Commentary

HPD's untested rape kits delay justice in assaults – Anita Hassan, Houston Chronicle Five years ago, when the troubled Houston Police Department crime lab resumed DNA testing, more than 4,000 sexual assault kits sat in

The blog will be taking a little break over the next few days. We may check in periodically, but do feel free to comment on any local news/developments in the forum.

Clear Lake residents fighting Houston drainage fee – Christine Dobbyn, KTRK-13 News Clear Lake is a master-planned community in the Houston city limits. But since 1963, all waterworks, sewers and drainage facilities have been operated

Parker’s feud with firefighters snarls city budget – Chris Moran, Houston Chronicle Even with the labor deal inked and her budget released late last week, Parker continued describing the fire department as part of the

HPD: Man charged in officer’s death was an illegal immigrant, intoxicated and carrying drugs – KHOU.com The suspect accused of plowing down and killing a Houston police officer in north Houston Sunday was found to

HISD considers drastic measures to deal with cuts – Cynthia Cisneros, KTRK-13 News In Austin, the Texas Legislature will go into a special session starting Tuesday to vote on a school finance bill, and local

HISD has begun laying the groundwork for a tax increase. Here’s a snippet from KTRK’s story last night: There’s a possibility HISD will raise your taxes. The district has laid off hundreds of teachers. It’s

Judge orders VA cemetery to allow "Jesus" to be named in prayer – Terri Langford, Houston Chronicle A federal judge slapped down the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Thursday, saying it can’t stop a pastor

Popular city budget myths obscure structural issues – Bill King, Houston Chronicle From 2003 through 2011, in the city’s general fund, recurring expenses have exceeded recurring revenues by about $430 million. The majority of this

Metro’s finances bleak — and getting bleaker in latest report – Michael Reed, YourHoustonNews.com The Metropolitan Transit Agency will be facing roughly a $2.6 billion negative cash balance by 2035, if both the general mobility