Wednesday’s execution of Kimberly McCarthy for the 1997 stabbing death of her neighbor will mark Texas’ 500th execution since 1976 and the 261st during Gov. Rick Perry’s tenure. Use our interactive to view information on each execution under Perry.
Elizabeth Koh
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: What Are the Rules of a Filibuster?
State Sen. Wendy Davis is trying to talk to death an abortion bill that she and other Democrats oppose. The rules for filibustering could make the hours until midnight tough ones for the Fort Worth Democrat.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
With Help From Business Group, Criminal Justice Priorities Pass
For the state’s largest business association and criminal justice reform advocates, the 83rd legislative session was successful despite Gov. Rick Perry’s veto of a key measure that they said would have made it easier for former inmates to find work.
Posted in
Energy
Lawmakers Seek Lessons From West Explosion
A panel of House lawmakers on Monday agreed to join other state officials in calling on the federal government to send additional aid to the small town of West, which was rocked in April by a massive plant explosion.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Inmate Families Sue Over Heat-Related Prison Deaths
Four inmates’ families on Thursday sued the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for wrongful deaths, alleging that prison officials failed to protect the men from extreme heat.
Posted inState Government
After FEMA Rejection, Perry Hopes Obama Stays “True to His Word”
After the Federal Emergency Management Agency said it would not provide additional funds to help the town of West, Gov. Rick Perry said he hoped President Obama would work with the state to assist the town.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
TDCJ to Close Two Privately Run Jails in August
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has decided to end operations at two privately run Texas prison facilities — the Dawson State Jail in Dallas and the Mineral Wells Pre-Parole Transfer Facility — on Aug. 31.