The Brief: March 7, 2012
Though it's still a long shot, last night's election results have increased the chances that Texas could play a role in the presidential primary. Full Story
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![A voter casts a ballot in Travis County on November 2, 2010.]()
Credit: Marjorie Cotera -
Bill Aims to Boost Efforts to Bury Use of Cross-Border Tunnels
U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso, wants to close a loophole that allows underground cross-border tunnels — which are often used by Mexican cartels — to flourish. Full Story
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![U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement inside an elaborate cross-border drug smuggling tunnel discovered inside a warehouse near San Diego, CA.]()
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College Presidents Say $10,000 Degrees Available Now
Officials from a couple of Texas community colleges and universities told an audience in Austin that $10,000 bachelor's degrees are available now — and more will be within the year. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: March 6, 2012
Your evening reading: what to watch for in tonight's election results; Paul downplays Super Tuesday and hits Romney on health care; rally at Capitol targets likely demise of Women's Health Program Full Story
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Executive Director Leaves Railroad Commission
John Tintera, executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission, which regulates the oil and gas industry, is leaving less than one week after the election of a new chairman, Barry Smitherman, to lead the agency. Full Story
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Hundreds Attend Rally Targeting Possible End of Women's Health Program
The rally at the state Capitol drew progressive political activists, local musicians, state representatives and women’s health clinic employees. Full Story
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![Protesters on March 6, 2012, rallying at the Capitol against the likely demise of the state's Women's Health Program.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
T-Squared: Aman Batheja is Trib's Latest Hire
I'm excited to announce that Aman Batheja of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, one of the state's best political reporters, will soon join the Tribune staff. Full Story
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DPS Renews Warning Against Spring Break Trips to Mexico
UPDATED: The Texas Department of Public Safety today renewed a warning that cautions Texas students against traveling to Mexico. The break begins next week for most of the state’s schools. Full Story
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![National pride was in abundance at the Mexican independence day festival at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin, Texas. The holiday celebrates Mexico's war of independence from Spain in 1810.]()
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Just What is a "Likely Voter"?
In a poll of potential voters, how should we go about determining what the electorate might look like on Election Day? Full Story
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David Leebron: The TT Interview
The president of Rice University on the declining reputation of higher education, the difference between public and private universities, and the future of academic research. Full Story
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The Brief: March 6, 2012
As voters head to the polls in 10 states today, take a moment to lament what could have been Texas' moment in the national spotlight. Full Story
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Rep. Lon Burnam is Told That He Can Double Dip
State Rep. Lon Burnam has been told he can start drawing a government pension without leaving his job. But he wants to stop the hidden perk reserved for lawmakers. Full Story
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As iPads Appear in Schools, Classroom Effects Unknown
In many Texas school districts, teachers are turning to iPads to help with classroom education. But as Carlos Morales of KUT News and ReportingTexas.com reports, educators are still trying to determine how best to use the technology. Full Story
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![Blackwell middle school students study on their iPads, which all students receive starting in seventh grade.]()
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Oil Boom Spurs Demand for Training as Schools Face Cuts
Texas' drilling boom has increased demand for skilled workers and blue-collar training. But as Dave Fehling of KUHF News reports for StateImpact Texas, the rising demand comes as community colleges face funding cuts, forcing companies to cope with fewer workers. Full Story
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Poll: Voters Don't Want to Ban Planned Parenthood From Health Program
A new poll sponsored by Planned Parenthood found that 59 percent of likely Texas voters oppose efforts to keep the health provider's clinics out of the joint state-federal Women's Health Program. But the poll is likely to have critics. Full Story
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The Evening Brief: March 5, 2012
Your evening reading: border-area Democratic state representative to switch parties; Paul campaign touts endorsements from Romney relatives; Barbara Bush slams 2012 presidential field Full Story
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Rep. J.M. Lozano Says He Plans to Switch to GOP
Freshman state Rep. J.M. Lozano, D-Kingsville, will announce later this week he will join the Republican Party. Full Story
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Inside Intelligence: About Those Political Plans...
For this week's nonscientific survey of our political and governmental insiders, we asked who would win a fantasy matchup between Rick Perry and Greg Abbott, whether there will be a runoff in the Senate race, and who'll be the next Railroad Commissioner. Full Story
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The Hot Seat: A Conversation with Estes and Crownover
At our Hot Seat conversation at the University of North Texas in Denton on 2/28, state Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, and state Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Lake Dallas, discussed cuts to public and higher education and other by-products of the 82nd Session. Full Story
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The Brief: March 5, 2012
Ron Paul has gone 12 states without a win, but that may finally change tomorrow. Full Story
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![Ron Paul in Manchester speaking to supporters after the 2012 New Hampshire primary.]()
Credit: Gage Skidmore