We recap the wild week in Texas politics. Grab a coldie and hang! Learn more about us at 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/.
The Cook Political Report has updated its projections for the 2026 midterms, moving the Talarico/Paxton race to "toss up" from "lean republican", and the Hinojosa/Abbott race from "solid Republican" to "lean Republican". Ken Paxton is expected to receive some desperately-needing funding support from Elon Musk. Republicans are threading a narrative needle on the Big Bend as they attempt to avoid public backlash without crossing Donald Trump. And Republican Texas Railroad Commission nominee Bo French - a notorious anti-Semite - has invoked the century-old "Judeo-Bolshevism" trope in AI-generated images of his Democratic opponent Jon Rosenthal, the only Jewish member of the Texas House.The Hill: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6041660-cook-political-report-texas-iowa-senate-races/San Antonio Current on Cook Report: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/texas-news/top-political-watcher-declares-the-talarico-paxton-race-a-toss-up/San Antonio Current on Elon Musk: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/elon-musk-expected-to-give-paxton-much-needed-cash-injection/Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/21/texas-big-bend-border-wall-barrier-republicans-paxton-trump/The Forward: https://forward.com/news/724588/ten-commandments-jon-rosenthal/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.
Someone check Governor Greg Abbott for whiplash! He's been doing some pretty rad campaign trail 180's lately in response to rapidly changing political headwinds - first, he expects us to believe he's now going to crack down on the billions of dollars in AI data centers he lured to Texas to begin with. And, we're to buy the idea that he would even remotely defy Donald Trump's plans to muck up Big Bend National Park. As a wise Texan once said: Fool me once, shame on...shame on you. Fool me...you can't get fooled again.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Governor Greg Abbott wants more state control over local ISD spending, despite ongoing GOP efforts to defund them to death - while Lt. Governor Dan Patrick threatens schools who refuse to remove books he considers "filthy and dirty" with state takeovers. State water plans, based on historical trends instead of proven climate science, are failing cities like Corpus Christi. And rural Texans, who see GOP trampling of local control as a threat to their private property rights, are starting to sour on the Republicans.Texas Tribune on Dan Patrick: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/19/texas-dan-patrick-obscene-books-school-libraries-penalties/Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/abbott-school-district-audits-22395105.phpTexas Tribune on Corpus Christi: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/19/texas-water-planning-drought-corpus-christi/Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/19/how-data-centers-and-power-lines-could-turn-texas-governors-race-blue-01041065This 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 has refused to extradite an ICE agent to Minnesota, where he is wanted on a felony indictment. Harris County is suing the feds over their holding funding hostage over election policy demands. A Republican nominee wants you to ignore the fact that he's a Republican - while the entire GOP just wants to get past the election and get back to their comfy corruption and grift.Houston Chronicle on Minnesota lawsuit: https://www.houstonpress.com/news/harris-county-sues-trump-over-threats-to-local-elections/Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/18/minnesota-sues-abbott-texas-ice-agent-extradition-lawsuit/Houston Press on Harris County lawsuit: https://www.houstonpress.com/news/harris-county-sues-trump-over-threats-to-local-elections/Houston Press on Orlando Sanchez: https://www.houstonpress.com/news/county-judge-hopeful-to-latinos-forget-im-a-republican/New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/17/us/politics/islamophobia-texas.html?smid=nytcore-android-shareNPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/19/nx-s1-5922546/in-texas-some-asian-immigrants-say-theyre-facing-increased-hostilitiesChristianity Today: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/08/texas-should-not-define-religion-down-freedom-worship-dallas-islam/Houston Chronicle on THC: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/thc-marijuana-texas-confusing-legalize-reefer-22394088.phpDallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/article/data-center-abbott-audit-community-impacts-22393458.phpSan Antonio Current: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/texas-news/faux-pause-why-greg-abbotts-data-center-crackdown-looks-a-lot-like-election-year-theater/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.
Back to school - and backwards thinking - happening right now as students across the state return to school facing new policies and voucher programs in place, the threat or consequences of state takeovers combined with defunded public schools, and a multi-pronged attempt to indoctrinate Texas children into Christian Nationalist, Prager U-infused curriculum.We're joined by guests Cameron Samuels, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT); Zeph Capo, President of the Texas American Federation of Teachers (AFT); and Felicia Martin, President & Executive Director of Texas Freedom Network and the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund (TFN) to teach you and every student, teacher, parent, and public education advocate what you can do to protect our public schools and the people who depend on them.Learn more about the Texas American Federation of Teachers at https://www.texasaft.org/.Learn more about Texas Freedom Network and the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund at https://tfn.org.Learn more about Students Engaged in Advancing Texas or SEAT at https://www.studentsengaged.org.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
The halt of the destructive federally-contracted demolition of the natural landscape of Big Bend National Park, announced yesterday, is only temporary and not a reason for advocates to stand down. The U.S. Supreme Court may consider SB 10, the state law that requires the posting of the Ten Commandments in Texas classrooms. Hood County joins a list of Texas communities unplugging their Flock cameras. And, the committee charged with tracking maternal mortality in Texas plans to skip the years immediately following the clawing back of abortion rights. Gina Hinojosa on MS Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bDmEUepihATexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/17/texas-big-bend-national-park-border-wall-construction-pause/Common Dreams: https://www.commondreams.org/news/big-bend-border-crossingAssociated Press: https://apnews.com/article/ten-commandments-texas-law-supreme-court-facb4b90c54fba5c1d0b3e63079c8b4bHouston Chronicle on SB 10: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outlook/article/lawsuit-ten-commandments-texas-schools-22389118.phpHouston Chronicle on Flock cameras: https://www.chron.com/texas/article/flock-cameras-texas-hood-county-22391763.phpHow to locate Flock cameras: https://deflock.org/How to neutralize Flock cameras without damaging them: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18Ka3z2wWi/Texas Observer: https://www.texasobserver.org/maternal-mortality-committee-roe-deaths-lawmakers-politics/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: huge thanks to monthly supporter Laura Kehoe, who upped her monthly contribution! Join Laura and the rest of 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.
South Carolina was officially approved to lead the 2028 presidential primary calendar on Saturday at the DNC 2026 Summer Meeting in Austin. All of Texas seems in uproar over the border construction in the Big Bend region - except for Governor Greg Abbott. The Texas Supreme Court will allow Galveston County Republicans to redraw their local election maps, even though their primaries have already happened. Legacy media is cluing in on the deplorable messaging history of GOP congressional nominee Brandon "The A.K. Guy" Herrera. And Texas Senate GOP nominee Leigh Wambsganss will take part in a live talk in Keller this Thursday morning - local progressives might have questions to ask her.The Hill on DNC: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6028298-dnc-approves-2028-primary-calendar/amp/The Hill on Big Bend: https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/6031859-texas-lawmakers-urge-abbott-stop-border-barriers-big-bend/KSAT: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2026/08/11/ksat-one-on-one-with-gubernatorial-candidate-rep-gina-hinojosa-spans-issues-including-economy-data-centers-energy-p/Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/texas-supreme-court-refuses-to-stop-gop-led-county-from-changing-voting-maps-between-primary-and-november-election/New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/16/us/politics/herrera-trump-republican-texas-house.html?smid=nytcore-android-shareAlterNet: https://www.alternet.org/exposed-nazi/Golden Triangle Rotary: https://goldentrianglerotary.org/Speakers/6494e91b-7987-4b09-bb63-a8b47bd56d20This 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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Paul Swan! Join Paul and the rest of 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.
Serving as mayor of Austin from 2015 to 2023, Progress Texas co-founder Steve Adler indeed sat on a very hot seat - during which he navigated the fastest-growing city in the nation through the beginning of the Trump era, the COVID-19 pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, the George Floyd moment, and lots more. Mayor Adler joins us to talk about that time, and how it reflects upon our current moment, as he prepares to drop a new book about his extraordinary experience in that role on August 25.Learn more about Mayor Steve Adler's new book, Hot Seat, Hot City, here: https://books.google.com/books/about/Hot_Seat_Hot_City.html?id=bJPl0QEACAAJThanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Civitech Present: A Live Podcast With Democratic State LeadersWe captured a live conversation yesterday at beloved Antone's in downtown Austin as the Democratic National Committee sweats through its 2026 DNC Summer Meeting - stand by for a great talk on how today's technology can be harnessed to expand voter participation for 2026 and beyond, with Civitech CEO Jeremy Smith, South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain, and Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder, moderated by Progress Texas Executive Director Kathleen Thompson.This live podcast was made possible by Civitech, Hon. Yasmin Simon, Charles Zeller, John Cotter, Valerie DeBill, Dona Tabrizi, Jill van Voorhis, Hon. Zohaib Qadri, David Weinberg, and Hon. Steve Adler and his new book Hot Seat, Hot City, out August 25.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
The 5th Circuit Court Of Appeals has restored SB 1 - the 2021 Texas law that establishes strict registration requirements for mail-in voting registration, and other voting obstacles. The NAACP's Legal Defense Fund and other voting rights and disability advocates are condemning the decision. Meanwhile data about Texas' new private school voucher program - where it can be deciphered through a veil of "transparency theater" - shows that a large number of kids offered vouchers are turning them down, finding it impossible to locate a private school appropriate to their needs that they can afford, even with the voucher.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/12/texas-mail-ballot-voter-id-application-appeal-ruling/NAACP LDF: https://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/ldf-strongly-condemns-texas-appeals-court-ruling-allowing-voter-suppression-law-to-go-back-into-place/Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/article/20-700-texas-students-gave-school-vouchers-22379018.phpSan Antonio Express-News: https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/texas-school-voucher-reporter-lacks-transparency-22385561.phpJoin Progress Texas and Civitech on Friday morning at 11AM at Antone's downtown for a free podcast taping event with Civitech's Jeremy Smith, Progress Texas Executive Director Kathleen Thompson, Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder, and South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain, who will discuss the ways that today's technology can be harnessed to build a new progressive majority! Details here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/civitechThis 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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Paul Swan! Join Paul and the rest of 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.
On this week's In Progress roundtable, we gather two of our foremost authorities on Far West Texas - former Progress Texas staffer and Alpine City Councilman Reagan Stone, and Dallas attorney and prominent Big Bend defender Bill Holston - for a deep dive on what's happening with the steamrolling of unnecessary and destructive border wall and surveillance construction in one of the most pristine and delicate wilderness areas not only in Texas, but in the entire United States.See Bill's recent op-ed on all of this in the Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/big-bend-construction-border-texas-22382092.phpLearn more about Reagan Stone's work at https://www.reagan-stone.com/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progess Texas and how you can support us at https://progresstexas.org/.
Ken Paxton's campaign has missed a deadline to accept one of three proposed debates ahead of the midterm election against Democratic nominee James Talarico. Paxton has also been found to have accepted six-figure campaign donations from data center executives and PAC's related to a pending legal opinion from his office related to Hood County. And a popular Fort Worth progressive podcaster just scored major street cred, by being tossed in jail by Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare.Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/news/politics/state/article/paxton-talarico-debate-22385551.phpKERA Dallas: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/election-2026/2026/08/11/559188/data-center-industry-contributes-thousands-to-ken-paxton-campaign-texas-attorney-general-james-talarico/Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/elections/article/fort-worth-activist-arrested-cursing-tarrant-22385437.phpJoin Progress Texas and Civitech on Friday morning at 11AM at Antone's downtown for a free podcast taping event with Civitech's Jeremy Smith, Progress Texas Executive Director Kathleen Thompson, Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder, and South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain, who will discuss the ways that today's technology can be harnessed to build a new progressive majority! Details on the event and links to sponsor (starting at only $250) here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/civitechThis 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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Paul Swan! Join Paul and the rest of 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.
Here comes a special live pod from San Antonio last night and the launch rally for Latinas for Gina Hinojosa - a brand new campaign initiative to help elect the first Latina governor in Texas state history, led by the Latino Victory Fund Texas PAC. Great time at the Woodlawn Theater, which we learned is the biggest comedy club in all these United States! In this podcast, the five primary speakers:Luz Elena Chapa (candidate for Bexar County District Attorney): 4:00 Katy Padilla Stout (candidate for Congressional Distric 23): 14:55 Kristian Carranza (candidate for Texas House District 118): 22:00 Katharine Pichardo (President and CEO of Latino Victory Fund): 28:05 Gina Hinojosa (Democratic nominee for Texas Governor): 33:55Learn more about the Latino Victory Fund at https://latinovictory.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can help support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Heavy bulldozers are now tearing through ecologically and historically-sensitive parts of Big Bend National Park to build unnecessary border infrastructure, while the opposition of Texans of both parties goes ignored by Donald Trump. And a source of Ken Paxton's mysterious wealth may have been revealed - a cell tower built on the property of a hospital where Paxton was serving as a board member when it was approved.USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/state/texas/2026/08/11/texas-leaders-sound-alarm-over-bulldozers-at-big-bend/91253419007/The Hill: https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/6023292-trump-wall-big-bend-impact/amp/Big Bend Sentinel: https://bigbendsentinel.com/2026/08/11/wall-path-planned-through-porvenir-massacre-site/Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/big-bend-construction-border-texas-22382092.phpWFAA Dallas: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/state/texas-news/big-bend-holds-lifetime-memories-for-dallas-man-who-now-fears-its-future/287-59375273-52b6-4d5c-8884-27cd8ae66dcbNew York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/us/paxton-cell-tower-company-texas-senate.html?smid=nytcore-android-shareJoin Progress Texas and Civitech on Friday morning at 11AM at Antone's downtown for a free podcast taping event with Civitech's Jeremy Smith, Progress Texas Executive Director Kathleen Thompson, Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder, and South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain, who will discuss the ways that today's technology can be harnessed to build a new progressive majority! Details on the event and links to sponsor (starting at only $250) here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/civitechThis 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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Lynda Brender! Join Lynda and the rest of 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.
Over 1 million Texans are on the Texas "suspense list" - meaning, the state is uncertain of their registration details, and they're at risk of being kicked off the voter rolls. Republicans are preparing an unusually hostile legislative agenda aimed at Texas Muslims. And Ken Paxton's tax proposals will benefit only about 10% of taxpayers and exacerbate both inflation and interest rates.Dallas Morning News on voter suspense: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/elections/article/texas-voter-suspense-list-hits-1-2-million-22381876.php?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=nextdoor.com&utm_campaign=nextdoor_newsDallas Morning News on GOP agenda on Islam: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/faith/article/texas-republicans-offer-blueprint-plan-ban-islam-22373511.phpHouston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outlook/article/evan-mintz-texas-promise-agenda-paxton-callas-22381197.phpJoin us for a great event in San Antonio tonight, as Gina Hinojosa and other Latino Victory-endorsed candidates launch Latinas for Gina, a statewide coalition to elect the first Latina Governor in our state's history: https://www.mobilize.us/ginahinojosafortexasgovernor/event/1000703/Join Progress Texas and Civitech on Friday morning at 11AM at Antone's downtown for a free podcast taping event with Civitech's Jeremy Smith, Progress Texas Executive Director Kathleen Thompson, Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder, and South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain, who will discuss the ways that today's technology can be harnessed to build a new progressive majority! Details on the event and links to sponsor (starting at only $250) here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/civitechThis 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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
What kind of leader do you want representing your communities? What are your top issues as a voter? These are just some of the questions that members of the Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus (TLPC) are asking all around the state on their “People's Hearings” this summer - they're ready to listen in, take those ideas back to our Legislature, and put progressive policies to work. State Reps John Bryant of Dallas and Vince Perez of El Paso join us to talk about this unique opportunity at democratic access in Texas.Learn more about the Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus at https://www.texaslpc.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
A new poll done by ReconMR and Texas A&M's Bush School shows strong Democratic performance with James Talarico and Vikki Goodwin up on their GOP opponents and Gina Hinojosa trailing Governor Greg Abbott by a single point. Republican hubris and failure to acknowledge the economic pain of everyday Americans is seen as their potential undoing this fall. Latinos in Harris County - as much or more so than those in South Texas - may hold the key to Democratic fortunes in November. And, as back to school arrives, a group of Houston moms have sued the state over mandatory Christianized curriculum and displays in Texas public schools.Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Fox 7 Austin: https://www.fox7austin.com/election/texas-dan-patrick-vikki-goodwin-lieutenant-governor-poll-july-2026.ampHouston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/talarico-paxton-senate-hinojosa-abbott-poll-22380973.phpKHOU 11 Houston: https://www.khou.com/article/news/politics/talarico-paxton-texas-senate-poll/285-807cd9b4-fc56-429c-9172-f4c0b4a5a7c8The Hill: https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/6012387-texas-florida-republican-warnings/The Latin Times: https://www.latintimes.com/houston-has-2m-latino-voters-most-them-arent-showing-that-could-decide-texas-senate-race-598470Houston Press: https://www.houstonpress.com/news/the-christianization-of-texas-public-schools/Gina Hinojosa's talk on the Voting Rights Act: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfgCsFf8XoThis 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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
DFW has been the chaotic center of this week's news, and today's top story is no exception: with conservative-driven culture wars crusading in our county governments. We report on the rise in Islamophobia across county governments, and as touted by top leaders in the Republican Party.Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Fort Worth Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/06/christian-nationalist-influence-on-tarrant-county-government-the-focus-of-upcoming-panel-discussion/Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/faith/article/mckinney-mosque-site-plan-approved-22358308.phpTexas Monthly: https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/mckinney-mosque-sharia-gop-message/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=webcta&utm_campaign=tm-free&gift_code=OTkxNTYzOzg4OTMyZDY5LWVlNTgtNGVkYi04ZDI0LTE1MmJhYjg5MjBiMDsyMDI2MDgwNg==Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/frisco-debates-restoring-public-comment-two-22375896.phpDallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/faith/article/texas-republicans-offer-blueprint-plan-ban-islam-22373511.phpDallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/trump-s-dallas-gop-convention-plans-american-22375248.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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
This week we take a look at how the Texas Republican Party, in a full panic over the prospects of the end of 30 years of dominance, will be unlikely to go gentle into that good night. We've already seen aggressive redistricting and drastic attempts to limit voting access. Still in the bag of tricks: direct polling location intimidation by federal troops, legal shenanigans and more. We're joined by Fort Worth attorney and Progress Texas board member Jason Smith, and renowned Texas Democratic political strategist J.D. Gins to discuss what's ahead, what's at stake, what to watch for, and what we can do about it now.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas at https://progresstexas.org/.
Election and education updates today, starting with the top-ballot candidates running for John Cornyn's Senate Seat, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Rep. James Talarico each releasing their own economic agenda. Meanwhile, two updates on public and higher education: regarding a voucher program report and new lawsuit against Texas A&M.Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/paxton-s-economic-pitch-combines-family-tax-22371769.phpTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/05/texas-senate-james-talarico-economic-agenda-ken-paxton/Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/texas-childrens-detransition-clinic-22376427.phpTexas Tribune: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbol2pnoA3k/?img_index=1Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/james-talarico-ken-paxton-s-biggest-donors-22361827.phpHouston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/private-school-voucher-data-22375469.phpDallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/texas-comptroller-staff-cuts-email-22373718.phpTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/04/texas-am-sued-race-gender-restrictions-professors/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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Fort Worth Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/08/04/tarrant-county-commissioners-delay-vote-on-polling-sites-for-november-election/Lone Star Left: https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/ohare-caves-under-pressure-tablesRep. Vikki Goodwin: https://www.instagram.com/p/DboHhIdKD-n/Marfa Public Radio: https://www.marfapublicradio.org/news/2026-08-04/border-project-contractors-arrive-in-big-bend-national-park-as-texas-lawmakers-call-for-a-pauseThis 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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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 three-for-one today, as we feature the speeches and Q&A sessions captured last week at the UnidosUS 2026 Annual Conference in Austin! UnidosUS is the largest nonpartisan Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, advancing social, economic, and political opportunities for Latinos, and we were proud to be invited to cover. In this pod, Unidos President and CEO, Janet Murguía, interviews several headlining guests: J.B. Pritzker, progressive Governor of Illinois, who was key to the success of the Texas House Democratic quorum break last summer (01:54), Michelle Lujan Grisham, former U.S. Congresswoman and current Democratic Governor of New Mexico (25:25), and U.S. Senator and Marine Corps combat veteran Ruben Gallego of Arizona (50:22), plus a one on one interview with Progress Texas Advocacy and Development Coordinator Tatum Owens and Senator Gallego to close out the pod. Enjoy!
The Republican-dominated Tarrant County Commissioner's Court will vote today on a proposal to eliminate almost half of the county's Election Day polling locations, with a focus on Black, Brown and student-concentrated areas. Governor Greg Abbott has called a halt to data center developments for an audit, but has taken no steps to change the loose regulations he has himself signed off on. Bipartisan resistance to data centers is mirrored in similar opposition to Flock surveillance cameras, and the new THC ban in Texas. And Joe Rogan says the quiet part out loud, characterizing the Texas GOP as "predators".KERA Dallas: https://www.keranews.org/news/2026-08-03/tarrant-county-voting-potential-closuresLone Star Left: https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/ohares-not-done-yet?open=falseDallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/business/energy/article/abbott-data-center-audit-texas-22372503.phpTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/03/texas-flock-cameras-law-enforcement-license-plate-readers/Houston Public Media: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/election-2026/2026/08/03/558506/thc-ban-texas-senate-race-talarico-paxton/Texas Public Radio: https://www.tpr.org/government-politics/2026-08-03/texas-delta-8-ban-creates-legal-risks-and-confusion-for-hemp-usersSan Antonio Current: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/texas-news/joe-rogan-begs-texas-not-to-turn-blue/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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
As of Friday, Texas Republicans have reclassified a range of popular hemp-derived THC products like Delta-8 as Schedule I substances - possession of them is now a felony. Driven by millions in campaign contributions, the wholesale alcohol lobby has persuaded Republican leaders to eliminate hemp competition and protect their state-sanctioned distribution monopoly. Listeners can fight back by bypassing major distributors, and buying directly from local independent taprooms, distilleries, and self-distributing craft producers.KHOU Houston: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/thc-restrictions-hemp-businesses/285-3fe2342e-5ba7-4fb0-997d-915430e8fc96Progress Texas: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbgND1Lpuza/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
On the heels of a Democrat-associated poll favoring James Talarico in his run for Senate against Ken Paxton, a poll sanctioned by Fox News also puts the Democrat in the lead. Senator John Cornyn maintains his defiance of Donald Trump and reminds the president that the midterms are coming. And Texas Tech defies open records requests for information about the renaming of their football stadium after a giant data center corporation.Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fox-news-poll-gop-divisions-shape-texas-senate-racePolitico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/31/trump-todd-blanche-nomination-01018826KAMC-TV Lubbock: https://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/local-news/texas-tech-wont-release-galaxy-stadium-contract-until-ag-decides/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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
When one considers that the doctrine of the separation of church and state, interpreted from the U.S. Constitution, protects both the right to freely worship AND the right not to have the religious beliefs of others incorporated into law - one might also consider that it might be a bad move for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to have declared war upon it. We discuss with Progress Texas Board Member and Secular Houston founder, Dr. Wil Jeudy.Learn more about Secular Houston at https://secularhouston.org/.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can help support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Despite reports from social media influencers, as of this morning, the Ken Paxton campaign has still not accepted times or terms for a debate with James Talarico. Texas has joined 11 other Republican-controlled states in a SCOTUS appeal for them to allow Donald Trump to place harsh new limits on mail-in voting. John Cornyn has helped stymie the confirmation of Todd Blanche, Trump's choice for U.S. Attorney General. A sweeping new ban on hemp products will take effect across Texas tomorrow. And, the Texas Tribune is strangely celebrating a new potential milestone for Republican women to be elected to Congress - representing a party that has done immense harm to American women in recent years.USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/07/29/texas-senate-debates-take-shape-as-talarico-paxton-trade-positions/91088811007/WFAA: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dates-times-announced-debate-paxton-talarico/287-3f31b225-e83a-4f1b-9276-e09223ae1d09MS Now: https://www.ms.now/the-last-word/watch/texans-deserve-answers-about-ken-paxton-dem-senate-nominee-james-talarico-says-demanding-debates-2508970051676Democracy Docket: https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/gop-states-join-doj-in-asking-supreme-court-to-let-trump-block-some-mail-ballots/The Hill: https://thehill.com/newsletters/morning-report/5998751-todd-blanche-confirmation-delay-cornyn-tillis-gop-scorn/CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/29/todd-blanche-attorney-general-trump-irs-audit-cornyn.htmlAustin Chronicle: https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/where-the-texas-hemp-market-currently-stands/KERA: https://www.keranews.org/texas-news/2026-07-30/thc-businesses?_amp=trueTexas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/30/texas-republican-women-congress-house-record-steinmann-mealer-2026/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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
New polling has Democrat James Talarico ahead of Republican Ken Paxton in the race for the U.S. Senate by five percentage points, and shows Talarico performing well among independent and moderate voters. Renewable energy has been pulling Texas' fat out of the fire this summer - but will that continue under the strain of hundreds of data centers? Governor Abbott is under building pressure to call a special session on data centers - and in Texas, that's not just about natural resources - religion has a lot to say about Big Tech as well.Texas Tribune on polling: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/28/texas-senate-poll-james-talarico-ken-paxton-july-2026/Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/article/solar-wind-power-renewable-texas-heat-22363504.phpSan Antonio Express-News: https://www.expressnews.com/politics/texas/article/greg-abbott-data-centers-22359062.php?utm_source=redditTexas Tribune/Religion News Service: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/29/texas-data-centers-religion-opposition/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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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 strange moment indeed in Texas, as our top two elected officials - Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick - have both openly declared war on the U.S. Constitution: Patrick in his assault on the separation of church and state, and Abbott in his zealous quest against birthright citizenship via "birth tourism" - a harmless, statistically insignificant non-issue.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/27/texas-dan-patrick-religious-liberty-interim-charges-religion-public-life-legislature/Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/article/greg-abbott-texas-order-birth-tourism-citizenship-22361795.phpNPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/28/nx-s1-5869808/family-trump-profit-corruption-voters-ethics-democrats?unified=true&renderPlatform=nprone_iosThis 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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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 Texas Water Development Board doesn't have enough information about data center demand to include it in our resource projections, and they seem okay with that. A new college admissions test that emphasizes ideology over academics is approved for Texas' public universities. South Texas appears primed for a seismic shift away from Trump and the GOP, while Democratic nominee Bobby Pulido's chances to unseat his Republican opponent appear strong. And, James Talarico has officially "arrived" as Donald Trump includes him in his list of national enemies.Community Impact: https://communityimpact.com/central-austin/texas-legislature/texas-includes-minimal-data-center-info-in-state-water-plan-citing-limited-data/Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/27/conservative-college-entrance-exam-texas-universty-admissions/Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/the-texas-counties-that-could-decide-whether-democrats-flip-senate-seat-12223307Texas Observer: https://www.texasobserver.org/bobby-pulido-monica-de-la-cruz-south-texas/Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/trump-jabs-james-talarico-at-correspondents-dinner-22360074.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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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 has pivoted his campaign rhetoric to a call for limits on data centers - but he fails to use the power he has right now to do anything to slow their explosive spread. Meanwhile, Ken Paxton is desperately fundraising outside the state as James Talarico out-raises him 3 to 1 at home - Paxton is apparently doing all he can to avoid a live debate.KXAN Austin: https://www.kxan.com/news/data-center-debate-grows-across-texas-as-leaders-push-for-more-oversight/Tom's Hardware: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/bnef-nearly-doubles-its-us-data-center-power-forecast-to-194gwSan Antonio Current: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/san-antonio-news/ken-paxton-receives-unwelcome-surprise-at-washington-d-c-fundraiser/Texas Standard: https://texasstandard.org/stories/cornyn-donors-paxton-senate-race-talarico-fundraising/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: huge thanks to new monthly supporter Carolyn Frawley! Join Carolyn and the rest of 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.
After Tuesday's disastrous press conference, from which Ken Paxton fled even basic questions from the press amidst the skirts of his handler - how on Earth does he expect to face equally insistent moderators, across a stage from James Talarico, before a huge live and televised audience, at a Senatorial debate? On our weekly roundtable this week, we dive deep into this important and extremely amusing question.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.
An analysis of the personal wealth of 15 first-time congressional candidates from Texas shows that only the rich can easily run for office, while Elon Musk dumps billions into GOP candidates and right wing PACs - and boorish billionaire behavior is fueling a growing populist backlash.Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/22/texas-congress-delegation-net-worth-millionaires-2026-midterms/San Antonio Express-News: https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/elon-musk-campaign-donations-texas-gop-abbott-22352250.php?utm_source=redditPaul Krugman: https://substack.com/home/post/p-208095884This 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 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 part of the lineup at KPFT-FM in Houston! 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 full collapse of a press conference featuring Ken Paxton and a large group of Texas county sheriffs is a must-watch. After reading a lengthy statement smearing James Talarico, Paxton's handler abruptly canceled the presser after just two questions from the press didn't follow his chosen law enforcement narrative. The two questions concerned Paxton's recent real estate acquisitions, and accusations that he has been voting illegally using a Collin County address at which he does not reside. Full presser video: https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/full-video-paxton-holds-campaign-202047514.htmlFrom The New Republic: https://newrepublic.com/post/213343/ken-paxton-flees-press-conference-scandals-voter-fraudFrom the San Antonio Current: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/politics-and-elections/ken-paxton-ends-press-conference-after-reporters-press-him-on-real-estate-transactions-alleged-voter-fraud/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! Our good friend Brian Marrs has bumped up his support! Join Brian and the rest of the Progress Texas family 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 part of the lineup at KPFT-FM in Houston! 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.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:James Talarico's outreach event for Black voters in Houston on Sunday featured a pledge to spend $25 million on a continued embrace of that community - and the majority of the tension present was provided by a single political influencer who has based her online persona largely on her personal disdain for the nominee: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/20/texas-james-talarico-black-voters-town-hall-houston-2026-senate/...Polling from the UT Austin/Texas Politics Project indicates that Talarico is significantly outperforming both Beto O'Rourke and Colin Allred at this stage in the campaign with Black voters across Texas: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1025348793795610Ken Paxton, meanwhile, can't get anyone to pay attention in McAllen - and has taken to lying about his attendance numbers: https://www.sacurrent.com/news/texas-news/ken-paxton-accused-of-lying-about-attendance-at-his-first-campaign-rally-of-the-general-election/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: our good friend Darbi Lockridge has bumped up her support! Join her and the rest of the Progress Texas family 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 part of the lineup at KPFT-FM in Houston! 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.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:James Talarico has accepted three invitations from TV operators to engage in debate with Ken Paxton, while the Paxton camp agrees that debates "should" happen, but has not confirmed any of those dates: https://www.fox7austin.com/news/james-talarico-challenges-ken-paxton-3-televised-texas-senate-debates...Texas Senate debates have not favored challengers or underdogs in the last few cycles, as evidenced by Beto O'Rourke and Colin Allred against Ted Cruz: https://www.statesman.com/news/columns/article/ken-paxton-james-talarico-texas-senate-debate-22349865.phpGovernor Abbott has bypassed Nate Schatzline for Secretary of State, appointing instead longtime aide Robert Howden - Schatzline remains as a "special advisor on elections": https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/texas-appoints-new-secretary-of-state-ahead-of-2026-midterm-elections/...Williamson County elections officials, dominated by Republicans, have begun accusing voters of being felons and threatening to kick them off the voter rolls if they can't prove otherwise within 30 days: https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/texas-republicans-latest-attemptHouston saw a major demonstration for accountability in the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo yesterday: https://www.fox26houston.com/news/houston-rallies-demand-justice-lorenzo-salgado-araujo...Just as the FBI has been told not to investigate public confrontations with ICE, and to allow the Department of Homeland Security to investigate itself instead: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/19/us/politics/fbi-ice-agents-investigations-shootings.htmlThis 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! Our good friend Elizabeth McNair has bumped up her support! Join her and the rest of the Progress Texas family 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 part of the lineup at KPFT-FM in Houston! 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.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:With a second consecutive year of disastrous flooding impacting Texas, fears grow that a "new normal" may have been established via climate change: https://www.kbtx.com/2026/07/17/texas-hill-country-floods-again-back-to-back-disasters-raise-alarm-over-future-storms/...Two deaths related to the flooding are reported - a tragedy, but one that pales in comparison to last year: https://apnews.com/article/texas-flooding-evacuations-uvalde-camp-mystic-616ad82c32b5728d8a0f894c5e602b24...The deluge was due to an upper level disturbance combined with a low-pressur circulation, which parked itself over the flood-prong "Flash Flood Alley" of the Texas Hill Country: https://abcnews.com/US/meteorologists-explain-flash-flooding-central-texas-bad/story?id=134818804Last night's Donald Trump speech, as expected, was designed to re-invigorate election denial conspiracies: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-puts-election-security-center-republicans-midterm-fight-2026-07-17/...Nothing new was offered that would change the fact that the heavily-audited 2020 election shows no significant signs of fraud: https://theconversation.com/trump-is-rehashing-old-claims-the-2020-election-was-stolen-his-real-aim-sowing-doubt-in-the-midterms-287774Austin listeners: you're invited to check out a FREE screening of the documentary film "John Lewis: Good Trouble" on Friday! Info and RSVP: http://bit.ly/GTLOAUSTINThis 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! Our good friend and board member Nicolette Ardiente has bumped up her support! Join her and the rest of the Progress Texas family 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 part of the lineup at KPFT-FM in Houston! 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.
Who is this guy - and what has he done with Governor Greg Abbott? In recent weeks - clearly in an election year panic of sorts - our Governor has been flip-flopping like crazy: he's been condemning the impacts of data centers - the very same data centers he's lured to Texas for years with generous incentives and kickbacks. He's tempted blowback from Donald Trump in admitting out loud that, you know, maybe ICE agents shouldn't be shooting people. He's had jokes about his own disability backfire online because, you know, he made it a lot harder for other folks in similar situations to find financial relief. And, he's decided that "birth tourism" is somehow a major immigration problem that needs tackling, when it very rarely happens - and when it does, it's typically a win-win for America.Having reported on all of this and more, we're proud to welcome journalist Michael Karlis of the San Antonio Current on to talk about the seemingly frenzied week that Governor Abbott is having - he sure doesn't seem himself lately. Learn more about Michael's work at https://www.sacurrent.com/author/michael-karlis/.Thanks for listening! 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! Our good friend Leslie Berry has bumped up her support! Join the family at https://act.progresstexas.org/a/summersustainers26.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Significant and dangerous flooding has struck Texas, just over a year after a catastrophic flood at about the same time in 2025: https://www.youtube.com/live/2Fj-1_tGtIwVictor Salgado, the brother of Houston ICE shooting victim Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, has offered new disputes against the agency's account of the incident: https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/deadly-ice-shooting/attorney-for-lorenzo-salgados-brother-disputes-ice-account-as-abbott-confirms-texas-rangers-investigation/285-f1bc2f96-fcd4-4009-be57-2f8847387ed1...Governor Abbott has broken his silence on the shooting, calling it "a tragedy" - the latest in a series of forced reversals for the Governor this election year: https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/help-my-governor-has-been-replacedDonald Trump has declared war on science - and Texas' energy sector has already been impacted: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outlook/article/oil-gas-energy-research-trump-webber-texas-22345291.phpAttorney General Ken Paxton's threat to sue the Big 12 over Texas Tech's efforts to field a gambling policy violator as their quarterback came 1 day after Tech's oil billionaire Board of Regents Chair Cody Campbell gave his campaign almost a quarter-million dollars: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/07/15/cody-campbell-ken-paxton-donation-brendan-sorsby-texas-tech/...Paxton is also now the target of a formal complaint by the Collin County Democratic Party, who is calling for his potential voting law violations to be investigated: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/collin-county-dems-file-complaint-over-whether-ken-paxton-violated-texas-election-law/4050210/Elon Musk's SpaceX stock - forced into millions of retirement accounts by a bending of stock market rules - has now dropped below its IPO price: https://futurism.com/space/spacex-investors-lamenting-money-lostAustin listeners: you're invited to check out a FREE screening of the documentary film "John Lewis: Good Trouble" on Friday! Info and RSVP: http://bit.ly/GTLOAUSTINThis 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! Our good friend Leslie Berry has bumped up her support! Join the family 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 part of the lineup at KPFT-FM in Houston! 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.
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