Texas

Gov. Perry's announcement this week of the "fetal pain" bill is the latest in his attempts at restricting abortion in Texas; pro-life groups applaud the announcement and pro-choice groups are kicking their opposition into high gear. The governor made his announcement at a pregnancy crisis center, but what exactly is a pregnancy crisis center, and where do they get their funding? Freelance reporter Carolyn Jones investigates. Finally, problems with state-funded CPRIT continue to surface, the latest being an $11 million grant that was not reviewed before it was handed out.

Governor Rick Perry announced that he’s backing a tougher state law against abortion. Perry is pushing for a so-called “fetal pain” law to be passed in the upcoming legislative session. 

Joined by state Senator-elect Donna Campbell (R), Perry called for the new Texas law that would tighten the state’s restrictions on abortions by banning abortion after 20 weeks, which is when Perry said a fetus can feel pain.

There’s more trouble for the state’s embattled cancer-fighting agency.

The Travis County District Attorney’s office is now investigating the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, better known as CPRIT.

Gregg Cox is the head of the Public Integrity Unit in the Travis County DA’s office. He says they’ll be looking at how contracts were awarded.

Take a quick look at a few of the top stories from around the state from the latest Houston economic numbers to hunting for Christmas trees in Marfa, and more...

From High Plains Public Radio in Amarillo:

Oh By Gosh By Golly: Growing Holly in Texas

"It's time for mistletoe and holly, but here on the High Plains, the only place you are likely to see this traditional holiday plant is on cards and wrapping paper."

From KUT News in Austin: