State & Regional

Perry: Special session if no $1.8B in tax cuts
Published May 09, 2013 8:03am

With still more than two weeks to go in Texas' legislative session, Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday it's too early to issue ultimatums to lawmakers.

Thursday marks deadline for bills to pass chambers
Published May 09, 2013 8:00am

Lawmakers have until midnight to pass their bills out the Texas House and Senate.

Texas Senate approves teacher retirement changes
Published May 09, 2013 8:00am

A plan to boost the financial stability of the Texas Teacher Retirement System requires teachers and the state to pay more in to the fund, while also setting up a benefit increase for some longtime retirees.

Feds arrest 22 in NM-Texas border town drug sweep
Published May 09, 2013 7:57am

Twenty-two people were arrested on drug trafficking and other charges Wednesday during an early morning border town roundup that woke residents with the sounds of helicopters, bangs and screaming.

West Texas rapper convicted in enticing Wis. teen
Published May 08, 2013 8:39am

An aspiring West Texas rapper who posted his videos online has been convicted of luring a 15-year-old Wisconsin girl into have sex with him.

West Texas Braces for Cline Shale Impact
Published May 08, 2013 8:17am

The mayor of Sweetwater organized a shuttle bus for civic and community leaders on a tour to Odessa, stopping in Big Spring to view the oil rigs encroaching on the town.

Senate OKs Testing Standards Overhaul Monday
Published May 08, 2013 8:15am

The Texas Senate on Monday unanimously approved its version of a major high school curriculum overhaul, reducing the number of standardized tests students must pass to graduate from a nation-leading 15 to five...

Cigarette Prices Would Climb Under House Bill
Published May 08, 2013 8:14am

State taxes on chewing tobacco would drop by more than 30 percent but the price of cigarettes would climb for some brands under a bill given tentative approval in the Texas House.

Texas' Major Aquifers See Sharp Decline in Recent Study
Published May 08, 2013 8:11am

Groundwater levels in Texas’ major aquifers dropped considerably between 2010 and 2011, as the state's drought intensified, according to a report published recently by the Texas Water Development Board.

Report Shows Hunting Remains Safe Outdoor Activity
Published May 07, 2013 7:25am

Hunting accidents and fatalities in Texas continued their long-term decline in 2012, still below three accidents per 100,000 hunters in recent years.