AudioWeekly Roundup Podcast: Border Numbers and Campaign Finance Reports
Daniel FriendNovember 26, 2021
Catch up on the week's hottest stories in Texas politics with the reporting team at The Texan.
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The Back MicThe Back Mic: Tarrant Trump Staffers Back Challenger, Caucus Calls for Severed Ties with School Board Group, Texas’ Unemployment Rate Drops
Brad JohnsonNovember 26, 2021
This week — Trump campaign workers ask the former president to endorse a GOP challenger, a conservative group calls for an exodus from a school board association, and the state’s unemployment numbers continue to decline.
Texas HistoryToday in Texas History: Compromise of 1850 Sets Boundary Between Texas and New Mexico
Brad JohnsonNovember 25, 2021
The compromise set Texas' modern-day border and ceded its western and northernmost territory to the U.S. in exchange for $10 million.
Elections 20222022 Democratic Messaging Solidifies on the Power Grid, Abortion, and Guns
Brad JohnsonNovember 24, 2021
Next year, Texas Democrats hope to replicate their 2018 gains against a much less friendly national political environment.
87th LegislatureElections 2022FederalIssuesState HouseState Rep. Jasmine Crockett Launches Congressional Campaign to Succeed Eddie Bernice Johnson
Hayden SparksNovember 24, 2021
Crockett was first elected to the Texas House in November of last year.
Civil SocietyEducationJudicialTexas Mask Mandate Ban Restored by Fifth Circuit Court
Isaiah MitchellNovember 24, 2021
The ongoing case is a lawsuit between several disabled students, represented by advocacy group Disability Rights Texas, and the state.
EducationTexas Freedom Caucus Calls on School Districts to Leave TASB Over ‘Domestic Terrorism’ Letter
Isaiah MitchellNovember 24, 2021
The caucus of conservative lawmakers claims TASB knew about the letter that likened concern over mask mandates and critical race theory to "domestic terrorism."
Criminal JusticeFederalImmigration & BorderIssuesViolence Outside the U.S. Against Federal Agents, Employees Can Be Prosecuted, New Law Clarifies
Hayden SparksNovember 24, 2021
President Biden excluded from the signing ceremony retired Special Agent Victor Avila and the family of the late Special Agent Jaime Zapata.
FederalGunsTexas Rep. Michael Cloud, Other Republicans Warn ATF Rule Change Could Lead to Unlawful Gun Registry
Daniel FriendNovember 24, 2021
Congressman Michael Cloud and other Texas Republicans say a proposed rule change at the ATF could pave the way for a federal gun registry.
IssuesLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingSamsung Chooses Taylor for $17 Billion Microchip Plant Bolstered by Hundreds of Millions in State, Local Incentives
Brad JohnsonNovember 23, 2021
The 1,200-acre microchip plant is considered the largest economic development investment in the State of Texas' history.
EducationElections 2021Local NewsRunoff Elections in Troubled Houston School District Set to Begin
Holly HansenNovember 23, 2021
Four challengers prompted runoff elections in the state’s largest school district, although a court ruling could allow the state to appoint a new board in the future.
Elections 2022Betting on the Border: Texas Republicans Zero in on South Texas
Brad JohnsonNovember 23, 2021
After the 2020 swing in South Texas, Republicans are bullish on their ability to cement further gains in the Hispanic-heavy region.
Elections 2022State Rep. Matt Krause Drops Attorney General Bid to Run for Tarrant County District Attorney
Daniel FriendNovember 23, 2021
The state representative has announced that he is running for a local attorney race instead of the Texas attorney general.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyHealthcareDallas Child Gender Transition Program Closes, Seeking ‘More Private, Insulated Experience for Patients’
Isaiah MitchellNovember 23, 2021
The GENECIS program provided counseling and hormonal treatment to children diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
Elections 2022Rep. Louie Gohmert Announces Campaign for Texas Attorney General
Daniel FriendNovember 22, 2021
The Texas congressman had been considering a challenge to incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton, and now joins a crowded Republican field.
Civil SocietyHealthcareIssuesAbbott Claims ‘Texas Did Not Lock Down Like So Many Other States’ During Pandemic, Citing Job Growth
Hayden SparksNovember 22, 2021
Abbott said that job growth in Texas is “roaring back” in comparison to many other states.
87th LegislatureCivil SocietyCriminal JusticeGunsTexas Officials, Candidates React to Kyle Rittenhouse’s Full Acquittal in Wisconsin Self-defense Case
Hayden SparksNovember 22, 2021
A prominent Democrat in the Texas House lashed out at Gov. Greg Abbott after the governor tweeted about Rittenhouse’s acquittal.
Elections 2022Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Longtime Dallas Democrat, Announces Retirement from Congress
Daniel FriendNovember 22, 2021
Johnson’s retirement will leave the Dallas seat open to a competitive Democratic primary, though the incumbent says she plans to endorse someone in the race.
Local NewsTarrant County Harassment and Discrimination Courses Include Topics About Implicit Bias
Kim RobertsNovember 22, 2021
Tarrant County commissioners want to make a pilot program for harassment and discrimination training, including unconscious bias courses, an annual requirement for its employees.
FederalImmigration & BorderIssuesCustoms and Border Protection Reports a Drop in Border Arrests in October
Hayden SparksNovember 19, 2021
The number of border apprehensions decreased for a third month in a row in October.