As expected, former Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill has taken the stand to defend himself against charges of corruption and extortion, as U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn reminded him that he has a constitutional right not to testify, which he waived. His attorney, Ray Jackson, just asked him to introduce himself to the jury.

Hill says he was born in Austin on November 3, 1951, and he attended segregated schools until the seventh grade. His father was a delivery man -- high school educated, but "brilliant," according to Hill.

"I may have grown up a little poor, but I didn't know it," he says.

• Crime