Are green-card ‘points' a formula for success?

Provisions of a new immigration overhaul being debated in Congress would judge applicants on a 100-point formula that factors in employment, education, fluency in English, knowledge of civics and family ties.

The 210 take: Liberals were concerned that the new “points” rules were too confusing for immigrants. Immigrants didn't appear too worried, though — they weren't educated in U.S. schools so they know how to count.
 

Shoving match at Austin elementary school

Last week, second-graders argued about who was the most popular, then stuck their fingers in their ears and pretended they couldn't hear when someone else said they weren't playing fair. The second-graders then started shoving each other.

The 210 take: Oh, wait, did we say “second-graders”? We mean to say “state legislators.” We apologize to any second-graders offended by the comparison.
 
Another reason for teen Hulk to be angry

Lawmakers approved mandatory random steroid testing for Texas public high school athletes. If the governor allows the bill to become law, the state could begin testing tens of thousands of students at the start of the football season.

The 210 take: Athletes I interviewed welcomed the new rules, noting that steroids had caused testicle problems, prostate enlargement and thick mustaches on their teams. And that was just the girls volleyball squad.
 
A little too much tubing excitement

Memorial Day was a washout for tubers after heavy river flows led New Braunfels to prohibit floaters on the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. A small but intense thunderstorm led to evacuations and at least 29 rescues of stranded tubers. The storm also washed away at least a half-dozen vehicles from River Road campsites.

The 210 take: I'm always worried about losing my car keys in the river while tubing. Now I have to worry about losing my car, too!

S. Side A&M campus grows one step closer

The Legislature approved a $152.5 billion, two-year state budget that includes money to help start a Texas A&M campus on the South Side. The $6.8 million in operating funds is less than the institution sought but enough to keep local leaders' dream on track.

The 210 take: Nothing boosts an area's reputation like getting at Texas A&M campus — just ask College Station. If you can find it on a map.

With staff and wire reports