Politics
Hispanics in GOP get boost
By Corrie MacLaggan, AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 20 July 2010
At the Texas Capitol, there are about three dozen Hispanic lawmakers in the House and Senate. The number of those who are Republicans: zero. That's what Hispanic Republicans of Texas is trying to change.
Hispanic Republicans of Texas will focus recruiting, electing Latinos
By Dave Montgomery, FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 21 July 2010
The state Republican leadership on Tuesday welcomed the creation of an organization to recruit and elect conservative Hispanic candidates as part of a GOP effort to reach out to the state's largest and fastest-growing minority group.
Texas Hispanic GOP boosters lack money, not optimism
By R.G. Ratcliffe, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 20 July 2010
The Hispanic Republicans of Texas political action committee formally launched Tuesday with slick television commercials, but not the money to air them, and admitted that a tense atmosphere over race and immigration politics hamper the group's efforts.
Governor candidate Bill White has 'no plans' to attend Texas events with Obama
By Todd J. Gillman, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 21 July 2010
President Barack Obama's fundraising trip next month to Texas probably won't include a joint appearance with his party's pick for governor, Bill White.
With $2 million given this year, Houston couple has secured position at summit of Democratic donors in Texas
By Jason Embry, AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 20 July 2010
Already this year, the couple and their law firm have contributed more than $2 million to candidates and political groups, mostly to Democrats. The Mostyns, both 39, have quickly joined a handful of Democratic donors, usually trial lawyers, who can step into a legislative race and match business interests on the Republican side dollar-for-dollar.
Houston couple dig deep to oust GOP
By R.G. Ratcliffe, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 20 July 2010
A Houston husband-and-wife lawyer team is planning to donate more than $3 million this year toward knocking Republican Gov. Rick Perry out of office and helping Democrats win control of the Texas House.
Watkins, foe trade barbs over county's conviction rate
By Gromer Jeffers Jr., THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 21 July 2010
District Attorney Craig Watkins accused his rival on Tuesday of "deriding" hardworking prosecutors who have produced a 99.4 percent conviction rate in Dallas County.
Government
Texas schools score well in language, poor in math
By Ericka Mellon, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 20 July 2010
Texas’ standards for what schoolchildren should learn in math are “clearly inferior” to recently written national benchmarks, though the state earned high marks for its language arts curriculum, according to a new study.
Affirmative Action Suit Challenges UT Admission Policy
By Morgan Smith, THE TEXAS TRIBUNE, 21 July 2010
If two young women have their way, the University of Texas may soon rival the University of Michigan as the nation's top breeding ground for affirmative action jurisprudence.
Texas lawmakers enlisted in drug war
By Lise Olsen, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 20 July 2010
The prescription drug plague that has turned Houston into a center for "doctor-shopping" rings, rogue cash-only clinics and accidental overdose deaths is now threatening the entire state, according to an intelligence report to be released today by local and federal drug enforcement officials.
Board of ed looks at investing in charter school facilities
By Kate Alexander, AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 20 July 2010
While education reformers have eagerly embraced charter schools, investment markets have largely shied away from giving the schools money because they are deemed too financially risky. But the State Board of Education, as overseer of Texas' $23 billion public school endowment, could soon head down a path other investors have largely avoided.
Sebelius stresses advantages of health care overhaul
By Chris Roberts, EL PASO TIMES, 21 July 2010
Hundreds of thousands of uninsured residents here will be able to buy quality health care at affordable prices under nationwide reforms just beginning to take effect, the country's top health official said Tuesday.
Houston mayor pushes to protect historic buildings
By Moises Mendoza, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 20 July 2010
Houston Mayor Annise Parker on Tuesday proposed the elimination of a key part of the city’s historic preservation ordinance, the oft-criticized 90-day waiting period for demolition of historic buildings.
Lawsuit against Farmers Branch seeks single-member districts for City Council elections
By Dianne Solís, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 21 July 2010
Another lawsuit was filed Tuesday against Farmers Branch – this one seeking to force the city to institute single-member districts to elect City Council members.
Dallas suburb sued over electoral system
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 20 July 2010
A Dallas suburb that has repeatedly made national headlines over efforts to ban illegal immigrants from renting housing is having its city electoral system challenged in court again.
Rehiring of fired city worker raises questions about role of background checks
By Marty Toohey, AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 20 July 2010
In 2007, while under federal investigation for mortgage fraud, Roy Rivers took a job with the City of Austin as a "cash officer," evaluating proposals from companies seeking city business.
Judge rejects Sepulveda's claim of ballot fraud in justice of peace race
By Kevin Krause, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 21 July 2010
A Dallas County justice of the peace's attempt to win a new election after losing in the Democratic primary in March came to an end Tuesday when a judge rejected his claim that his defeat was caused by widespread fraud involving absentee ballots.
No tax hikes in new Waco budget, but water, sewer rates will rise
By J.B. Smith, WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD, 21 July 2010
The city of Waco’s proposed budget for 2010-11 calls for no tax hikes, a decrease in general fund spending and significant rate hikes for water and sewer customers.
News
Pressure rises on BP, and the well
By Tom Fowler, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 20 July 2010
BP’s blown-out Macondo well remained sealed for a sixth day Tuesday, reducing the likelihood scientists will get another shot at measuring how fast oil was spilling from it while it tainted Gulf of Mexico waters and coastlines in the nation’s worst oil spill.
Survey: 4 in 10 Texas teachers moonlight to make ends meet
By Terrence Stutz and Tawnell D. Hobbs, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 20 July 2010
More and more Texas teachers are struggling to pay their bills. Just ask the four in 10 teachers – a record number – who moonlighted this year.
People
Larry Click, GOP candidate for county commissioner, dies
By John W. Gonzalez, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 20 July 2010
Larry Click, a long-shot GOP candidate for county commissioner, has died, forcing his party to seek another opponent for Commissioner Tommy Adkisson.
Tarrant County judge's consensus-building abilities lead to national award
By Steve Campbell, FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 20 July 2010
Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley's collaborative style has earned him national recognition as County Leader of the Year for 2010 by American City and County Magazine.