The Evening Brief: Sept. 6, 2013

New in The Texas Tribune

•    Abbott Continues Attack on San Antonio Ordinance: "A day after the San Antonio City Council adopted a far-reaching anti-discrimination ordinance, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott warned it would open up the city to a lawsuit but declined to say if the state would initiate one."

•    Judges: 2014 Primaries Can Use Maps Approved This Summer by Lege: "The state’s 2014 primaries will be held using the congressional and legislative maps approved this summer by lawmakers during a special session, a federal panel of judges in San Antonio ruled Friday."

•    Texas Military Forces Ask for AG Opinion on Same-Sex Benefits: "The Texas Military Forces has asked Attorney General Greg Abbott how it should proceed with an apparent conflict between federal and state law over whether to extend veteran benefits to same-sex spouses."

•    Austin-San Antonio Rail Effort Could Get Federal Funds: "The mayors of San Antonio and Austin are in talks with federal officials about federal funding to help develop a high-speed rail project between the two cities, local and federal officials have confirmed."

•    UT Rolls Out New Approach to Massive Online Courses: "The University of Texas is rolling out new learning opportunities for non-UT students this semester. In addition to four massive open online courses — or MOOCs — it will have two synchronous massive online courses, or SMOCs."

Culled

•    Nearly half of Texas representatives undecided on Syria vote (Houston Chronicle): "There are currently more members of the House of Representatives who say they are against or are leaning against using military force in Syria, according to the latest whip count from The Washington Post. … And in Texas, 16 representatives remain undecided, according to the count — just under half of the state’s representatives. Ten Texas representatives are against the potential strike, including Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands and Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin."

•    CSCOPE tests must be rewritten after online posting by activists (Austin American-Statesman): "Classroom tests used in hundreds of Texas school districts were compromised when conservative activists posted them online this week and the exams will need to be rewritten, an education official said Friday."

•    Report: Regent Hall not alone in failing to disclose lawsuits (Houston Chronicle): "Among the reasons a Texas House committee is investigating University of Texas regent Wallace Hall with an eye to possible impeachment is his failure to disclose a lawsuit on his application to become regent. Now, Watchdog.org’s Texas bureau says it has proof that the case against Hall is a 'sham.' When it comes to regents and undisclosed lawsuits, it turns out Hall has plenty of company."