The Evening Brief: Oct. 21, 2013

New in The Texas Tribune

•    Court Battle Begins Over New Abortion Regulations: "A federal judge began hearing arguments Monday as abortion rights advocates pursue a preliminary injunction to block the implementation of two provisions in the state's new law on abortion regulations."

•    In Dewhurst Web Ad, "Texas Takes the Cake": "Job creation during Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's tenure is the emphasis of a web video, featuring a Texas-shaped cake, that was released Monday by his re-election campaign."

•    UT-Austin Announces Major Gift to College of Communication: "The University of Texas at Austin announced on Monday a $50 million gift from the Moody Foundation to its College of Communication, which will be renamed the Moody College of Communication."

•    Dispute Over Money for Scanning Machine May Stall Bridge Opening: "Just weeks before a new rail bridge connecting Texas and Mexico is set to open, controversy surrounding an X-ray machine for the bridge has unfolded and could delay the opening."

Culled

•    Texas lawmaker formally apologizes for scolding park ranger at WWII Memorial (Scripps Howard News Service): "In a letter delivered Friday to the National Park Service, U.S. Rep. Randy Neugebauer said he's sorry for the way he talked to a ranger in a confrontation over restricted access to the World War II Memorial during the government shutdown."

•    Patrick asks why estimates vary on border security spending (The Dallas Morning News): "Lieutenant governor hopeful Dan Patrick on Monday questioned why official estimates have varied so widely about how much the state is spending on border security. … In a press release, he complained that the Legislative Budget Board has issued contradictory information about what the state will spend on border security in the current two-year cycle. Since May, there have been three different numbers, Patrick said — not mentioning that he is the sole issuer of what he characterizes as the first, back in May."

•    Local elected official to switch parties (San Antonio Express-News): "A Bexar County judge elected during the 2010 election's 'red tide' is switching parties. County Court-at-Law No. 11 Judge Carlo Key will announce that he is joining the Democratic Party, said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro."