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HOUSTON (AP) — Nearly half of the jurors who sentenced a Texas woman to die for the 2007 death of one of her 14 children have called for her upcoming execution to be halted and for her to get a new trial. Melissa Lucio, 52, is set to be executed Wednesday for the death of her 2-year-old daughter Mariah in Harlingen, a city of about 75,000 in Texas’ southern tip. Her lawyers say new evidence shows that Mariah’s injuries, including a blow to the head, were caused by a fall down a steep staircase, and many lawmakers and celebrities such...

A border patrol agent in Texas, named Omar Lucio, alongside several Mexican Gulf Cartel members, beheaded a man. While he was a border patrol agent, who was suppose to protect the border, he was helping the criminals, and participating in, their narcotic and violent crimes.

<p>AUSTIN, Texas -- When he filed an abortion-related bill with only one day remaining in the recently completed second special session, Texas state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. was hoping to make a statement, not change the law - at least not right away.</p>

McALLEN, Texas — A South Texas grand jury has indicted Vice President Dick Cheney and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on charges related to the alleged abuse of prisoners in Willacy County's federal detention centers. The indictment criticizes Cheney's investment in the Vanguard Group, which holds interests in the private prison companies running the federal detention centers. It accuses Cheney of a conflict of interest and "at least misdemeanor assaults" on detainees by working through the prison companies. Gonzales is accused of using his position while in office to stop an investigation into abuses at the federal detention centers.

Ecuador's controversial leader, Lucio Gutierrez, has been placed under arrest after Congress ousted him, the armed forces withdrew their support and a new president was named. The embattled Mr Gutierrez left the Carondelet presidential palace just as the legislature named Vice President Alfredo Palacio as the new head of state. He travelled by helicopter to Quito's airport, where demonstrators prevented him from leaving the country. He was reportedly heading to Panama, where his wife and two daughters are. From the airport, the helicopter took Mr Gutierrez to a nearby military base, where he is being held. Prosecutor Cecilia de...

Senate gives nod to redistricting plan By SEBASTIAN KITCHEN AVALANCHE-JOURNAL AUSTIN — The Texas Sen ate, by an 18-13 vote largely along party lines, tentatively passed a redistricting bill Tues day night that keeps three West Texas congressional districts largely intact. Sen. Teel Bivins of Amarillo was the lone Republican to vote against the bill. The action by the Senate sets the stage for negotiations with the House, which has passed a far different plan — one that gives House Speaker Tom Craddick the district he's seeking for Midland. The Senate plan keeps Lubbock and Midland in Congres sional District...

Texas senators return BY TRICIA CORTEZ Times staff writer Before a cheering crowd of family, friends and supporters, the "Texas 11 Minus One" delivered hugs and speeches Wednesday afternoon in Laredo after returning from a defiant six-week holdout in Albuquerque, N.M. While the Cigarroa High School band played and stylish Ryan Elementary cheerleaders performed, the 10 Democratic state senators received a good dose of Texas heat while they stood on a makeshift stage in an airport hangar before an enormous Texas flag. Hanging over the air was the possibility of being arrested by Texas Department of Public Safety agents. City...

Redistricting fight continues Gov. Perry calls for third special session BY TRICIA CORTEZ Times staff writer After more than six weeks of personal financial and family sacrifice to fight the Republican leadership on congressional redistricting, the "Texas 11 Minus One" are coming home Wednesday. Laredo will be their first stop in the Lone Star State. Eight of the 10 Democratic state senators are expected to fly in from Albuquerque, N.M. Wednesday. They will land at 4:30 p.m. at Labata FBO, a private hangar at the Laredo International Airport, and will be joined later by senators Eddie Lucio Jr. of Brownsville...

Senator Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville) was admitted at 10:35 am today to the Emergency Room Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth with chest pains. Chief of Staff Paul Cowan said the Senator may possibly have arterial blockage and they will be conducting further tests. A hospital spokeswoman said the Senator is in serious but stable condition. Lucio was speaking at the Texas School Food Service Association conference on nutrition this morning.

AUSTIN — A Democratic lawmaker from the Rio Grande Valley says he will help Republicans redraw Congressional districts — but only if the map includes a new seat for South Texas. State Sen. Eddie Lucio’s willingness to assist the GOP could be crucial in the Senate because Republicans are two votes shy of the two-thirds majority they need to revisit the potentially divisive and partisan redistricting process. A GOP-drawn plan would likely overturn the current 17-15 majority Democrats enjoy in the Texas Congressional delegation, as well as gut the Dallas seat currently held by ranking Democrat Martin Frost. Frost represents...