FederalImpeachment Podcast with Sen. Ted Cruz Is Most Popular on iTunes Charts
Brad JohnsonJanuary 27, 2020
Sen. Cruz's podcast has been up and running for less than a week and it's already become the most downloaded podcast on Apple's charts.
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 watching and quoting Monty Python productions.
86th LegislatureLocal NewsState HouseState SenateStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingSen. Bob Hall, Rep. Mayes Middleton Vow to Continue Fight Against Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying at TPPF Panel
Brad JohnsonJanuary 24, 2020
Sen. Hall and Rep. Middleton's bill in the 86th Legislature failed at the last minute, but Friday they stressed their commitment to pass taxpayer-funded lobbying legislation next session.
The new "waters of the U.S." rule has been years in the making and will go into effect 60 days from its publication in the Federal Register.
Civil SocietyIssuesWaymo Announces Testing of Self-Driving Cars in Texas
Brad JohnsonJanuary 23, 2020
Some Texans may soon see driverless cars maneuvering their way through traffic as Waymo will test its new models on West Texas freeways.
FederalSen. Ted Cruz Starts Impeachment Podcast with The Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles
Brad JohnsonJanuary 23, 2020
A new, right-off-the-senate-floor podcast on impeachment was launched yesterday by Sen. Ted Cruz and commentator Michael J. Knowles.
HealthcareIssuesHealthcare After Obamacare Highlighted by Rep. Roy, Others at TPPF Panel
Brad JohnsonJanuary 22, 2020
The healthcare panel at the Texas Public Policy Foundation's annual summit highlighted key policies participants believe will drive down costs and improve quality of care were Obamacare to be repealed.
FederalHealthcareIssuesSupreme Court Denies California-Led Petition to Expedite Obamacare Ruling
Brad JohnsonJanuary 22, 2020
The Supreme Court has not yet decided if it will take up the latest effort to strike down Obamacare — only that it will not consider the case in this term.
FederalRep. Kay Granger Had Highest Staff Turnover Among All Members of Congress in 2019
Brad JohnsonJanuary 21, 2020
LegiStorm tracks congressional office staff turnover rates every year to illustrate which offices may be more susceptible to "dysfunction."
Civil SocietyLocal NewsAustin City Council PR Bond Policy Scrutinized For Release of Suspect in Freebirds Stabbing, Firing of Judges
Brad JohnsonJanuary 21, 2020
In 2017, the Austin City Council passed a directive to the municipal court to prioritize "personal recognizance" bonds for "indigent" defendants. Some judges who raised concerns about the propriety of the directive were not renewed for another term.
FederalIssuesTradePresident Trump, in Austin, Speaks to Farm Bureau on USMCA, China, and 2020 Election
Brad JohnsonJanuary 20, 2020
President Trump visited Austin on Sunday to tout recent progress on trade deals before the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual gathering.
EducationIssuesLocal NewsTaxes & SpendingDallas ISD Considering $3.7 Billion Property Tax Bond, Largest in Texas History
Brad JohnsonJanuary 17, 2020
Dallas ISD is considering a few bond options, none of which, they claim, would result in an increase in the tax rate.
FederalIssuesTradeUSMCA Trade Deal Passes Senate, Awaits President Trump’s Signature
Brad JohnsonJanuary 16, 2020
The USMCA, which has been in the works for the better part of two years, now awaits the final stop before ratification — a presidential signature.
FederalIssuesStatewide NewsTradePresident Trump Signs “Phase One” Trade Deal with China
Brad JohnsonJanuary 15, 2020
According to President Trump, discussions over "Phase Two" of the China trade deal will begin immediately.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020FederalCollege Station GOP Forum Brings Candidates and Voters Together to Discuss Immigration, Spending, and Healthcare
Brad JohnsonJanuary 15, 2020
With 48 days until the Texas primary, nine TX-17 candidates convened at a bar in College Station for a forum on the issues concerning voters.
IssuesStatewide NewsTexas Continues to Lead Nation in Economic Growth, Report Shows
Brad JohnsonJanuary 13, 2020
Texas' "durable goods manufacturing" sector led with the highest economic growth rate in the Lone Star State during the third quarter of 2019.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020FederalExclusive: Club for Growth PAC Endorses Chris Ekstrom in Race to Replace Retiring Thornberry
Brad JohnsonJanuary 13, 2020
Ekstrom is Club for Growth PAC's first non-incumbent Texas endorsement in the 2020 cycle and the second Texas endorsement overall.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsStatewide NewsGovernor Abbott Steps Up DPS Presence in Downtown Austin, Near UT After Recent Stabbings
Brad JohnsonJanuary 10, 2020
The governor's move to bolster security comes on the heels of a fatal stabbing and months of Austin's homeless problem festering amid public uproar at city officials.
EnergyFederalIssuesTrump Administration Introduces New Rule Reducing Duration of Environmental Studies for Infrastructure Projects
Brad JohnsonJanuary 10, 2020
The new rule is meant to expedite the environmental impact study process for infrastructure projects without undermining the requirements set by NEPA.
FederalHouse Will Vote on Pair of Texas Reps’ Bills Advancing 5G Wireless Internet Development
Brad JohnsonJanuary 8, 2020
Wireless internet has been rapidly expanding and it is now seen as a "national security" factor in the fight over the development and procurement of 5G.
FederalStatewide NewsTradeTrade Policy Remains Critical Ongoing Issue for Country, Texas in New Year
Brad JohnsonJanuary 7, 2020
With the USMCA awaiting action in the U.S. Senate and a deal with China announced, Trump's focus on trade continues into 2020.