We recap the wild week in Texas politics. Grab a coldie and hang! Learn more about us at ProgressTexas.org.
The Texas State Capitol building, known for being a place where it's easy - perhaps, even encouraged - for visitors to carry in their guns, saw a credible gun threat narrowly averted by law enforcement yesterday. Texas transplant Elon Musk is named a high-level consultant in a new Trump administration effort to extend American autonomous lethal weaponry “from subterranean depths to the cislunar frontier”. Ken Paxton is busted trashing Trump's recent Dallas convention. And Common Cause is underway with a massive recruitment effort for election observers and voter support.The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/30/texas-state-capitol-austin-attack-plotCBS 19 Tyler: https://www.cbs19.tv/video/news/local/security-heightened-at-texas-capitol-after-alleged-attack-plot-thwarted/501-b332ce57-996f-40a0-b329-00bcc59d8d5eThe Independent: https://www.the-independent.com/tech/war-elon-musk-us-project-meridian-b3059679.htmlUSA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/state/texas/2026/09/30/donald-trump-ken-paxton-midterm-convention-texas-gop/92029723007/Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/pro-voting-group-prepares-hundreds-of-volunteers-to-monitor-texas-voting/Common Cause Texas: https://www.commoncause.org/texas/Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org, and see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Find YOUR local station carrying In Progress, and make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative, at https://progresstexas.org/radio.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
Our friends at Texas Gun Sense envision a future free of gun violence. They advocate for stronger, safer gun laws and support policies that make our communities safer—all while protecting the rights of responsible gun owners. Texas Gun Sense held their annual fall fundraiser last week - this organization is very meaningful to our Executive Director Kathleen Thompson, as a former advisory board member. Kathleen and our Communications Director Chris Mosser both attended the event, and as parents, both know all too well the terrible statistics of gun violence in Texas - especially as they impact our youngest Texans.Texas State Representative Josey Garcia of San Antonio was the keynote speaker - Rep. Garcia is the first and only woman veteran currently serving in the Texas House, and has made it a priority to champion issues affecting veterans and military families. She fights to expand access to mental health resources and to raise awareness about suicide prevention.You'll also hear a touching testimonial from Ruth Moonesinghe, as she accepts Texas Gun Sense's 2026 Frances Schenkkan Advocate of the Year Award on behalf of InKind. Ruth is the mother of Rajan Moonesinghe, a technology entrepreneur and co-founder of InKind, who was killed in a police-involved shooting outside his Austin home in November 2022. Ruth has transformed her tremendous personal loss into powerful advocacy to prevent gun violence, build safer communities, and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the public. We thank her for sharing her story, and we also thank InKind for supporting this life-saving work.Learn more about Texas Gun Sense at https://txgunsense.org/.Learn more bout InKind at https://inkind.com/.Learn more about State Rep. Josey Garcia at https://www.joseygarcia.com/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
We are days away from the October 5 voter registration deadline - so, what's changed for Texas voters in 2026, and who is working to protect our right to participate at the polls? All your questions answered, in our series with the Texas Civil Rights Project: today's episode features the TCRP's Taylor Trevino and La'Dereka Sylvan, who discuss election protection and voter mobilization, what that looks like in our voter-suppressed state, and how you can join in.Learn more about the Texas Civile Rights Project at https://www.txcivilrights.org/, and their Texas Voter Protection program at http://texasvoterprotection.org/.Sign up for a virtual poll monitor training at link.txcivilrights.org/protectthevote.Find our voter information resource at https://govotetexas.org/.Donate to support this podcast series with the TCRP at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/tcrpseriesThanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
By boldly reclaiming the actual teachings of Christianity and clearly expressing a vision of progressive success, even before the election arrives, James Talarico has reinvigorated a distinct and realistic vision for a much better Texas. While Ken Paxton and Greg Abbott continue to dodge the debate stage, Republicans in the Texas Legislature promise the same old culture war, despite the likelihood of strengthened Democratic opposition in 2027 - perhaps forgetting the immense power that Gina Hinojosa and Vikki Goodwin stand to gain.Salon: https://www.salon.com/2026/09/21/james-talaricos-campaign-could-do-lasting-damage-to-the-gop/TIME: https://time.com/article/2026/09/30/can-james-talarico-make-texas-competitive-again/San Antonio Current: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/assclown-alert/dodging-debates-and-democratic-engagement-with-greg-abbott-and-ken-paxton/Houston Chronicle on debates: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/paxton-talarico-debate-22455301.phpHouston Chronicle on recent Paxton statements: https://www.chron.com/news/article/ken-paxton-sex-abuse-sentence-22454080.phpTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/29/texas-legislature-2027-session-house-gop-midterms-mitch-little/Houston Chronicle on Crockett endorsements: https://www.chron.com/news/article/jasmine-crockett-james-talarico-endorsement-22452629.phpConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org, and see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Find YOUR local station carrying In Progress, and make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative, at https://progresstexas.org/radio.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
This week's In Progress roundtable discussion comes straight from the 2026 Texas Tribune Festival in Austin: a discussion of the current state and future of our state parks, with Texas Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Annie Brown, Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin, Texas Parks And Wildlife State Parks Advisory Committee Chair Brian Trusty, and Gulf Trust Executive Director, former Democratic nominee for Texas Land Commissioner, and acclaimed documentary filmmaker Jay Kleberg.Learn more about Gulf Trust at https://gulftrust.org/.Learn more about Texas State Parks at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/.Learn more about the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation at https://www.tpwf.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can help support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
The ICE agent who shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston two months ago has been identified by the Texas Tribune as Gregory Feathers. A candidate for the Austin City Council was dramatically arrested on Saturday for taking part in a protest over the ICE shooting of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez in Austin - almost a week after that protest. And CNN details heartbreaking court proceedings in Harlingen, during which unaccompained immigrant children are been screened for deportation.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/28/houston-ice-lorenzo-salgado-araujo-shooter-identified/Texas Public Radio: https://www.tpr.org/border-immigration/2026-09-28/austin-man-shot-by-ice-still-in-pain-bullet-lodged-in-his-back-ahead-of-san-antonio-hearingHouston Public Media: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2026/09/28/562937/austin-city-council-candidate-released-after-arrest-tied-to-ice-protest/?amp=1CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/28/politics/video/ebof-priscilla-alvarez-children-immigration-courtConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org, and see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Find YOUR local station carrying In Progress, and make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative, at https://progresstexas.org/radio.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
Misael Ramos is the DSA-endorsed candidate running for the Austin City Council's District 1 seat, and was unexpectedly arrested by a group of law enforcement officers representing at least two different agencies on Saturday in connection with his attendance at a protest the prior weekend against the ICE-related shooting of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez in north Austin. Ramos joins us to share his experience.More on the story from the Austin Chronicle: https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/misael-ramos-details-harrowing-arrest-for-protesting-ice/Learn more about Misael Ramos and his campaign at https://misaelforaustin.com/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can help support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Republican luminaries continue kvetching that in choosing Ken Paxton over John Cornyn, Texas GOP primary voters have endangered that seat for Republicans - but will lifelong rural conservatives, in the privacy of the voting booth, actually vote against him in favor of James Talarico? Karl Rove discovers that speaking up out of step with MAGA carries real-world complications. And, maybe some of those Texas Republicans - the ones who have developed an appreciation for cannabis products - will be swayed by Paxton's years and years of trying to stamp THC out of Texas.The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/27/republican-tillis-trump-paxtonAssociated Press on new poll: https://apnews.com/article/rural-voters-trump-economy-midterms-healthcare-poll-8098dfa7a9534551203dfa4a8c27564cDallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/bo-french-jon-rosenthal-debate-22449614.phpAssociated Press on Paxton record: https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/elections/2026/years-of-scandals-havent-stopped-ken-paxton-can-james-talarico-change-that/Marijuana Moment: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/texas-gop-senate-candidate-ken-paxton-took-more-than-half-a-million-dollars-in-alcohol-industry-donations-while-opposing-cannabis-reform/Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Find YOUR local station carrying In Progress, and make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative, at https://progresstexas.org/radio.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
Here comes another TribFest talk that, in our opinion, clearly demonstrates the overall quality of the Democratic ticket this year. When you vote all the way down your ballot in a few weeks, these are some of the Democrats you have a chance to put into statewide office after 30 years of Republican stranglehold. Democratic nominees for Lt. Governor, State Comptroller and Railroad Commission - Vikki Goodwin, Sarah Eckhardt and Jon Rosenthal, respectively - are hosted here by Lauren McGaughey of the New York Times. Can a Democrat win Texas? We're about to find out.Learn more about Vikki Goodwin at https://www.vikkigoodwin.com/.Learn more about Sarah Eckhardt at https://www.saraheckhardt.com/.Learn more about Jon Rosenthal at https://jonrosenthaltx.com/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Great to be back at the historic Clay Pit in downtown Austin for another live podcast with our friends at the Asian Texans For Justice Action Fund last night! Thanks to BallotReady for presenting our event.Who knew the job of County Judge could be this sexy? We heard from four genuine Texas political rock stars nominated for that key role in four of our state's most densely-populated counties on the challenges that lie ahead for those major urban areas, and specifically the role that Asian Texans - the fastest-growing group of Texas voters - will play in 2027 and beyond.Learn more about Asian Texans For Justice Action Fund at https://www.atjactionfund.org/.Learn more about Commissioner Dexter McCoy of Fort Bend County at https://www.dextermccoy.com/.Learn more about former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg of Bexar County at https://voteron.com/.Learn more about former Houston City Councilwoman Dr. Letitia Plummer of Harris County at https://www.drletitiaplummer.com/.Learn more about Commissioner Alisa Simmons of Tarrant County at https://votealisasimmons.com/.Learn more about BallotReady at https://www.ballotready.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Our adventures at TribFest 2026 continue with "The Battle For South Texas" - a panel hosted by Texas Tribune reporter Berenice Garcia, featuring congressional nominee Bobby Pulido and Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño on how the political realities in South Texas are changing - and how Latino voters in Texas have unique power in shaping the nation's future.Learn more about Bobby Pulido and his campaign for Congress at https://www.bobbypulidofortexas.com/.Learn more about Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño at https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/county-judge-eddie-trevino-jr/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Both Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico and gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa gave major live interviews during the first day of the 2026 Texas Tribune Festival on Thursday. Donald Trump's suprise attendance at this weekend's Texas vs Tennessee football game is a pain for everyone, including the coaches, the players and the fans - though ticket prices have dropped considerably as a result. And two prominent MAGA Texas Tech leaders are suspected of misusing their official university titles in a fundraiser for Ken Paxton.Talarico at TribFest: https://www.youtube.com/live/sn5BYAbOczQHouston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/abbott-ad-hinojosa-property-tax-22444137.phpTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/24/james-talarico-tribfest-2026/Associated Press: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/ncaaf/sarkisian-communication-issues-trump-texas-tennessee/4082427/?amp=1Knoxville News Sentinel: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2026/09/24/tennessee-football-texas-ticket-prices-donald-trump-neyland-stadium-security/91919764007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z111808p115850l001550c115850e003500v111808d--72--b--72--&gca-ft=11&gca-ds=sophiTexas Public Radio: https://www.tpr.org/news/2026-09-24/texas-tech-leaders-face-questions-over-their-role-in-ken-paxton-u-s-senate-race-fundraiserJoin Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
We had one hell of a Day One at Tribfest 2026, capturing live talks with Gina Hinojosa (one click back) and James Talarico (coming shortly) - but we had to get an In Progress report in from the center of the action at Austin's Omni Hotel, where we enjoyed an unplanned pop-in from Congressman Greg Casar! Stay tuned for Day Two.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa was interviewed before a packed house at St. David's Episcopal Church in Austin this morning as TribFest 2026 got underway. She talked about ending corporate welfare in Texas, fully funding public education and ending high-stakes testing, economic populism, and - has an exciting fundraising update to share!Our TribFest journey has just begun - stay tuned! Learn more at https://festival.texastribune.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
A major DPS failure has left an unknown number of Texas voter registration applications and updates stranded for nearly a year, and the state has dumped tens of thousands of records onto already-overburdened county election offices just weeks before the election. Under pressure, counties must now sort and verify the backlog, while ensuring old or duplicate information doesn't overwrite newer voter records. As this DPS failure dates back to October of 2025 (at least), it may already have affected primary voters in March and May. With the scope still unknown and state assistance limited, this terribly-timed failure creates additional uncertainty and a heightened risk for administrative errors - in short, it's a trainwreck.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/23/texas-voter-registration-application-failure-dps-elections-2026/The New Republic: https://newrepublic.com/post/215767/error-unknown-number-texas-voter-registrationsABC News: https://abcnews.com/amp/US/wireStory/state-error-texas-creates-huge-backlog-voter-registration-136701823Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
Pete Buttigieg, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation - known affectionately to many as “Mayor Pete" and already with early 2028 presidential buzz, traveled to North Texas over last weekend for the annual Johnson/Jordan Dinner to fire up the already hot-as-hell and motivated-as-hell Texas Democrats at the end of a scorching summer, in the most competitive position they've been in, going into a midterm in decades. Buttigieg spoke to elected officials, county chairs, precinct chairs, and activists, as well as our Executive Director Kathleen Thompson in a one-on-one, so stick around for that at the end!Follow Pete Buttigieg at https://www.instagram.com/pete.buttigieg/?hl=en.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
An apparent error with a Texas Department of Public Safety online portal used since from 2020 to 2024 by around 6 million Texans - a full third of our entire voting electorate - has compromised the voter registration of an unknown number of Texans. It would appear that Ken Paxton has finally and fully chickened out of a debate with James Talarico. And as more details emerge in the ICE shooting in Austin of Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, the picture of what happened only becomes more complicated.VoteBeat: https://www.votebeat.org/texas/2026/09/22/voter-registration-applications-unprocessed-dps-error/WFAA Dallas: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/inside-politics/texas-politics/ken-paxton-james-talarico-senate-debates/287-0588ef4a-f71f-46a2-8e12-c550f0a88b47The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/09/austin-ice-shooting-body-camera/688738/Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/news/local/article/austin-ice-shooting-new-police-video-dhs-response-22444465.phpJoin Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
Our 300th Happy Hour talk sees the return of Democratic nominee for Texas Lieutenant Governor Vikki Goodwin! We discuss her recent legal action against current Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over his use of AI deepfakes of her, her take on the most recent ICE shooting in her city of Austin, and more from the campaign trail as a critical and exciting election season nears its climax.Learn more about Vikki Goodwin and her campaign at https://www.vikkigoodwin.com/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez, the Venezuelan national shot by an ICE agent in Austin on Sunday, was thrown into the detention center at Pearsall with a federal bullet still lodged in his back. His shooting comes amidst a marked escalation of ICE aggression in North Central Austin and across the San Antonio ICE sector, where agitation in affected neighborhoods is rising. Ken Paxton, while blaming James Talarico in his campaign ads for Chinese landownership, turns out to count among his donors business interests specifically tied to Chinese investment in the U.S. The Texas Supreme Court puts the brakes on a dismissal of defamation claims by Robert Morris' victim Cindy Clemishire against Gateway Church - while Morris is found likely to be a donor to Republican Leigh Wambsganss' campaign for the Texas Senate - all as the Texas GOP appears primed for a "generational wipeout" in November.BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3y0z25v0zjwoKENS San Antonio: https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/its-inhumane-lulac-attorneys-demand-accountability-after-ice-shoots-venezuelan-man-delivering-food-in-austin/273-61755718-41b7-492d-98f7-d3024b63c712Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/21/texas-austin-ice-shooting-neighborhood/Texas Monthly: https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/austin-ice-shooting-wilber-garces-perez/Roy's Report: https://roysreport.com/texas-supreme-court-stays-order-dismissing-clemishires-defamation-claims/Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/FortWorth/s/NhC49pHq0xHouston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/ken-paxton-donations-china-22438240.php?utm_source=redditNew York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/21/us/politics/bush-cornyn-paxton-senate-fund-raiser.html?smid=nytcore-android-shareNewsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/texas-republicans-face-generational-wipeout-amid-disastrous-polls-12457145Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasFind our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
The midterm elections have surrounded a decline in affordability, trust in our government, and increase in attacks on Texas communities. One issue that has not dominated this election cycle, though it coincides with all of these factors described, is Texas' restrictive reproductive rights and the connected fight to preserve democracy. For the third installment of our midterms election protection and education series with the Texas Civil Rights Project, we spoke with Gwynn Marotta and Veronikah Warms about what reproductive justice means in Texas, why it matters, and how you can join in.Learn more about the Texas Civil Rights Project at https://www.txcivilrights.org/ and http://texasvoterprotection.org/.See our comprehensive voter information guide at https://govotetexas.org/.Donate and support our podcast series with the Texas Civil Rights Project here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/tcrpseries.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
A Venezuelan national, shot by ICE while working as a DoorDash driver in Austin, has survived - but is now in custody and subject to deportation. While he's taking in fresh millions from Donald Trump, a slew of new problems for Ken Paxton emerges over the weekend: an overdue tax bill in Hawaii, allegations of chumminess with a notorious sexual abuser, millions in whistleblower settlements to end up on YOUR taxpayer bll, and zero plans to fix Social Security. And Pete Hegseth offers relief to Ted Cruz as our primary sports spoiler - he attended the Texas A&M game against Kentucky on Saturday, which the Aggies blew spectacularly, 31-21.The Independent: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/ice-shooting-austin-texas-wilber-perez-b3053437.htmlNew York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/20/us/ice-shooting-austin-texas.html?smid=nytcore-android-shareNewsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/paxton-gets-another-5-million-boost-as-talarico-remains-ahead-in-texas-12465319Houston Public Media: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/election-2026/2026/09/18/562257/texas-ag-ken-paxton-owes-overdue-property-taxes-in-hawaii/Meidas Touch: https://meidasnews.com/news/paxton-kept-close-to-alleged-child-abuser-long-after-the-allegations-surfaced-taking-money-from-himTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/03/ken-paxton-attorney-general-whistleblowers-appeal/Dallas Observer: https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/where-talarico-paxton-stand-on-social-security-reform-as-issue-comes-into-focus-40715307/Houston Chronicle: https://www.chron.com/news/article/pete-hegseth-texas-am-trans-22440578.phpJoin Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
Once thought an unlikely prospect, Democratic nominee for Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa now leads Governor Greg Abbott by four points in a recent poll. National Republicans are panicking, and Texas is one of the former strongholds in which they are now spending massive amounts of money, while most prominent GOP figures, despite his undisputed and bold racism, still support Bo French's candidacy for Railroad Commission. And, despite promises to the contrary, a section of border wall in Far West Texas is now officially listed as "under construction".New York Times on Gina Hinojosa: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/15/us/gina-hinojosa-governor-texas.html?smid=nytcore-android-shareNew York Times on polling: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/governor-polls-2026.htmlNPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/18/nx-s1-5971202/trump-super-pac-midterm-spending-republicans-democratsTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/18/bo-french-texas-republicans-silence/Marfa Public Radio: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/18/bo-french-texas-republicans-silence/Texas Monthly: https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/big-bend-fight-against-border-construction/Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
Bigotry and open hatred against South Asians and Muslims has become a common, foundational viewpoint among Texas Republican officeholders and candidates - Bo French's ridiculous and widely-condemned comments about Texas Longhorns fans being the most egregious recent example. We invited Chanda Parbhoo of the SAAVE Texas Education Fund, one of Texas's largest AAPI organizations focused specifically on South Asian civic engagement and outreach, to give us the view from within her community and to explore with us that community's strength, resiliency and contributions to our state.Learn more about the SAAVE Texas Education Fund at https://saavetxeducationfund.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Texas Democrats find themselves in their strongest election position in decades as the Texas GOP collapses under the weight of scandals, high-profile defections and its own bad policy choices. Texas Democrats have largely performed without major missteps - except, of course, that strange award given to musician and notorious abuser Chris Brown, who has punched back at State Rep. Venton Jones for apologizing - while Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett remains silent on the matter.Twitter: https://x.com/JohnCornyn/status/2100366727624434004?s=20Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/17/democrats-texas-james-talarico-november-midterms/USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/state/texas/2026/09/15/which-republican-leaders-are-backing-talarico-over-ken-paxton/91695266007/Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/chris-brown-dallas-22435291.phpJoin Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
As we all know, Social Security is under attack - and is also likely to be the top issue in D.C. in 2027 - after decades of Republican defunding and dismantling. We were proud to capture a town hall on this all-important topic earlier today at the Dallas County Democratic Party HQ, presented by Social Security Works: a non-profit dedicated to protecting and expanding Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. They believe that every American has earned the right to retire with dignity, access quality healthcare, and live free from poverty. Today's headliner was former Governor of Maryland and Former Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Martin O'Malley, who traveled to Texas to promote our earned Social Security benefits, and lifesaving Medicare, and Medicaid.O'Malley was joined by several North Texas congressional candidates:Kevin Burge: U.S. House of Representatives, Texas's 24th Congressional DistrictDan Barrios: U.S. House of Representatives, Texas's 32nd Congressional DistrictChelsey Hockett: U.S. House of Representatives, Texas's 5th Congressional DistrictDanny Minton: U.S. House of Representatives, Texas's 6th Congressional DistrictStick around thru the end for a one-on-one chat with Progress Texas Executive Director Kathleen Thompson and Governor O'Malley. Their emcee was Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman.Learn more about Social Security Works at https://socialsecurityworks.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
SCOTUS Rejects Trump Mail-in Ballot Order; Texas Railroad Commission Collision; Public Apologies Round the HornAP News: https://apnews.com/article/trump-mail-voting-executive-order-lawsuit-78a4fbeb48d9c5fd27d1c865529fc65fPolitico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/15/donald-trump-supreme-court-loss-response-01076646Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/texas-railroad-commission-oversight-hearing-22433375.phpCommissioner Wayne Christian tweet: https://x.com/Sarah4Texas/status/2099961546965123164Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/sports/longhorns/football/article/texas-football-arch-manning-holly-rowe-video-22432320.phpArch Manning Apology: https://x.com/_dannydavis/status/2099923194035531812/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2099923194035531812%7Ctwgr%5E48f1b5f65451c22900ebaf580b797274e33d558f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.statesman.com%2Fsports%2Flonghorns%2Ffootball%2Farticle%2Ftexas-football-arch-manning-holly-rowe-video-22432320.phpDallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/article/jasmine-crockett-chris-brown-backlash-22430953.phpRep. Venton Jones Apology: https://x.com/VentonJonesTX/status/2099903053956514105/photo/1Other podcasts mentioned:SCOTUS TCRP: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7o11V5faBmqS5Bzqjg4LsZ?si=PE5-mR6BRzWpdj4X9_e1cQTrump/Epstein memorial reading room: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5A7mco5LF0MNMEzxzsvYCZ?si=_KVP2iRqR-mdfpErNdKbxwJoin Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestConfirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org
With conservative culture war architect Karl Rove now turning on GOP Texas Railroad Commission nominee Bo French, we're getting an update on where the line between open racism and more private racism now lies for Texas conservatives. And we do hope that the grownups surrounding Texas Longhorns star QB Arch Manning will have a word with him about whether or not violence against women is a laughing matter.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/14/bo-french-kal-rove-endorsement-jon-rosenthal/Lone Star Left: https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/republicans-pretend-to-be-outragedTexas Observer: https://www.texasobserver.org/not-all-texas-republicans-are-condemning-bo-french/Twitter: https://x.com/ProgressTX/status/2099841032468713653?s=20Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestThe midterm election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Special delivery for our listeners: your Article 1, Section 8 constitutional protections for the United States Postal Service (USPS), and equal right to vote are at risk. Why? Because of a Trump Executive Order threatening ballot-by-mail—and the USPS' ability to protect that constitutional right doing what they do daily: delivering mail. For the second installment of our TCRP joint election protection and education series, TCRP staff Carl Blair and Steffany Aguirre join us to discuss USPS and mail ballots.**Note that since our session for this episode, on Sunday, a new nationwide preliminary injunction prohibiting the USPS from implementing or enforcing their ballot mail Final Rule was handed down in a completely separate case than the ones we discuss in this episode - since this new injunction prohibits both mandatory and voluntary compliance and enforcement on the part of the USPS, states are now legally prohibited from working on compliance, even voluntarily. More to come. Learn more about the Texas Civil Rights Project at https://www.txcivilrights.org/.Learn more about voter protections and procedures in Texas at http://texasvoterprotection.org/ and https://govotetexas.org/.Make a donation to support our ongoing discussion series with the Texas Civil Rights Project at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/tcrpseries.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Through Sunday's episode surrounding racist comments made about non-white Texas Longhorns fans, folks appear to be realizing what we've known for a long time - Bo French, GOP nominee for Texas Railroad Commission, is an admitted, virulent racist - and placing a vote for him in November supports the institutional racism that plagues our state.New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/13/us/bo-french-racist-post-republicans-texas.html?smid=nytcore-android-sharePolitico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/13/john-cornyn-bo-french-texas-students-01073901Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/13/bo-french-john-cornyn-republican-texas-railroad-commissioner-ut/Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/texas-republicans-stand-racists-party-22430386.phpJoin Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestThe midterm election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Racking up over 1.5 million views - overnight - in the first 8 hours of its release, the Jimmy Kimmel interview with James Talarico forced off the air by Donald Trump's FCC is set to far surpass typical network viewership. On this 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Texas Republicans are leaning into anti-Muslim hate as a primary midterm campaign plank - while we recall Trump's lies and grift related to that tragic day. And it looks like the GOP midterm convention was a bummer for many of its attendees, as Grindr fails to function properly under heavy demand in Dallas.The Kimmel/Talarico interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLDE9LrGpNkNBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/jimmy-kimmel-abc-tv-show-wont-air-james-talarico-interview-fcc-threats-rcna596994KERA Dallas: https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-09-11/texas-republicans-target-islam-muslims-at-republican-midterm-conventionSan Antonio Current: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/texas-news/gay-hookup-app-grindr-experiences-dallas-outages-during-republicans-trump-a-palooza/Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! Sponsor and RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestThe midterm election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
As the 25th anniversary of the 2001 9/11 terrorist attacks arrives on Friday, it's a good moment to look back at the rise in irrational bigotry that came in the wake of that horrible day - and to compare it to the dehumanizing rhetoric Republicans have decided is acceptable to use today, in the midst of a 2026 midterm election cycle.We also discuss the dire importance of confirming your voter registration ahead of that critical election, as our very own Tatum Owens has discovered that she's on the infamous Texas "voter suspense" list! She's lived to tell the tale, and does so herein. Check YOUR sitch at GoVoteTexas.org.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
The first day of Donald Trump's two-day Dallas "convention" failed by far to fill the American Airlines Center, showing severely lacking interest in all matters Trump in Texas' third-bluest county. New polling shows good reason for GOP panic as Democrat Gina Hinojosa is now in a dead heat with Governor Greg Abbott - largely buoyed by a massive leftward shift among Texas Latinos. And Jimmy Kimmel's yanking of a James Talarico interview shows conclusively that American media is under attack by an authoritarian, conservative government - making YOUR support for fact-based, progressive independent media like Progress Texas all the more crucial.Bobby Pulido on MS Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tsrXkvg7BEFort Worth Star-Telegram: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article317189200.htmlLone Star Left: https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/a-plague-has-decended-upon-dallasAxios Austin: https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/09/10/democrats-suburban-texas-austin-turnoutNewsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/greg-abbott-faces-worrying-poll-as-trumps-texas-rnc-begins-12423150Cook Political Report: https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/house/texas-house/exclusive-new-poll-hispanic-texas-voters-shows-collapse-gops-2024Variety: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/jimmy-kimmel-live-james-talarico-youtube-fcc-1236856911/Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestThe midterm election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Our Executive Director Kathleen Thompson took part in a press conference of key Democratic officeholders and nominees who gathered in Dallas as part of ongoing counter-programming to the Donald Trump bootlicking contest that the Republican Party is passing off as a "convention" this week. Sharp commentary herein from Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder (:00), Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (6:31), Houston City Controller Chris Hollins (13:23), Tarrant County Commissioner and Democratic nominee for Tarrant County Judge Alisa Simmons (19:29), Dallas County Democratic Party Chairman Kardal Coleman (25:48), and a Q&A from the assembled press (28:36), including a question from Progress Texas ED Kathleen Thompson (52:40).Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
The Trump rally masquerading as a midterm convention beginning today in Dallas is a sure sign that the GOP sees Texas slipping from their stranglehold - while Texas Democrats respond with grocery drives and a rally of their own. And the new documentary on Elon Musk shows the world's first trillionaire and Texas' worst transplant to be a one-man existential threat to global democracy.Houston Chronicle: https://www.chron.com/texas/article/trump-texas-midterm-convention-22423270.phpKERA Dallas: https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-09-08/republican-national-convention-dallas-1984-trumpapalooza-midterm-trump-talarico-paxton-democrat-differentWFAA Dallas: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/elections/dallas-protest-republican-rnc-midterm-convention-gop-dallas-city-hall/287-329ac334-9811-4c2c-954f-7b34483bf29bNew York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/movies/elon-musk-film-alex-gibney-venice-film-festival.htmlUSA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2026/09/08/elon-musk-documentary-revelations/91663252007/Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestThe midterm election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
The GOP "convention" in Dallas this Wednesday and Thursday will feature no party business - focusing instead on a desperate, gaudy Trump sideshow designed to bolster flagging interest in his brand. Trump's "MAGA Inc." PAC has set a $10 million ad buy across Texas for Ken Paxton, out of similar desperation. Current Paxton ads goofily try to blame James Talarico for policies leading to Chinese landownership in Texas. Ted Cruz racks up a huge private airfare bill while he barnstorms for Paxton (but really for himself). And Beto O'Rourke warns of GOP election meddling both to come, and already underway.Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/dallas-hosts-gop-midterm-convention-heavy-on-trump-22417111.phpTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/05/texas-maga-inc-10-million-ad-spend-paxton-trump/Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/ted-cruz-midterms-private-jets-22407804.phpSan Antonio Current: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/politics-and-elections/at-san-antonio-rally-beto-orourke-warns-gop-may-use-intimidation-tactics-to-steal-midterms/Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestThe midterm election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
This is the first episode in a joint elections series with our partners at the Texas Civil Rights Project!With limited legalese, we welcome two of Texas' sharpest voting rights attorneys - Sarah Chen with the TCRP, and Emily French with Common Cause Texas - to break down how SCOTUS has impacted your daily life and this year's election. We discuss how our elections landscape has changed: this year, even as we've celebrated the 250th anniversary of our democratic experiment, we also face major rollbacks of protections for our civil rights - and specifically, the equal right to vote - all with our Supreme Court holding the strings. Learn more about the Texas Civil Rights Project at https://www.txcivilrights.org/.Learn more about Common Cause Texas at https://www.commoncause.org/texas/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
The week after Labor Day, in a desperate attempt to shore up their flagging support and fundraising, Donald Trump is bringing his gaudy sideshow to Dallas in the form of a very rare midterm Republican convention. Perfect timing for the Trump/Epstein Memorial Reading Room to arrive in Big D as well - this terrific and meticulously-crafted exhibit highlights the decades-long friendship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, and tells the stories of the Epstein survivors who are still denied justice in an active governmental coverup.Learn more and RSVP (it's free!) to see the exhibit in Dallas between September 9 and 11 at https://trumpepsteinreadingroom.com/dallas.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can help support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Appointed and un-elected Texas Comptroller Don Huffines wants to double the $1 billion budget for the private school voucher scam. Democratic Railroad Commission nominee Jon Rosenthal details his fact- and strategy-based agenda for overseeing Texas' massive energy sector. Democratic nominee for Governor Gina Hinojosa sees yet another poll placing her in striking distance of a win, while Governor Greg Abbott's reversal on Flock cameras apparently doesn't apply to Texas DPS. Ken Paxton chickens out of a fourth debate against James Talarico, this one offered by CNN. Elon Musk's PAC gives Paxton almost a quarter-million dollars, while his Tesla Cybercabs roll out in Austin - minus steering wheels.Texas Tribune on vouchers: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/03/texas-school-voucher-program-2-billion-expansion-budget-comptroller/Texas Observer: https://www.texasobserver.org/railroad-commission-bo-french-jon-rosenthal/Texas Tribune on Flock cameras: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/04/texas-flock-cameras-dps-network-search-abbott/KXAN Austin: https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/third-poll-in-five-weeks-shows-hinojosa-within-point-of-abbott-its-a-real-race/Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/news/politics/state/article/talarico-paxton-cnn-texas-senate-debate-22414048.phpScripps News: https://www.scrippsnews.com/politics/elon-musks-super-pac-starts-spending-to-help-gop-in-midterms-including-texas-ken-paxtonAssociated Press: https://apnews.com/article/tesla-cybercab-austin-elon-musk-driverless-8791add840f4debbc41bcaa9d1e64561Join Progress Texas and BallotReady for another LIVE podcast recording session with Asian Texans For Justice during this year's TribFest in Austin! RSVP:https://act.progresstexas.org/a/atjtribfestThe midterm election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Michelle Davis is one of our favorite progressive political thinkers, and we're overdue to have her on to talk about the latest dirt - which lately, is the gutting of voting access in Tarrant County, the voter suspense list scare, and why so many people tune out and stay home when it comes votin' time in Texas.Michelle's terrific Lone Star Left newsletter got a recent writeup in the Texas Observer: https://www.texasobserver.org/the-year-for-magical-thinking/Direct to Lone Star Left: https://www.lonestarleft.com/Our latest reel on the voter suspense list: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DczJRr5Epbl/Resources to check your status and everything else for voting in Texas: https://govotetexas.org/Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
After years of refusing to expand Medicaid coverage to help lower-income Texans get health coverage, Governor Abbott is now demanding Medicaid dollars that the Trump administration is withholding. As more and more Texas cities disconnect their Flock cameras, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn is still big on them. And while Texas GOP officials slash polling locations for the midterm election, the US Postal Service is allegedly preparing to help Donald Trump kneecap mail-in voting.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/09/02/texas-hospitals-medicaid-greg-abbott/Fort Worth Star-Telegram: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article317080708.htmlAustin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/politics/article/usps-mail-voting-texas-22412931.php?utm_source=redditThe midterm election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
As Tarrant County's Republican-dominated Commissioners Court slashes polling locations for Election Day, that bellwether county becomes the epicenter of the midterm paritisan struggle across Texas. Yet another death happens in the Tarrant County Jail, even as Sheriff Bill Waybourne is lauded with a plaque. And a Tarrant GOP nominee for the State House is being pressure to resign from leading a charter school board over her own racist social media posts.Associated Press: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/plan-cut-number-polling-sites-major-texas-county-136078582Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/a-deliberate-barrier-texas-battleground-county-cuts-30-of-midterm-voting-locations/KERA Dallas: https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-09-01/tarrant-county-residents-rally-to-protest-jail-deaths-days-after-woman-dies-in-custodyFort Worth Star-Telegram: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/education/article317080564.htmlThe election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
After a raucous protest delayed their plans weeks back, the GOP-dominated Tarrant County Commissioner's Court is set to vote again this morning at 10 on a plan that still significantly reduces polling locations in minority areas. An impasse between Governor Abbott and RFK Jr. begins costing Texas $27 million per day in federal funding as of today, while our backlogs on SNAP and Medicaid applications have grown by exponential factors. And some clarity on the voter suspense list: being on it doesn't disqualify you from voting, but is cause for concern and immediate action.Fort Worth Star Telegram: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/politics-government/article317066909.htmlCommon Dreams: https://www.commondreams.org/news/texas-closing-polling-placesKERA on Tarrant vote: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/31/talarico-simmons-speak-against-proposal-to-cut-almost-a-third-of-tarrant-county-voting-sites/Texas Tribune: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/31/talarico-simmons-speak-against-proposal-to-cut-almost-a-third-of-tarrant-county-voting-sites/KERA on Medicaid backlog: https://www.keranews.org/health-wellness/2026-09-01/texas-medicaid-snap-food-stamps-applications-backlog-grows-hhsc-data-texans-care-for-childrenVoteBeat: https://www.votebeat.org/texas/2026/08/31/voter-suspense-list-registration-canceled-confirm-address/The election approaches! Confirm your registration and make your voting plan NOW at GoVoteTexas.org. And see a handy ballot customizable to your home address from the Texas Tribune at https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
The latest election year reversal on his own policies comes this time from Governor Abbott on Flock cameras - just as we learn that they were quietly funded by our own auto insurance premiums. Abbott's healthcare solutions are also just deregulation - they do nothing to help Texans stay healthy. And a personal health scare over the weekend reminds Chris of why Texas is in drastic need of a change of leadership.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/28/texas-flock-cameras-auto-insurance-fee-mvcpa-grants/Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/greg-abbott-affordability-22391524.phpThis election year, you can support the real free press by investing in pro-democracy, pro-justice, pro-gressive storytelling. Become a monthly donor or increase your giving TODAY for our Summer Sustaining Donor Drive today, and we'll thank you with "perks for progress" - plus you'll get a shoutout on the Daily Dispatch! Join the Progress Texas family now at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/summersustainers26.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Big Bend is an iconic National Park - Texas' largest state park, an International Dark Sky Reserve, rich in biodiversity, including a wild and scenic river, plus a cultural borderland thousands of years old. Each of these unique realities is at stake, for a fight Texas doesn't want - and for a wall that this region doesn't need. Billy Bartko joined us with an update on this BIG story. Bartko is the owner of Far Flung Outdoor Center in Terlingua, and a vocal member of the No Big Bend Wall coalition, recording fresh out of a hearing to grant a temporary restraining order on construction in Big Bend. Learn more about the No Big Bend Wall coalition at https://nobigbendwall.org/.Learn more about the Far Flung Outdoor Center at https://bigbendfarflung.com/.Learn more about People Of La Junta Preservation at https://www.peopleoflajunta.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
In gaming the system to allow felony-charged ICE agent Christian Castro to walk free in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has set a precedent that will embolden other federal agents to exceed their authority in the same way. One in 16 registered Texas voters is on the current "voter suspense" list. The redistricting of three South Texas congressional districts is looking likely to backfire on MAGA mapmakers. And a website allows you to see if your car has been searched for in the massive Flock database, while a growing number of Texas cities have taken steps to eliminate Flock cameras from their communities.New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/27/us/christian-castro-jail-minnesota-texas-ice-agent.html?eafs_enabled=falseReuters: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/ice-agent-freed-texas-jail-defiance-minnesota-extradition-request-2026-08-27/San Antonio Current: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/texas-news/more-than-1-2-million-texans-voter-registrations-are-suspended/AlterNet: https://www.alternet.org/texas-redistricting-2677786560/Houston Chronicle (Flock search link): https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/flock-cameras-search-yourself-22389073.phpMy SA: https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/austin/article/pflugerville-flock-cameras-22404257.phpThis election year, you can support the real free press by investing in pro-democracy, pro-justice, pro-gressive storytelling. Become a monthly donor or increase your giving TODAY for our Summer Sustaining Donor Drive today, and we'll thank you with "perks for progress" - plus you'll get a shoutout on the Daily Dispatch! Join the Progress Texas family now at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/summersustainers26.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
The whole world mourns Dolly Parton, while a great many of us realize for the first time what an immense socio-political impact she had on the world, through her unflappable positivity, her understanding of and support for working class Americans, her belief in science and medicine, her bold backing of the LGBTQ+ community, and so much more. For a person who made major contributions on issues that for most are heavily politicized, Dolly was beloved my almost everyone, regardless of their party or philosophy - and today we explore how she did that, hoping to learn valuable lessons.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Christian Castro, the ICE agent wanted on violent felony charges in Minnesota, is likely to be released from the Cameron County Jail today as the 90-day limit on his detention expires, and Governor Greg Abbott continues to refuse to extradite him. Houston law enforcement officials failed to show at a Houston City Council inquiry into ICE cooperation by their officers. Polling shows a continued souring on Trump and the GOP among Latino communities, especially in South Texas. And the Trump DHS has said Big Bend National Park border infrastructure construction is paused at least through August - which ends on Monday.Associated Press: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/judge-denies-minnesota-bid-to-extradite-ice-officer-from-texas-paving-way-for-his-release-from-custordyThe Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/26/ice-agent-shooting-texas-minnesota-extraditionNew York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/26/us/ice-christian-castro-extradite-texas-minnesota.html?smid=nytcore-android-sharePolitics Done Right: https://substack.com/home/post/p-212977206Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/democrats-lead-the-gop-in-three-texas-districts-trump-won-by-double-digits-12372616Marfa Public Radio: https://www.marfapublicradio.org/news/2026-08-25/big-bend-border-construction-pause-will-last-at-least-through-august-cbp-saysThis election year, you can support the real free press by investing in pro-democracy, pro-justice, pro-gressive storytelling. Become a monthly donor or increase your giving TODAY for our Summer Sustaining Donor Drive today, and we'll thank you with "perks for progress" - plus you'll get a shoutout on the Daily Dispatch! Join the Progress Texas family now at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/summersustainers26.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Dolly Parton leaves us with a prime example of real Southern character - one that embraces the vulnerable and seeks to widen our circles - and she's cited by a judge who has found Texas' drag ban unconstitutional. Greg Abbott has left the residents of CD 23 without a voice in the U.S. Congress for over 130 days - and is now one day away from releasing a fugitive wanted in Minnesota onto the streets of Brownsville. And, Dan Patrick has included a revered Holocaust memoir in his list of "filthy, dirty, vulgar" books. Associated Press: https://www.ksat.com/news/2026/08/26/ice-agent-charged-with-shooting-in-minnesota-could-be-released-from-texas-jail/Houston Chronicle on the incarcerated ICE agent: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/banned-books-schools-dan-patrick-22402659.phpHouston Chronicle on CD 23: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas-take/article/abbott-texans-congress-tony-gonzales-22403054.phpNBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/judge-strikes-texas-ban-drag-shows-tells-people-offended-just-dont-go-rcna594448This election year, you can support the real free press by investing in pro-democracy, pro-justice, pro-gressive storytelling. Become a monthly donor or increase your giving TODAY for our Summer Sustaining Donor Drive today, and we'll thank you with "perks for progress" - plus you'll get a shoutout on the Daily Dispatch! Join the Progress Texas family now at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/summersustainers26.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
A four-point plan announced by Ken Paxton to address Texans' concerns over data centers utterly fails to do so. Meanwhile Paxton's net worth is skyrocketing, and experts are unable to explain why. Buc-ee's is expanding, but only into red states. And MAGA types across the country have a new beef with Kacey Musgraves - for daring to support migrant kids whose parents have been deported.USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/state/texas/2026/08/24/ken-paxton-proposes-data-center-crackdown-amid-texas-senate-campaign/91443617007/Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/ken-paxton-net-worth-22398458.php?utm_source=redditSan Antonio Express-News: https://www.expressnews.com/news/texas/article/bucees-ceo-conservative-states-expansion-locations-22401242.php?utm_source=redditHuffington Post: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kacey-musgraves-immigrant-children-deported-parents-maga_n_6a8c1eb6e4b0eeae412afe19This election year, you can support the real free press by investing in pro-democracy, pro-justice, pro-gressive storytelling. Become a monthly donor or increase your giving TODAY for our Summer Sustaining Donor Drive today, and we'll thank you with "perks for progress" - plus you'll get a shoutout on the Daily Dispatch! Join the Progress Texas family now at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/summersustainers26.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Governor Greg Abbott, in his striking pivots into developmental "pauses" on data centers and high-voltage transmission lines, are by definition temporary - and will be lifted quickly should he be re-elected. Ken Paxton has a long record of opposing efforts to prevent animal cruelty, both as AG and as a state representative. And Kid Rock has been promoted by the Dallas Observer from merely the third-biggest douchebag in country music, to the hallowed top slot.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/24/texas-765-transmissions-lines-data-centers-pauses-delays/Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-backlash-2026-8Axios: https://www.axios.com/2026/08/23/greg-abbott-texas-data-centers-ai-backlashMeidas Touch: https://meidasnews.com/news/ken-paxton-helped-bury-the-records-on-400-tortured-lab-animalsDallas Observer: https://www.dallasobserver.com/opinion/correction-kid-rock-is-the-biggest-douchebag-of-all-time-40706408/This election year, you can support the real free press by investing in pro-democracy, pro-justice, pro-gressive storytelling. Become a monthly donor or increase your giving TODAY for our Summer Sustaining Donor Drive today, and we'll thank you with "perks for progress" - plus you'll get a shoutout on the Daily Dispatch! Join the Progress Texas family now at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/summersustainers26.Check out the Substack version of the Daily Dispatch, which delivers each pod to your inbox and frequently includes extra video goodies: https://substack.com/@progresstexasProgress Texas is now part of the lineups at KPFT-FM in Houston, Empower House Radio in San Antonio, and KZSM True Community Radio in San Marcos! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative HERE.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Michelle Davis, with her Lone Star Left Substack, has a keen eye for drawing sharply-focused concepts out of the muck and mess of Texas politics. In a recent post, she pointed out that three Texas Republican Congressmen - Jake Ellzey, Michael Cloud and John Carter - as members of the House Appropriations Committee, voted to kill border construction exemption for Big Bend National Park that was proposed by Congressman Henry Cuellar - and thus, are directly responsible for the outrageous carving up of the park we've seen in recent days. And from there, for the outraged, it makes perfect sense to get familar with the three Democrats opposing those Republicans on the midterm ballot: respectively, Danny Minton, Tanya Lloyd and Justin Early.Read Michelle's great post at https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/the-three-texas-republicans-who-voted.Learn more about Justin Early at https://www.votejustinearly.com/.Learn more about Tanya Lloyd at https://www.tanyafortx27.com/.Learn more about Danny Minton at https://www.dannyfortexas.com/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
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