Birdwell denies double vote [1]
By Michael W. Shapiro, WACO TRIBUNE-HERALD, 29 July 2010
Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, strongly denied voting in two states in the 2004 presidential election, correcting what he called “inaccurate news reports which contain false information concerning my voting record.”
Fraser Failed to Disclose Perry Land Deal [2]
By Matt Stiles, THE TEXAS TRIBUNE, 29 July 2010
The lawmaker involved in a questionable land deal with Gov. Rick Perry failed to disclose ownership or sale of the property to the Texas Ethics Commission, an apparent violation of a state ethics rules, according to a review of his personal financial statements.
El Paso reaction mixed on Arizona immigration ruling [3]
By Daniel Borunda, EL PASO TIMES, 29 July 2010
A federal judge's decision Wednesday blocking parts of Arizona's immigration law drew strong reaction in El Paso on both sides of the debate.
Immigration ruling strikes nerve in Lubbock [4]
By Adam D. Young, LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL, 29 July 2010
The federal government’s first shot at blocking a controversial immigration law in Arizona was heard more than 700 miles away by Lubbockites in support and opposition to the law.
Texas ag-commissioner candidate touts reform in Abilene [5]
By Carl Kieke, ABILENE REPORTER-NEWS, 28 July 2010
The Democratic candidate for Texas agriculture commissioner unveiled what he called a comprehensive reform plan — including a call to restructure some of the state’s bureaucracies — during a stop Wednesday in Abilene.
Legal fight begins over Arizona immigration law [6]
By Susan Carroll, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 28 July 2010
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vowed to appeal a federal judge’s ruling Wednesday that barred the state from enforcing key provisions of its controversial immigration law, setting the stage for what is expected to be a prolonged legal battle.
Texas lawmakers say federal policy needed on immigration [7]
By Maria Recio, FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 28 July 2010
Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Democratic Rep. Charlie Gonzalez of San Antonio, both Texas congressional delegation members heavily involved in immigration reform, had similar reactions to the court ruling over Arizona's immigration law, saying there's a greater need than ever for a comprehensive federal policy.
House approves $701 million for border security [8]
By Gary Martin, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 29 July 2010
Border lawmakers from Southwest states were instrumental in pressing the House to pass a $701 million bill Wednesday for security measures on the U.S.-Mexico border after the money was stripped out of a previous war funding bill in the Senate.
State proposes new rules for drillers [9]
By Aman Batheja, FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 28 July 2010
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality proposed new rules Wednesday for oil and gas drilling permits to beef up regulations and better protect air quality in the Barnett Shale region in North Texas.
2 of state's top guns to remake state Transportation Department [10]
By Gordon Dickson, FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 28 July 2010
Two of the state's best-known governmental troubleshooters are setting up shop in Austin to revamp the often-criticized Texas Department of Transportation.
Higher taxes and fees on table in Austin [11]
By Sarah Coppola, AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 28 July 2010
The City of Austin would hire 88 more police officers, firefighters and paramedics under the less-bleak-than-expected 2010-11 budget that officials proposed Wednesday .
Dewhurst says health care overhaul will bust Texas' budget [12]
By Todd J. Gillman, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 29 July 2010
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst warned Wednesday that new federal health care legislation will bust Texas' budget, saddling state taxpayers with $27 billion in extra costs over the next decade.
Obama names Laredo lawyer to federal judge post [13]
By Gary Martin, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 28 July 2010
President Barack Obama on Wednesday nominated Laredo lawyer Marina Garcia Marmolejo to be a federal judge in the U.S. Southern Judicial District of Texas.
Councilman Hoang loses bid to evict Vietnamese group [14]
By Moises Mendoza, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 28 July 2010
A justice of the peace told Vietnamese community members to work out their own problems Wednesday and refused to order the eviction from a local building of a community organization that City Councilman Al Hoang says has a confusing name.
TCEQ levels fines on 5 Southeast Texas companies [15]
By Dan Wallach, BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE, 28 July 2010
State regulators hit five Southeast Texas companies with more than $131,000 in fines Wednesday for various violations, including chemical spills and failure to remove or properly monitor underground storage tanks.
100 days of oil: Gulf life will never be the same [16]
By Greg Bluestein, Mary Foster and Tamara Lush, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 28 July 2010
The 100 days since the April 20 explosion have been a gut-wrenching time for folks who work, play and live along the Gulf Coast. The Gulf is a sanctuary for some, an employer for others, and now, a tragedy.
Drought helped clean Texas beaches [17]
By Erin Mulvaney, THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 29 July 2010
Pollution along the Texas coastline improved during the state's two-year drought, leaving its beaches cleaner than in other states.