Texas Tribune Brief

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Start your day with a concise round-up of what you need to know today — delivered straight to your podcast player or smart speaker. With reporters based in Austin, Washington, D.C., and on the U.S.–Mexico border, The Brief is your go-to source for news on statewide issues.

The Texas Tribune


    • Aug 25, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
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    • 853 EPISODES

    4.7 from 80 ratings Listeners of Texas Tribune Brief that love the show mention: texas news, texas tribune, brief, morning, good, great.



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    Latest episodes from Texas Tribune Brief

    The Brief is going on hiatus

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2023 0:50


    The Texas Tribune put this podcast on hiatus in August 2023 due to staffing changes in the newsroom.If you want to follow the latest news on Texas politics and policy, check out our daily email newsletter, which is also called The Brief. You can sign up at texastribune.org/newsletters

    U.S. Justice Department argues for removal of Texas' floating border barrier in federal court

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 4:48


    In a court hearing over the barrier near Eagle Pass, the U.S. Justice Department argued it was installed without proper authorization, while lawyers for the state said it notified the feds first.Sad to announce that this will be the last episode of the Texas Tribune Audio Brief.Thank you to the dedicated Audio Brief podcast listeners and the numerous followers who have enjoyed and supported the Audio Brief.I am truly sorry and thank each and every one of you for gracing me your trust and support.I will miss you all,Justin Dehn

    Can Ken Paxton be forced to testify at his impeachment trial?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 4:44


    Lawyers for the suspended attorney general argue that compelled testimony would violate Paxton's rights, but House impeachment managers disagree. The issue may be settled in the trial's opening hours.

    Former judge declines to serve as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's adviser for Ken Paxton impeachment trial

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 3:21


    A day after Patrick announced the appointment, Marc Brown declined it, citing a campaign contribution he made to Paxton's GOP primary opponent in 2021.

    New allegations against Ken Paxton raise stakes for early decisions in impeachment trial

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 6:25


    Before 30 senators take on their role as impeachment trial jurors, they face a series of momentous votes on whether to dismiss the charges as requested by the suspended attorney generalThe Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    New accusations: Ken Paxton used burner phone, secret email account, fake Uber name to hide ties to Nate Paul

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 5:06


    After Paxton's lawyers sought to dismiss articles of impeachment as unsubstantiated, House managers responded by accusing the suspended attorney general of going to great lengths to cover up his relationship to the Austin real estate investor.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Medical experts assert transgender health care for youth is safe as LGBTQ+ Texans sue over new prohibition

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 4:53


    Texas families and health care providers sued the state over Senate Bill 14, which restricts transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming care. The groups are requesting an injunction from a state district court judge before the law goes into effect on Sept. 1.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Gov. Greg Abbott declares wildfire disaster for three-fourths of Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 5:04


    Amid ongoing wildfires, the governor's disaster declaration for three-fourths of the state's counties allows local governments to access state resources to fight fires.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    U.S. Department of Education reaffirms Baylor's religious exemption in response to sexual harassment complaints

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2023 4:36


    The university had asked the federal agency to dismiss sexual-harassment complaints by LGBTQ+ students, arguing that the claims infringed on the school's religious tenets.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    A prison guard says she was forced to stay at her post during labor pains. Texas is fighting compensation for her stillbirth.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 4:47


    The seven-months-pregnant officer reported contraction-like pains at work, but she wasn't allowed to leave for hours. Soon after, her baby was delivered stillborn. But the anti-abortion state is fighting her lawsuit, in part by saying her fetus didn't clearly have rights.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Texans do not need a license to carry, but some gun owners still want one

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 5:54


    Since the permitless carry law passed in 2021, Texans have not needed a license to carry a gun. But gun instructors and some gun owners still see the benefits in taking the classes necessary to obtain a license.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Democrats Colin Allred, Roland Gutierrez draw distinctions on key issues as they target Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 5:07


    Heading into the Democratic primary, the U.S. House member and state senator answer questions on guns, the border, abortion and other parts of their platforms.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Ken Paxton legal team works to invalidate every article of impeachment before trial

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 4:45


    If successful, the flurry of legal filings would halt the suspended attorney general's September impeachment trial before it truly begins in the Texas Senate.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Texas AG appeals judge's order that allows women with complicated pregnancies to get abortions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 3:33


    State District Court Judge issued a temporary exemption to Texas' abortion ban. Hours later, the attorney general's office filed an appeal, which blocked the order.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    LGBTQ+ Texans & advocates sue to block new law that could criminalize some drag shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 6:10


    State officials backing Senate Bill 12 have said they want to protect children from seeing sexually explicit performances. But a new legal challenge says the law is so broad and vague that it criminalizes constitutionally protected expression.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick defends move to ask Texas A&M to ‘look into' professor accused of criticizing him

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 6:23


    The professor allegedly criticized Patrick during a lecture and was temporarily suspended after the lieutenant governor contacted Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. The case has raised questions about political interference in the university's academic affairs.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Amid scorching heat, Texas state parks can be a refuge — or a danger

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 5:57


    More than a million people visited Texas' 89 state parks in June. But in spots without bodies of water, park officials are warning people to not overdo it as triple-digit temperatures persist.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Suspended Texas AG Ken Paxton's lawyers seek to dismiss all but one of the 20 impeachment articles

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2023 6:09


    Paxton's legal team says removing him from office would “override the will of the people.” His attorneys have also requested that any evidence of alleged misconduct that predates his current term be excluded from his Senate impeachment trial.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Billions in property tax cuts need Texas voters' approval

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2023 7:32


    Legislation passed this month would raise the state's homestead exemption to $100,000, lower school districts' tax rates and put an appraisal cap on residential and commercial properties, among other measures. But voters must first approve a constitutional amendment.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    U.S. House Republicans from Texas target federal funding unless Homeland Security chief is removed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 5:56


    Escalating their fight over Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' handling of immigration at the southern border, far-right representatives say they will oppose any appropriations for his agency.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Facing sex discrimination claims, Texas begins jailing migrant women under border crackdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 5:03


    Operation Lone Star originally targeted single men suspected of crossing the border illegally in mass trespassing arrests, but some claimed that not arresting women violated equal protection laws.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Gov. Greg Abbott signs $18 billion tax cut package for Texas property owners

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 4:44


    At a time when the state has some of the nation's highest property taxes, the initiative was a cornerstone of his 2022 reelection campaign.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    U.S. sues Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to remove floating border barrier

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 4:21


    The U.S. Department of Justice made good on its warning last week that it would sue Texas unless the state agreed to remove the barrier in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Race was a factor in Black professor's failed hiring, Texas A&M department head says

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2023 4:57


    Hart Blanton, the head of the university's department of communications and journalism, also said then-President M. Katherine Banks interfered with the recruitment of journalist Kathleen McElroy.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Hundreds of thousands of Texans bumped off of Medicaid face lots of confusion and stress

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 6:15


    About 500,000 people have been removed from the rolls since continuous Medicaid coverage ended in April. Those helping low-income people with medical care say many don't realize they've lost coverage yet. We have a favor to ask: would you go to texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take a five-minute listener survey? This is the best way for Texas Tribune journalists to know what works and what doesn't for our podcasts. We appreciate your feedback.

    In tearful testimony against Texas' abortion ban, three women describe medical care delayed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 5:02


    The women, believed to be the first to testify about an abortion ban's impact on their pregnancy since 1973, are seeking to clarify when a medical emergency justifies an abortion.We have a favor to ask: would you go to texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take a five-minute listener survey? This is the best way for Texas Tribune journalists to know what works and what doesn't for our podcasts. We appreciate your feedback.

    State investigating claim that DPS troopers were told to push migrants back into the Rio Grande and deny them water

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2023 6:49


    The Office of the Inspector General is investigating the claims, which include pushing small children and women with nursing babies back into the river and turning away a 4-year-old girl, who later passed out on the riverbank from the heat.We have a favor to ask: would you go to texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take a five-minute listener survey? This is the best way for Texas Tribune journalists to know what works and what doesn't for our podcasts. We appreciate your feedback.

    Acting as Ken Paxton impeachment judge, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issues gag order

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 6:55


    “Prejudicial and inflammatory statements” from both sides have jeopardized the ability of senators to offer fair and impartial justice, Patrick says. Violators can be found in contempt, jailed and fined.The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here to take our audience survey. It's the best way to get to know our listeners.

    Doctors treating trans kids are leaving Texas, exacerbating adolescent care crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 6:40


    Texas doctors fear a new era of government intrusion into medicine as lawmakers ban transition care for kids following prohibitions on abortion.

    Lawsuit seeks to block new Texas law banning gender transition-related care for kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 5:29


    The families who are suing argue the new law, which goes into effect Sept. 1, violates their parental rights by stopping them from providing medical care for their children and discriminates against transgender teens.

    Property tax cuts moving quickly as Texas Senate passes key parts of the long-awaited deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2023 5:54


    The legislative package could make its way to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk before the week's end. Voters must then approve the plan via a constitutional election in November for it to take effect in the 2023 tax year.

    Limited regulations put responsibility of preventing on-the-job heat injuries on Texas workers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 7:22


    Drinking water frequently and resting in the shade are minimum safety measures for avoiding injury and death during triple-digit temperatures. But they are not applied to every job site.

    State House and Senate strike deal on how to cut Texans' property taxes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 5:53


    The compromise would put more than $12 billion toward reducing the school property tax rate for homeowners and business properties, increase the homestead exemption, and create a pilot program to reduce taxes on certain residential and commercial properties. It's expected to pass later this week.

    State of Texas bars HOAs from discriminating against renters receiving federal housing aid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2023 6:03


    State lawmakers passed the law after a North Texas homeowners' association banned landlords from renting to Section 8 tenants. Most of the affected renters in that neighborhood were Black.

    ‘I want them to haunt you': Man who killed 23 at El Paso Walmart hears from victims' families

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2023 7:07


    During the gunman's sentencing, relatives of those killed nearly four years ago are telling him how he upended their lives.

    1.4M Texans' student debts won't be canceled. But a new loan repayment plan could bring savings.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 5:37


    After the U.S. Supreme Court ended President Joe Biden's debt cancellation program, advocates for lowering student loan debt say the federal SAVE plan, an updated loan repayment program, could save Texans and other borrowers a lot of money in interest.

    Suspended Texas AG Ken Paxton won't testify at his impeachment trial, defense attorney says

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 5:03


    Judge orders Texas Department of Public Safety to release records related to Uvalde shooting response

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2023 7:20


    The state law enforcement agency has been withholding nearly all of its records on police's botched response to Texas' deadliest school shooting. DPS will have the chance to redact the documents before they are released.

    With second special session underway, Texas lawmakers offer their initial pitches on property tax cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 6:13


    An impasse among Texas' top GOP legislators has dragged on for months. On Wednesday, the House and Senate each advanced their own plans in the hopes to move the conversation forward.

    First special session ends with Texas lawmakers still deadlocked on property taxes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 6:11


    Gov. Greg Abbott quickly called lawmakers back to the Capitol for round two, hoping to break an impasse that has outlasted the regular session and one overtime period.

    At Texas-Mexico border, Ron DeSantis unveils immigration platform with Trump in mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2023 5:49


    The Florida governor calls for deputizing local law enforcement to police the border and deport migrants, saying his plan is “more aggressive” than the former president's proposals.

    Twenty years after a breakthrough Texas case cemented some LGBTQ+ rights, other battles continue

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 5:49


    The U.S. Supreme Court paved the way for major civil rights victories for queer Americans in the 2003 decision that decriminalized homosexuality. But progress for LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans people, has been uneven.

    A year after Dobbs decision, Texas has settled in to a post-abortion reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 6:16


    Advocates say they accept that abortion won't become legal again in Texas any time soon, so they are focusing on shoring up the safety net and playing the long game.

    LGBTQ Texans move forward with Pride plans despite tense politics and fears of violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2023 5:20


    Organizers across state are increasing security at their celebrations of community after state lawmakers pushed a plethora of bills threatening to upend the lives of LGBTQ Texans.

    The 2023 Texas Senate, from right to left

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 5:16


    Here's a look at Senate members, ranked from most conservative to most liberal, based on votes cast during the 2023 regular session.

    Some conservatives' long-term goal in property tax fight: get rid of school taxes altogether

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 5:24


    Gov. Greg Abbott has thrown his weight behind the idea being pushed by an influential conservative think tank. Many school leaders are worried.

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