's controversial law requiring voters to present photo identification before casting a ballot can be implemented."

•    DPS to Offer Free Voter ID Cards: "Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Tuesday that paves the way for implementation of Texas’ voter ID law, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced it will begin processing applications for free voter ID cards this week."

•    Mark Miner Returning to Team Perry: "Gov. Rick Perry is bringing a trusted aide back into his fold, just as he makes a crucial decision about his political future, sources familiar with the hiring told The Texas Tribune. Mark Miner, who served as Perry’s chief spokesman for his 2010 re-election campaign and his 2012 run for president, is being tapped as 'senior adviser' to the governor, the sources said."

•    Transparency Committee to Mull Impeachment of UT Regent: "House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, has authorized the House Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations to investigate allegations of misconduct against the University of Texas System Board of Regents and propose articles of impeachment if it is determined that they are warranted."

Culled

•    On Voting Case, Reaction From 'Deeply Disappointed' to 'It's About Time' (The New York Times): "President Obama on Tuesday said he was 'deeply disappointed' with the Supreme Court’s 5-to-4 decision ruling a central piece of the 1965 Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, and he called on Congress to pass legislation protecting access to voting."

•    West fertilizer blast: Senate posts witness list for Thursday hearing (The Dallas Morning News): "Thursday’s hearing on the deadly fertilizer blast in West, Texas, will include no state or local officials, according to the witness list posted this afternoon by Senate Environment and Public Works Committee."

•    Spanish court investigates Lance Armstrong (The Associated Press): "The head of Spain's anti-doping agency says the judiciary is investigating a support network that allegedly helped Lance Armstrong with doping while he trained in the country from 1999 to 2005."