EducationLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingRichardson ISD Proposes $750 Million Property Tax Bond
Brad JohnsonJanuary 19, 2021
Richardson ISD taxpayers could be asked to approve a $750 million property tax bond during the May election.
HomeAuthorBrad Johnson, Reporter for The Texan
Brad Johnson is an Ohio native who graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2017. He is an avid sports fan who most enjoys watching his favorite teams continue their title drought throughout his cognizant lifetime. In his free time, you may find Brad quoting Monty Python productions and trying to calculate the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow.
87th LegislatureState HouseThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Lawmakers Take Sides on Abortion Abolition, Abbott Pushes Against ‘Defund the Police,’ Texas House Budgets Finalized
Brad JohnsonJanuary 15, 2021
This week — here’s a look at what’s happening in Texas politics during the first week of the 87th legislative session.
87th LegislatureState HouseTexas House Reinstates One-Member Record Vote Requirement, Rejects Mandatory COVID-19 Testing for Members
Brad JohnsonJanuary 14, 2021
After a day filled with amendments and debate, the Texas House sets its rules before adjourning for two weeks.
Criminal JusticeElections 2020San Antonio Woman Exposed by Project Veritas Arrested on Voter Fraud Charges
Brad JohnsonJanuary 13, 2021
Footage released by Project Veritas in October has resulted in the arrest of Raquel Rodriguez, who admitted on camera to engaging in voter fraud.
87th LegislatureState HouseRep. Dade Phelan Elected as Speaker of the Texas House
Brad JohnsonJanuary 12, 2021
The Texas House of Representatives elected Rep. Dade Phelan as its new speaker for the 87th Legislative Session.
87th LegislatureState HouseState Senate‘Reasonable’ Capitol Occupancy Regulations Acceptable, Remote Voting Likely Prohibited, Says Attorney General
Brad JohnsonJanuary 12, 2021
According to a new attorney general opinion, remote floor voting will likely not hold up to legal scrutiny.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateBudget Woes, Emergency Powers, and Redistricting: Texas Legislature Faces Mountain of Obstacles as it Convenes
Brad JohnsonJanuary 12, 2021
The Texas legislature convenes today for its 87th regular session with only 140 days to complete its business.
87th LegislatureTaxes & SpendingEstimated $950 Million Texas Budget Shortfall Projected, Better Than Expected After 2020
Brad JohnsonJanuary 11, 2021
The dire fiscal straits projected last July have improved substantially, but the Texas comptroller still projects a nearly $1 billion shortfall at the end of this biennium.
On this day in 1901, the future of Texas changed dramatically as, like a fountain of fortune, thousands of barrels of oil burst from the earth toward the sky.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateDemocrats Seek to Expand Mail-in Balloting, Republicans Look to Stem Efforts During 87th Legislative Session
Brad JohnsonJanuary 7, 2021
Here's a look at legislation concerning mail ballots filed ahead of Texas' 87th Legislative Session.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsHouston Homeowners and City Clash Over Property Rights
Brad JohnsonJanuary 6, 2021
A lawsuit before the Texas Supreme Court will determine whether the City of Houston has the authority to issue aesthetic regulations presented as historical preservation to homeowners in the absence of authorized zoning law.
IssuesTaxes & SpendingDecember Sales Tax Revenue Down From 2019, Restaurant and Tourism Sectors Continue to Struggle
Brad JohnsonJanuary 4, 2021
Tax collections on motor vehicles were up from December 2019, which may be explained by consumers taking advantage of low interest rates and purchasing a new vehicle for Christmas.
87th LegislatureState HouseState SenateCoronavirus Protocols Come With Truncated Opening Day Ceremony for Texas Legislature
Brad JohnsonJanuary 4, 2021
Just over a week before the 87th Legislative Session is set to begin, leadership of both chambers has issued coronavirus protocols for entry.
87th LegislatureStatewide NewsA Preview of Emergency Powers-Related Bills Filed Ahead of the 87th Texas Legislature
Brad JohnsonJanuary 4, 2021
Here's a look at legislation taking aim at Texas' emergency powers for this upcoming session.
Elections 2020IssuesStatewide NewsLockdowns, Ballots, and Protests: Top Texas Political Stories of 2020
Daniel FriendDecember 31, 2020
From the lockdowns to the George Floyd protests to criminal allegations against the attorney general, here’s a look at the top stories in Lone Star politics from 2020.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsAustin Sets Curfew for Bars and Restaurants to Ring in the New Year
Brad JohnsonDecember 30, 2020
Beginning at 10:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve, Austin bars and restaurants must close to in-person dining. State leaders called the order from the city invalid.
FederalHealthcareHospital Price Transparency Rule Moves Forward After Appeals Court Sides with Trump Administration
Brad JohnsonDecember 29, 2020
Starting January 1, 2021, hospitals will be required to list their actual, rather than estimated, healthcare prices.
Civil SocietyEducationUniversity of Texas to Eliminate Campus Speech Investigative Body After Lawsuit
Brad JohnsonDecember 28, 2020
A speech-policing body at the University of Texas will be disbanded after a legal challenge to the school's speech code.
Elections 2020FederalVice President Pence Sued by Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert in Latest Effort to Reverse Election Result
Brad JohnsonDecember 28, 2020
Rep. Louie Gohmert filed a lawsuit against Vice President Mike Pence, arguing that he must reject certain state's presidential electors in order to overturn the election results.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsNine South Texas Counties Forced to Restrict Business Operations by Gov. Abbott
Brad JohnsonDecember 28, 2020
Due to exceeding the state's benchmark, counties in South Texas will have business reopening limits rolled back to 50 percent for restaurants and bars will once again close.