Party Politics
Party Politics: Well Isn’t That Special?
Posted on · Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina delve into the latest news in national and local politics.
Texas
Politics
Here are some Texas lawmakers not seeking reelection
Posted on · The third special legislative session has wrapped up. Here’s a look at the lawmakers who’ve announced they won’t return to their seats in the 88th legislature.
Arts & Culture
Unemployed Texans waiting on hold got an upgrade over the summer — at least musically
Posted on · The Texas Workforce Commission Hold Music Project is an album of ambient synth stuff performed by Justin Sherburn, with some cello played by his wife, Sara Nelson.
Redistricting
First lawsuit filed challenging new Texas political maps as intentionally discriminatory
Posted on · Before they’re even signed into law, the state’s new maps for congressional and statehouse districts have been challenged in federal court by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Town Square
Understanding COVID vaccinations, Texas politics and early voting
Posted on · Having trouble keeping up with headlines in Texas politics? Experts explain the legislature’s third special session and early voting. Plus, in light of the passing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, we discuss COVID complications and vaccines.
Politics
Texans will decide on 8 constitutional amendments this election. Here’s what they mean
Posted on · The propositions include a measure that would ban the state or local governments from restricting religious services -- a reaction to public health measures put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Politics
Texas lawmakers pass controversial new map for the U.S. House of Representatives
Posted on · While Democrats hold firm in their accusations of racial gerrymandering, Republicans passed a map reallocating Texas’ seats in the U.S. House. A court challenge is likely ahead.
Politics
Early voting has begun in Texas. Here’s what you need to know in Harris County
Posted on · Texans will vote on eight constitutional amendments. Harris County residents will also have district-specific ballot options.
Party Politics
Party Politics: Abbott Flip-Flops On Party Principles
Posted on · Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina delve into the latest news in national and local politics.
Criminal Justice
Robert Durst sentenced to life in best friend’s murder
Posted on · He was convicted in Los Angeles Superior Court last month of first-degree murder for shooting Susan Berman point-blank in the back of the head at her home in December 2000. Prosecutors said Durst silenced Berman to prevent her from incriminating him in the reopened investigation of his wife’s 1982 disappearance in New York.
Politics
Texas House passes measure limiting trans youth sport participation
Posted on · The bill requiring Texas public school athletes to participate only on sports teams that align with their sex assigned at birth appears poised to become law.
Politics
What will it take for the Democratic Party to be competitive in Texas?
Posted on · “The answer to that is not necessarily, what you need to do is then push to the right. The answer to that is … invest more in the ground game; invest more in outreach.”
Energy & Environment
Illegal air pollution in Texas dropped more than 50% during the pandemic. Experts fear it’s an outlier
Posted on · A new report analyzing data gathered by the TECQ finds the drop stemmed largely from the pandemic-related downturn in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, and rising production in 2021 is already leading to a comparable rise in illegal pollution.
Politics
Gov. Abbott’s ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates will likely face legislative and legal challenges
Posted on · It’s far from clear whether House Speaker Dade Phelan will force through a bill that would ban businesses from requiring their employees get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Criminal Justice
U.S. Department of Justice investigating abuse, mistreatment at Texas’ juvenile lockups
Posted on · The department says it’s looking into whether the Texas Juvenile Justice Department provides “reasonable protection from physical and sexual abuse by staff and other residents, excessive use of chemical restraints and excessive use of isolation.”