Ivan Cantu in a July 2022 interview from Texas' Polunsky Unit, which houses the state's male death row inmates.

Houston Matters

Texas halts execution of Ivan Cantu amid new revelations and legal questions

Posted on · A week before he was scheduled to be put to death, a court has put Cantu's execution on hold while new developments are considered, including recanted testimony and questions about evidence at his 2001 trial.

Criminal Justice

The bail bond industry hopes a recent court ruling kills Harris County’s reforms. Supporters don’t see that happening

Posted on · The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that district court judges have sovereign immunity from the sort of suits that led to the consent decree that ended the O’Donnell v. Harris County lawsuit.

Houston Matters

What’s Next for the State’s Foster Care System?

Posted on · In March, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals denied an attempt by the State of Texas to pause a revamp of its foster care system. The court appointed two Special Masters to oversee the system revamp. Francis McGovern and Kevin Ryan began their appointed positions in April. Then, earlier this month, the Special Masters […]