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Thank you Pedro Senhorinha Silva, Mary B, Matthew Ward, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.* Texas Republicans, including Gov. Abbott, were reluctant to redraw the state's congressional maps. Then Trump got involved: The governor eventually agreed to include redistricting on his special session agenda after discussing the matter with the president on a phone call. [More]* Speaker Mike Johnson expresses extreme weirdness. He and his son monitor each other's porn intake: In a weird exchange, Speaker Mike Johnson confessed that he and his son are each other's porn intake monitor on a panel. [More]* Beto O'Rourke on CNN's State of the Union discusses how to fight Texas redistricting: Former Congressman Beto O'Rourke did not mince his words as he pointed out the various aggressive methods that Texas politicians must use to stop redistricting. [More]* Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don't have the resources for regulations: Senate Bill 5 would ban products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid, creating criminal offenses for possession of hemp-derived THC. [More] To hear more, visit egberto.substack.com
Trump's spy chief claims the Obama administration 'manufactured' intel on Russia.Texas Republicans aim to redraw House districts at Trump's urging. Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show' actor, dies at 54 in Costa Rica drowning. Military Analyst Mike Lyons talks about the lastest in the Israel/Palistine conflict. Hunter Biden slams George Clooney in explosive rant after actor's politically-motivated move. Feds to ‘flood' NYC with immigration officials following shooting of Border Agent. MLK files released.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Day 1 of the special session saw a full court press on redistricting - no movement on flood relief, or any other issue: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/21/us/politics/texas-redistricting-floods.html...Rigging maps to win elections is tantamount to totalitarianism - "democracy thrives or dies on how we draw political districts": https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/columnists/tomlinson/article/texas-redistricting-republican-democracy-20778376.php...U.S. Reps Henry Cuellar, Vicente Gonzalez, Lizzie Fletcher and Julie Johnson are the likely Democratic targets: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/article/texas-redistricting-districts-trump-20778386.php...Any proposed maps you've seen floating around, at present are probably fake: https://www.chron.com/culture/article/texas-redistricting-map-congress-20778346.php...Until he got a call from Trump, Governor Abbott was not enthused about pursuing redistricting: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/22/texas-redistricting-abbott-republicans-resistant-trump/...And history shows that the Texas Republican majority has never given much of a damn about keeping Texans safe from floods, so the hostage maneuver is predictable: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/21/texas-hill-country-flooding-inaction-state-legislature/Progress Texas' financial reserves have dropped to about 3 months worth of funding. Help us avoid going on a permanent vacation this summer by becoming a sustaining member: https://progresstexas.org/join-pt-summer-vacation-membership-driveThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
First: MAGA revolt. President Trump faces the fallout over Epstein. Will his latest moves satisfy his base? Or are they digging in for a fight? Plus: Six months in. Trump is taking action on his campaign promises. So why are Americans souring on his approach? We have brand new polling. And: Texas hold up. As Democrats accuse Texas Republicans of stealing seats to hold the House. CNN's Manu Raju goes one-on-one with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. New reporting on Democrats' plans to counterattack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
At the urging of President Donald Trump, Texas Republicans are once again pushing a mid-decade redistricting process, this time to help the GOP maintain control of the U.S. House in next year's midterm elections in order for Trump to continue implementing his agenda. Historically the party in power takes losses in midterms, so Trump is using Texas, and perhaps other red states, to hedge against losing control of the House. Also, Kerr County officials say the number still missing from the deadly July 4th flooding is down to three. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Texas Republicans are preparing to redraw the state's congressional districts, ahead of the 2026 House elections. The AP's Jennifer King has more.
The Wall Street Journal publishes a shocking 50th birthday letter Donald Trump wrote to Jeffrey Epstein that discusses a "wonderful secret" the two shared. Jon and Dan react live to The Journal's letter, discuss Trump's attacks against his supporters who still want the Epstein files released, and debate why the Department of Justice decided now was the right time to fire Maurene Comey — the federal prosecutor who worked on both Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal cases. Then the two talk through Senator Josh Hawley's sad attempt to roll back the Medicaid cuts he just voted for and President Trump's draft termination letter for Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Then Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar stops by to talk about Texas Republicans' attempts to redraw congressional maps to sway the 2026 midterms elections. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
President Trump just told Texas Republicans the GOP is coming for five more congressional seats through redistricting—and the liberal media is LOSING it. CNN's Abby Phillip launched into a meltdown, scolding Republicans for daring to redraw the map before the 2026 midterms. But let's be clear: this is how Democrats have played the game for decades—and now it's our turn to fight smart.#trump #cnn #kamalaharris #barackobama #michelleobamaMeanwhile, CNN's Dana Bash claims public broadcasting is “essential” for rural America. What she really means is—Leftist elitists think rural Americans are too dumb to think for themselves. It's insulting, and we're calling it out.Plus, we break down:
John discusses Trump telling Texas Republicans to redraw their state congressional districts and make it so 5 Democratic seats vanish into a gerrymandered abyss. He also talks about House Republicans continuing to block efforts by democrats to force the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Then, he speaks with Professor Corey Brettschneider and they analyze the Trump administration's latest alarming moves, including mass firings at critical federal agencies like Education and State, and Trump's controversial threats to remove the Federal Reserve Chair. And finally, he interviews Cristina Jiménez. She's an award-winning community organizer and a leading voice in movements for social justice. She is Co-Founder and former Executive Director of United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the country. She came to the U.S from Ecuador in 1998 and grew up undocumented in Queens, N.Y. Cristina is a veteran organizer who helped lead the fight for DACA and resist family separation. Her new book, Dreaming of Home, was called “part memoir, part guide for community organizing” by The Washington Post.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Trump rips off MAGA and the rest of us with tariffs. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring says the state denied them a siren system. Trump and Texas Republicans show how not to prepare for the climate crisis.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE
Anna and Jake discuss the pressing issues facing the Senate as they approach the July 4 reconciliation deadline. Plus, Sen. John Cornyn is facing his toughest primary yet — and not a single Texas Republican in Congress is backing him. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tuesday, June 21st, 2022In the Hot Notes: the fourth committee hearing on the attempted coup is today at 1 PM ET; a DeSantis judge committed a crime by lying on her state Supreme Court application; a federal judge rejects a Proud Boys motion for pretrial release; and the fascist Texas Republican platform has been released; plus Dana and Allison deliver your Good News.Follow our guest on Twitter:Hugo Lowellhttps://twitter.com/hugolowellFluffy Butt Rescue mini-doc:https://youtu.be/3SYrOq-Aa3o Federal workers - feel free to email me at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.Share your Good News or Good TroubleMSW Good News and Good Trouble Check out other MSW Media podcastshttps://mswmedia.com/shows/Subscribe for free to MuellerSheWrote on Substackhttps://muellershewrote.substack.comFollow AG and Dana on Social MediaDr. Allison Gill Substack|Muellershewrote, BlueSky|@muellershewrote , Threads|@muellershewrote, TikTok|@muellershewrote, IG|muellershewrote, Twitter|@MuellerSheWrote,Dana GoldbergTwitter|@DGComedy, IG|dgcomedy, facebook|dgcomedy, IG|dgcomedy, danagoldberg.com, BlueSky|@dgcomedyHave some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/confessional/ Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:The Daily Beans on Apple PodcastsWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?Supercasthttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/Patreon https://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr subscribe on Apple Podcasts with our affiliate linkThe Daily Beans on Apple Podcasts
Anna and Jake discuss how the White House is selling President Donald Trump's agenda to Senate Republicans. Plus, can the White House force a new congressional map on Texas Republicans? Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: There is a push from the Trump camp for Texas to consider mid-decade redistricting to aid in picking up more Republican seats in Congress. The rumor that such might be considered has been around for a while but now there has been a meeting of Texas Republican members of Congress to discuss such. At present there is not much enthusiasm for such and it comes with big risks. At present, under current conditions, I don't expect much to come of it but, if Governor Abbott were to get aboard, he'd be the one to set it in motion with a Special Session call which would need to be in July, or the very earliest days of August fit time constraints.The New York Times broke the story: White House Pushes Texas to Redistrict, Hoping to Blunt Democratic Gains Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.City of Abilene officials looking to make home ownership that much more out of reach with another property tax increase. Has anyone actually run the numbers to demonstrate a total net savings, over principal and interest costs, from the proposed “energy improvements?” Most often these things do not produce a net savings.So much of the reporting on arrests by ICE is cleverly misleading propaganda. This Houston Chronicle story is an example: ICE agents arrest 3 people at southwest Houston immigration court. I explain why it is misleading to most as well as why the objections are silly.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Much like the recent GOP power grab at the Tarrant County Commissioners Court, the Texas Republican congressional delegation has begun discussing plans to redraw Texas' electoral maps to stave off defeat in the 2026 midterms: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/09/texas-redistricting-congress-house-republicans-midterms/Civic unrest over ICE tactics and Trump's crackdown on protests continued last night in Dallas: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/dallas-immigration-advocates-rally-ongoing-raids/...And also in Austin, where tear gas canisters were fired: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/09/austin-protest-immigration-customs-enforcement/...Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis says that tear gas was deployed by Texas DPS troopers: https://www.statesman.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/06/09/austin-protest-ice-immigration-raids-los-angeles-la-riots-photos/84122861007/More ICE ambushes of immigrants leaving court hearings yesterday, in Houston: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/crime/article/houston-immigration-court-arrests-ice-agents-20368949.phpThe Collin County Democratic Party is organizing a protest at State Senator Angela Paxton's office later this month: https://www.mobilize.us/collindemocrats/event/798800/The merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
US Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, discusses the tax-cut package passed by the House and the anti-deportation protests in Los Angeles with Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All of this week's episodes of It Could Happen Here put together in one large file. The FDA Wants to Take Away Your Covid Vaccine, ft. Dr. Kaveh Hoda Tiananmen Remastered, Part 1 Tiananmen Remastered, Part 2 Governing Fertility: How Pronatalist Policies Kill Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #19 You can now listen to all Cool Zone Media shows, 100% ad-free through the Cooler Zone Media subscription, available exclusively on Apple Podcasts. So, open your Apple Podcasts app, search for “Cooler Zone Media” and subscribe today! http://apple.co/coolerzone Sources/Links: The FDA Wants to Take Away Your Covid Vaccine, ft. Dr. Kaveh Hoda https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsb2506929 https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-panel-says-covid-vaccines-can-stay-fall-access-concerns-rcna208492 Tiananmen Remastered https://lausancollective.com/2021/communists-crushed-international-workers-movement/ https://chuangcn.org/journal/two/red-dust/sinosphere/ http://www.tsquare.tv/links/Walder.html https://chuangcn.org/2019/06/tiananmen-square-the-march-into-the-institutions/ https://www.marxists.org/archive/brinton/1970/workers-control/ https://endnotes.org.uk/issues/4 https://libcom.org/article/utopia-rules-technology-stupidity-and-secret-joys-bureaucracy-david-graeber Governing Fertility: How Pronatalist Policies Kill https://www.vscw.ca/en/node/119 https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203059913-9/pronatalism-motherhood-franco-spain-mary-nash https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781438402062/html?lang=en https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-15335899 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237296749_Marriage_squeeze_and_changes_in_family_formation_historical_comparative_evidence_in_Spain_France_and_the_United_States_in_the_twentieth_century https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ypdy05jl9o https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/21/us/politics/trump-birthrate-proposals.html https://www.heritage.org/marriage-and-family/report/treating-infertility-the-new-frontier-reproductive-medicine https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/3/2/2155893/-Texas-Republican-channels-Stalin-and-Putin-to-glorify-motherhood https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dot-memo-funds-communities-marriage-birth-rates_n_679bf8d8e4b0e1faebeef9c8 Executive Disorder: White House Weekly #19 https://www.kpbs.org/news/public-safety/2025/05/19/san-diegos-highest-paid-city-employees-cops-racking-up-overtime-and-earning-over-400-000 https://www.nilc.org/resources/how-calif-dl-records-shared-with-dhs/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-detained-buona-forchetta-employees https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/expedited-removal https://www.npr.org/2025/06/04/nx-s1-5422248/trump-steel-aluminum-50-tariffs-double-prices https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-trump-and-chinas-xi-jinping-speak-at-last-agree-to-more-talks-191201181.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2025/06/02/immigration-restrictions-pile-up-on-international-students/ https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-trump-guidance-social-media-a1f5180ce83560aff66dd65534906697 https://apnews.com/article/international-students-visas-trump-guidance-social-media-a1f5180ce83560aff66dd65534906697 https://sahanjournal.com/public-safety/minneapolis-lake-street-law-enforcement-ice-homeland-security/ https://www.axios.com/2025/06/03/elon-musk-trump-white-house-relationship https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/elon-musk-privately-expresses-frustration-range-recent-moves/story?id=122485920 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/us/politics/elon-musk-trump-doge.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/technology/trump-palantir-data-americans.html See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The weekly kvetching session comes as the last days of the 89th session play out like a slow-motion train wreck. Dan Patrick makes massive ass at a truly bizarre (and entirely unnecessary) press conference, Elon Musk bows out in disgrace in D.C., and Texas Republicans make sure wild-eyed whackjobs can keep their guns.Thanks for listening and have a great weekend! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our work at https://progresstexas.org/.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Austin Rep. James Talarico scored the viral moment of the holiday weekend at the Lege, with a gotcha on Republican Rep. Candy Noble regarding her violation of the Sabbath in order to force the Ten Commandments into Texas classrooms: https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/05/26/ten-commandments-bill-texas-tiktok/Hemp industry advocates are pleading with Governor Abbott to veto the THC ban bill, which will undercut an $8 billion business in one fell swoop: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/25/texas-thc-hemp-ban-abbott-dan-patrick/...Medical cannabis advocates are also up in arms as the scope of our already-stingy Texas Compassionate Use Program or TCUP is further narrowed by Republicans: https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/thc-ban-medical-marijuana-20344051.phpGovernor Abbott is also poised to sign a new law that, in the midst of a measles outbreak, will make it easier for Texas parents to opt their kids out of vaccinations: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/25/texas-vaccine-form-download/In a session relatively quiet on guns, Texas Republicans have identified city and county gun buyback programs as something they can't tolerate: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/26/texas-gun-buyback-program-ban/Apple CEO Tim Cook is imploring Governor Abbott to veto HB 186, the ban on minors from using social media, citing privacy concerns for all of us: https://digitalmarketreports.com/news/39676/apple-ceo-urged-texas-governor-to-drop-online-child-safety-bill/We look forward to celebrating our 15th anniversary this summer! Join us for a celebratory gathering in Dallas on Monday June 9: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/2025anniversaryThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
A complex debate surrounding a proposed Muslim community in Texas continues to grow, with The Christian Post's Ian Giatti joining Billy Hallowell for "The Inside Story" to break down all of the details. "The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into a proposed Muslim community development in North Texas, citing concerns over potential violations of federal law," he recently wrote. "The investigation targets EPIC City, a 402-acre project backed by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) in Josephine, Texas, about 40 miles northeast of Dallas."Giatti continued, "The planned development — which includes over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, clinics, retail shops, a community college and sports facilities — has sparked controversy among Texas Republican leaders." Read more here and listen for details.Here are more stories on this important topic:DOJ launches investigation into Texas mosque over proposed Muslim community: https://www.christianpost.com/news/doj-launches-investigation-into-proposed-muslim-community.htmlTexas Gov. Greg Abbott orders criminal investigation into mosque behind proposed Islamic community: https://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-orders-criminal-investigation-into-mosque.htmlMosque behind proposed Muslim community in rural Texas ordered to stop illegally operating funeral home: https://www.christianpost.com/news/texas-mosque-ordered-to-halt-alleged-illegal-funeral-services.html
(AURN News) — So much for the art of the deal. President Donald Trump's signature budget proposal — the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — failed to advance in the House Budget Committee on Friday, after a handful of Republicans voted against it, handing the White House a major legislative defeat. The sweeping measure proposed trillions in tax cuts and new restrictions on Medicaid — including work requirements and ending eligibility for illegal immigrants. It also sought to increase funding for the military and border enforcement — priorities Trump has championed since his return to office. House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, a Texas Republican, opened the committee's markup session with a full-throated defense of the bill. “Today, we stand on the precipice of a generational opportunity to make an unprecedented investment in the safety and security of the American people by equipping our Border Patrol agents and our sons and daughters in the armed services with the tools and resources to safely and successfully do the first and most important job of the federal government: to provide for the common defense,” Arrington said. “But we also have an urgent responsibility to put in place the policies that will unleash economic growth and future prosperity—reining in wasteful spending and begin restoring the fiscal health of our nation, which has been in rapid decline over the last couple of decades.” Despite support from Trump and party leadership, five Republican members voted no: Reps. Chip Roy of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma and Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania. Following the failed vote, Trump lashed out on Truth Social. “Republicans MUST UNITE behind, ‘THE ONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL!'” he wrote. “Not only does it cut Taxes for ALL Americans, but it will kick millions of Illegal Aliens off of Medicaid to PROTECT it for those who are the ones in real need.” He warned that without the bill, Americans could see tax hikes and more chaos in the health care system — and pointed fingers at internal dissent. “We don't need ‘GRANDSTANDERS' in the Republican Party,” Trump added. “STOP TALKING, AND GET IT DONE! It is time to fix the MESS that Biden and the Democrats gave us.” The bill's collapse casts early doubt on Trump's second-term agenda and signals potential hurdles ahead for his legislative goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
News...Chief Justice is concerned about the rule of law - but - he gave Trump immunity, Texas wants to shut down news they don't like, Could an arrested Judge go to prison? Plus more. Texas Republicans want to shut down people like me who write editorials they don't like. The judge arrested by ICE last week was just indicted by a federal grand jury and is now facing prison.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Texas Republicans this week moved to ban some foreigners from owning land in this state, sparking an emotional and lengthy debate about a crackdown on immigrants that still won't help many GOP lawmakers avoid nasty primary challenges. Plus, Gov. Abbott says his signature school voucher initiative is a huge win for families and a "promise kept" from his campaign. We'll spell out the facts on that. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While state officials and legislators have positioned Texas to be “the bitcoin mining capital of the world,” in small towns like Granbury, working-class residents living next to giant, loud, environmentally destructive data centers are the ones paying the price for Texas's crypto boom. “None of us are sleeping,” Cheryl Shadden, a Granbury resident who lives across the street from a 300-megawatt bitcoin mining data center owned by Marathon Digital, tells TRNN. “We can't get rid of this alien invasion in our homes…This is like being a prisoner of war. It's like being tortured with loud sounds and bright lights and being sleep deprived.”In this episode of Working People, we dive deeper into the reality of living next to crypto mining data centers like the one in Granbury, the unseen threats they pose to human and nonhuman life, and what residents in Granbury are doing to fight back. TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez speaks with: Cheryl Shadden, a registered nurse anesthetist and resident of Granbury, who lives right next to the site of the Marathon bitcoin mining operation; Dr. Shannon Wolf, Precinct Chair in Hood County, who lives about 3 miles from the bitcoin mine; and Nannette Samuelson, County Commissioner for Precinct 2 in Hood County.Additional links/info: Protect Hood County website Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / The Real News Network, “A bitcoin mine in Texas is “killing us slowly,” local residents say” Andrew R. Chow, TIME, “‘We're living in a nightmare:' Inside the health crisis of a Texas bitcoin town” Andrew R. Chow, TIME, “Noisy neighbor: Bitcoin's hidden health cost” (Video Report) Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “TRNN wins 2025 Izzy Award for coverage of East Palestine, OH, trainwreck & chemical disaster” Keaton Peters, Inside Climate News, “Texas leaders worry that bitcoin mines threaten to crash the state power grid” NBC News, “Inside the Texas bitcoin mine reportedly making residents sick” James Pollard, The Texas Tribune, “Texas Republicans want to make the state the center of the cryptocurrency universe” Permanent links below… Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show! Labor Radio / Podcast Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter page In These Times website, Facebook page, and Twitter page The Real News Network website, YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter page Featured Music… Jules Taylor, “Working People” Theme Song Studio Production: Maximillian Alvarez Post-Production: Jules Taylor
While state officials and legislators have positioned Texas to be “the bitcoin mining capital of the world,” in small towns like Granbury, working-class residents living next to giant, loud, environmentally destructive data centers are the ones paying the price for Texas's crypto boom. “None of us are sleeping,” Cheryl Shadden, a Granbury resident who lives across the street from a 300-megawatt bitcoin mining data center owned by Marathon Digital, tells TRNN. “We can't get rid of this alien invasion in our homes…This is like being a prisoner of war. It's like being tortured with loud sounds and bright lights and being sleep deprived.” In this episode of Working People, we dive deeper into the reality of living next to crypto mining data centers like the one in Granbury, the unseen threats they pose to human and nonhuman life, and what residents in Granbury are doing to fight back. TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez speaks with: Cheryl Shadden, a registered nurse anesthetist and resident of Granbury, who lives right next to the site of the Marathon bitcoin mining operation; Dr. Shannon Wolf, Precinct Chair in Hood County, who lives about 3 miles from the bitcoin mine; and Nannette Samuelson, County Commissioner for Precinct 2 in Hood County.Additional links/info:Protect Hood County websiteMaximillian Alvarez, Working People / The Real News Network, “A bitcoin mine in Texas is “killing us slowly,” local residents say”Andrew R. Chow, TIME, “‘We're living in a nightmare:' Inside the health crisis of a Texas bitcoin town”Andrew R. Chow, TIME, “Noisy neighbor: Bitcoin's hidden health cost” (Video Report)Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “TRNN wins 2025 Izzy Award for coverage of East Palestine, OH, trainwreck & chemical disaster”Keaton Peters, Inside Climate News, “Texas leaders worry that bitcoin mines threaten to crash the state power grid”NBC News, “Inside the Texas bitcoin mine reportedly making residents sick”James Pollard, The Texas Tribune, “Texas Republicans want to make the state the center of the cryptocurrency universe”Permanent links below…Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show!Labor Radio / Podcast Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter pageIn These Times website, Facebook page, and Twitter pageThe Real News Network website, YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter pageFeatured Music…Jules Taylor, “Working People” Theme SongStudio Production: Maximillian AlvarezPost-Production: Jules TaylorHelp TRNN continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterFollow us on BlueskyLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast
Is Texas really as conservative as everyone thinks—or is it just really good at pretending? This episode of The Brian Nichols Show is going to rattle some cages. We're heading deep into the Lone Star State to unpack what's really happening behind the scenes of “red state” politics. From political half-measures to media silence on major scandals, this one's got all the spicy truth bombs the mainstream won't touch. If you think Texas is a conservative stronghold, buckle up. Studio Sponsor: Cardio Miracle - "Unlock the secret to a healthier heart, increased energy levels, and transform your cardiovascular fitness like never before.": https://www.briannicholsshow.com/heart We're joined by Tony Ortiz from Current Revolt, a media outlet that's not afraid to get dirty with the facts. Tony breaks down how Texas Republicans often fall short of their own messaging—and how the state's biggest problems stem from within their own party. It's a wake-up call for anyone who's been lulled into red state complacency. We also dive into why so many of these issues stay hidden from voters, thanks to media gatekeeping and voter apathy. Tony reveals why most voters never hear about the real drama, how incumbents play the long game to stay in power, and why the leftist media won't even touch GOP scandals when they actually have ammo. It's wild, revealing, and guaranteed to shift your perspective. Oh—and don't miss the scorching takedown of the “Texit” movement. Tony explains why secession isn't just a political dead-end, but a full-on grift, and he backs it up with real numbers, insider insight, and more than a little sarcasm. This is the kind of conversation that cuts through the political theater and delivers real clarity. Whether you're a diehard Texan, a political junkie, or just someone fed up with fake conservatives and media games, this episode gives you the raw, unfiltered breakdown. You won't look at red state politics—or the people behind them—the same way again. ❤️ Order Cardio Miracle (https://www.briannicholsshow.com/heart) with code TBNS at checkout for 15% off and take a step towards better heart health and overall well-being!
The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: A nail-spittingly angry Texas Railroad Commissioner, Wayne Christian, tells how big oil has switched sides at the 11th our of the legislative session and joined with the enviro-left to undermine a major bill to firm up the Texas ERCOT electric grid. Click here to see Commissioner Christian's full email and op-ed on the issue.Commissioner Christian also points out how AEP has choked off a rebirth of Texas coal power made possible by the Trump Administration.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.Oil and gas drilling rig count down; Texas sales tax collections up.We've seen this movie before – every two years!: Far too many Texas Republican priority bills are being held up in the Texas House. Members are rightly concerned and many fingers are accurately pointing at Rep. Ken King. But remember, the Speaker can fix all of this in a brief moment. House leadership is blocking a vote on banning Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying, says Rep. Money. Again, the Speaker can fix this in a heartbeat if he desires.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com
There is nowhere to run or hide from GOP perfidy in supermajority red states where Democrats are a non-factor. We begin by going over a list of Republican betrayals in a bunch of deep-red states. Nowhere is this more evident than in Texas. We're joined by our good friend Texas state Rep. Brian Harrison (R), who exposes that not only are House Republican leaders blocking good bills, they are now passing bills to expand corporate welfare, grow the budget, and censor political speech. They have literally empowered Democrats to preside over the chamber. What's worse, they are using a lackluster “school choice” bill to absolve themselves from subverting us on every other issue. Finally, I discuss the problem with Trump not promising to endorse every Texas RINO and how he continues to fight conservatives but won't condemn the RINOs when they block his stated policies and even Senate nominees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With the help of President Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott has successfully bullied Texas Republican lawmakers into passing his signature policy initiative of school vouchers. So, with roughly 6 weeks to go in the legislative session, what will they argue about now at the Texas Capitol? Plenty including abortion, immigration, voting rights, and more. We'll break it down. Plus, Jeremy's got his up and down of the week and Scott institutes a swear jar for the show. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A measure long sought by Texas Republicans is now on its way to the governor’s desk: A voucher-like plan to use public dollars to pay for private education. We’ll get details from Blaise Gainey of The Texas Newsroom. A massive plan was once proposed to keep Texas from running out of water in the late […] The post After yearslong fight, school voucher bill clears Legislature appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Rising demand and dwindling supplies of water in Texas are placing major pressure on the business-friendly and environmentally-indifferent Texas GOP: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/the-impossibly-expensive-plan-to-save-texass-water-supply-texas-monthly/Trump crazy is beginning to wear on his MAGA faithful - will they be able to find common cause with progressives to fix the problem? https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/columnists/tomlinson/article/trump-uncertainty-texas-layoffs-20290420.phpAs he backs away from the DOGE chainsaw - with which he's destroyed his own reputation and that of Tesla - look for Elon Musk to spend more time in Texas on his still-rapidly-growing interests here: https://www.businessinsider.com/satellite-photos-show-elon-musk-growing-texas-empire-spacex-tesla-2025-4The Texas Senate has passed a bill that will prevent juries considering injury claims related to truck crashes from hearing important information about the truck driver - a leg up for businesses looking to avoid paying for those claims: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/critics-argue-texas-bill-could-reduce-trucking-accountability-and-road-safety-lawsuit-senate-big-rigs-truck-drivers-cdl...The Senate also has passed a bill that will require that Texas state government officially recognize the laughable change of name to the "Gulf Of America": https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/24/texas-gulf-of-america-name-change/Early voting is underway in the May 3 election - see your local county website for a sample ballot to study beforehand, and get your questions about voting answered at GoVoteTexas.org.Progress Texas is proud to join several of our esteemed advocacy allies in supporting the Barbara Jordan Voting Rights Act: https://progresstexas.org/release-voting-rights-advocates-cheer-barbara-jordan-texas-voting-rights-actWe're proud to welcome Mayor Ron Nirenberg as our guest for a live podcast taping in San Antonio on May 6! Please join us for a fun fundraising gathering of progressives at our Party For Progress - tickets are here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/sanantonio_mixerThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! 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:What appears to be a win for Texas Republicans in their push for unpopular private school vouchers appears likely to be a burden in the 2026 mid-term elections: https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2025-04-25/the-vouchers-battle-is-decided-but-what-about-the-future-of-texas-politics/...Add to the draining of funds to subsize private school families, a likely dwindling of federal school funding in Trump's "DOGE" era: https://www.keranews.org/education/2025-04-24/department-of-education-closure-texas-schools-impact...Speaking of "DOGE", we now have our own version in Texas as Governor Abbott signs his first bill of the 89th Lege into law: https://www.kxii.com/2025/04/24/texas-governor-greg-abbott-signs-bill-creates-texas-doge/The Texas Senate passed a bill that would forbid local Texas cities from putting controlled substance decriminalization bills up for public vote - with the help of three Democrats: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/texas-senate-passes-bill-to-ban-cities-from-putting-marijuana-decriminalization-initiatives-on-local-ballots/Taking school library book bans to a frightening new level, new legislation seeks to police "obscene" content at retail bookstores as well: https://www.chron.com/politics/article/texas-bookstores-obscene-books-20290932.phpProgress Texas Advocacy Manager Reagan Stone is moderating a panel this afternoon at the EarthX2025 conference in Dallas: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ENq1kXGmg/Early voting is underway in the May 3 election - see your local county website for a sample ballot to study beforehand, and get your questions about voting answered at GoVoteTexas.org.Progress Texas is proud to join several of our esteemed advocacy allies in supporting the Barbara Jordan Voting Rights Act: https://progresstexas.org/release-voting-rights-advocates-cheer-barbara-jordan-texas-voting-rights-actWe're proud to welcome Mayor Ron Nirenberg as our guest for a live podcast taping in San Antonio on May 6! Please join us for a fun fundraising gathering of progressives at our Party For Progress - tickets are here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/sanantonio_mixerThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
I would like to see Texas become the center of the universe for bitcoin and crypto,” US Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in 2021. In 2024, Republican Governor Greg Abbott said Texas “wears the crown as the bitcoin mining capital of the world.” But in small towns like Granbury, TX, about an hour southwest of Fort Worth, residents are the ones paying the price for Texas' crypto boom. Granbury's 300-megawatt bitcoin mine, which is owned by Marathon Digital, a Florida-based cryptocurrency company, uses a mix of liquid immersion and industrial fans to prevent over 20,000 computers from overheating. Many residents say that it's the constant sound from those fans that has made life increasingly unbearable in their small town—and that their concerns are going ignored by the company and government officials. In this episode of Working People, we speak with four residents of Granbury living near the Marathon bitcoin mine: Danny Lakey, Karen Pearson, Nick Browning, and Virginia Browning. Additional links/info: Protect Hood County website Andrew R. Chow, TIME, “‘We're living in a nightmare:' Inside the health crisis of a Texas bitcoin town” Andrew R. Chow, TIME, “Noisy neighbor: Bitcoin's hidden health cost” (Video Report) Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “TRNN wins 2025 Izzy Award for coverage of East Palestine, OH, trainwreck & chemical disaster” Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / The Real News Network, “‘I had to move away from everything that I ever had': Chemically exposed residents of East Palestine, OH, and Conyers, GA, have been left behind” Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “‘This is murder!': Industrially poisoned South Baltimore residents march on state capitol, demand help from Gov. Moore” Maximillian Alvarez, Steve Mellon, & Mike Balonek, The Real News Network, “Trainwreck in ‘Trump Country': Partisan politics hasn't helped East Palestine, OH (DOCUMENTARY)” Keaton Peters, Inside Climate News, “Texas leaders worry that bitcoin mines threaten to crash the state power grid” NBC News, “Inside the Texas bitcoin mine reportedly making residents sick” James Pollard, The Texas Tribune, “Texas Republicans want to make the state the center of the cryptocurrency universe” Permanent links below… Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show! Labor Radio / Podcast Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter page In These Times website, Facebook page, and Twitter page The Real News Network website, YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter page Featured Music… Jules Taylor, “Working People” Theme Song Studio Production: Maximillian Alvarez Post-Production: Jules Taylor
“I would like to see Texas become the center of the universe for bitcoin and crypto,” US Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in 2021. In 2024, Republican Governor Greg Abbott said Texas “wears the crown as the bitcoin mining capital of the world.” But in small towns like Granbury, TX, about an hour southwest of Fort Worth, residents are the ones paying the price for Texas's crypto boom. A 300-megawatt bitcoin mine, which is owned by Marathon Digital, a Florida-based cryptocurrency company, uses a mix of liquid immersion and industrial fans to prevent over 20,000 computers from overheating. Many residents say that it's the constant sound from those fans that has made life increasingly unbearable in their small town—and that their concerns are going ignored by the company and government officials. In this episode of Working People, we speak with four residents of Granbury living near the Marathon bitcoin mine: Danny Lakey, Karen Pearson, Nick Browning, and Virginia Browning.Additional links/info:Protect Hood County websiteAndrew R. Chow, TIME, “‘We're living in a nightmare:' Inside the health crisis of a Texas bitcoin town”Andrew R. Chow, TIME, “Noisy neighbor: Bitcoin's hidden health cost” (Video Report)Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “TRNN wins 2025 Izzy Award for coverage of East Palestine, OH, trainwreck & chemical disaster”Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / The Real News Network, “‘I had to move away from everything that I ever had': Chemically exposed residents of East Palestine, OH, and Conyers, GA, have been left behind”Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “‘This is murder!': Industrially poisoned South Baltimore residents march on state capitol, demand help from Gov. Moore”Maximillian Alvarez, Steve Mellon, & Mike Balonek, The Real News Network, “Trainwreck in ‘Trump Country': Partisan politics hasn't helped East Palestine, OH (DOCUMENTARY)”Keaton Peters, Inside Climate News, “Texas leaders worry that bitcoin mines threaten to crash the state power grid”NBC News, “Inside the Texas bitcoin mine reportedly making residents sick”James Pollard, The Texas Tribune, “Texas Republicans want to make the state the center of the cryptocurrency universe”Permanent links below…Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show!Labor Radio / Podcast Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter pageIn These Times website, Facebook page, and Twitter pageThe Real News Network website, YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter pageFeatured Music…Jules Taylor, “Working People” Theme SongStudio Production: Maximillian AlvarezPost-Production: Jules TaylorBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:After 30 years of trying, Texas Republicans are confident they can push private school vouchers on an unwilling Texas today: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/15/texas-house-vouchers-public-school-funding-vote/?_bhlid=787b18ce3a9535dfb634483e2ca01fd2c02ecc6e...But the Democratic minority has a plan to send that issue to the voters, where it's likely to die: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/15/texas-legislature-democrats-school-vouchers-constitutional-amendments/ The Texas Senate has passed SB 37, which would give Republican officeholders control over the curriculum taught about history, inequality and race at Texas colleges: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/texas-senate-approves-bill-that-could-reshape-how-history-race-are-taught-in-universitiesRepublicans are lining up to unseat Laredo Congressman Henry Cuellar, who despite his lack of loyalty, Democrats desperately need to keep in place: https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/mayra-flores-henry-cuellar-20277181.php...MAGA types are also lining up for a chance to out-Paxton Ken Paxton at Attorney General: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/state/2025/04/16/ken-paxton-senate-texas-attorney-general-2026-election-race/83049997007/A Houston law firm is fighting back against a presidential executive order in a battle that could set precedent for the risks undertaken by attorneys in standing up to the Trump regime: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2025/04/14/518705/houston-based-law-firm-files-lawsuit-against-trump-administration-following-executive-order/Progress Texas is proud to join several of our esteemed advocacy allies in supporting the Barbara Jordan Voting Rights Act: https://progresstexas.org/release-voting-rights-advocates-cheer-barbara-jordan-texas-voting-rights-actWe're proud to welcome Mayor Ron Nirenberg as our guest for a live podcast taping in San Antonio on May 6! Please join us for a fun fundraising gathering of progressives at our Party For Progress - RSVP here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/sanantonio_mixerThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! 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:A stunning and surreal scene at the White House yesterday saw Donald Trump and El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, in defiance of U.S. courts, refuse to return a wrongly-deported Maryland man - and muse on sending American citizens away next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzgQT__Az4oReactions from Texas lawmakers including Austin Congressman Greg Casar: https://x.com/RepCasar/status/1911871636292202834?t=IfJmo_wHPrrvhoD3kFMWDw&s=03...El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar: https://x.com/RepEscobar/status/1911828673755488484?t=U3Ac1nkEx-ihBLL6cWVBrA&s=03...and Houston Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia: https://x.com/RepSylviaGarcia/status/1911922043081142496?t=8t-OJfw1dv_ISQukmLYO7w&s=03Could private school vouchers, after three decades of trying, finally be made reality by Texas Republicans? We'll likely find out this week: https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/texas-house-taking-up-education-savings-account-bill-senate-school-vouchers-legislature/...The Texas Freedom Network requests your attendance at the Capitol on Wednesday morning: https://act.tfn.org/a/vouchervoteTexas Republicans, amidst ongoing outcry from gun safety advocates to raise age limits for gun ownership, are seeking to lower them instead: https://www.kut.org/2025-04-15/texas-statehouse-senate-loosen-firearm-restrictions...Uvalde moms testified against the lowering of handgun age restrictions from 21 to 18 yesterday: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2025/04/15/mothers-of-uvalde-victims-argue-against-texas-bill-that-would-allow-18-year-olds-to-carry-handguns/Progress Texas is proud to join several of our esteemed advocacy allies in supporting the Barbara Jordan Voting Rights Act: https://progresstexas.org/release-voting-rights-advocates-cheer-barbara-jordan-texas-voting-rights-actWe're proud to welcome Mayor Ron Nirenberg as our guest for a live podcast taping in San Antonio on May 6! Please join us for a fun fundraising gathering of progressives at our Party For Progress - RSVP here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/sanantonio_mixerThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! 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:Republican Texas U.S. Congressman Pat Fallon told a town hall crowd that today's young people won't have Social Security - he recommends they "get a second job": https://www.reddit.com/r/texas/comments/1jk1dxc/the_way_we_can_fix_social_security_is_to_tell/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_buttonThe Signal group chat scandal continues, with longtime Texas Republican elected official and current Trump CIA director John Ratcliffe on the hot seat before House Democrats again today: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2025/03/25/the-sloppy-texan-in-the-trump-group-chat-that-texted-war-plans-to-a-reporter/This morning, HB-139 is being heard at the Capitol - this is the bill that would allow Texas employers to offer their workers insurance packages that omit federal coverage mandates including child coverage and mental health options: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2025/03/20/employer-health-insurance-texas-house-bill-139-reduce-coverage-mandates-requirements/82516916007/OPINION: Dallas Rep. Jasmine Crockett should apologize for remarks made about Governor Abbott's disability - but in an all-out political battle, mistakes will be made, and should be considered in proper context against the cruelty Republicans display on a daily basis: https://www.notesfromthecircus.com/p/governor-hot-wheels...Disability rights groups similarly express disappointment in Rep. Crockett, but also recognize her value as a long-term ally: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/25/jasmine-crockett-greg-abbott-reaction-027823...Perceptions of ineffectual resistance by mainstream Democrats is likely fueling the surge of popularity that progressives like Crockett, Greg Casar, AOC and Bernie Sanders are seeing lately: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/democrats-reaching-trump-tipping-point?utm_source=chatgpt.comGet tickets for Draggieland, which after a legal win by Texas A&M's Queer Empowerment Council and FIRE, is happening in College Station on Thursday: https://boxoffice.tamu.edu/online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=8C3D300E-E6B8-4952-9B39-27A91F9CCDC1&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id=A6B1EF1D-CE46-4EED-BAEB-9FFED77A5A87We're proud to welcome Mayor Nirenberg as our guest for a live podcast taping in San Antonio on May 6! Please join us for a fun fundraising gathering of progressives at our Party For Progress - RSVP here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/sanantonio_mixerOn March 29th, the State Democratic Executive Committee will choose a new chair for the Texas Democratic Party - while you don't get to vote in this very important election, you have a representative on that committee, and you should let them know your preferences: https://progresstexas.org/blog/most-important-election-you-don%E2%80%99t-know-aboutThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Some top Texas Republicans now acknowledge that women are suffering and dying as a result of the state's strict abortion crackdown. They say it needs to be fixed. But where is Gov. Abbott on this? Plus: We debut a diss track against a school voucher pusher and Texas Democrats are about to choose a new chairman leading into the next election. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick and Ken Paxton were all present and cheering yesterday at the White House as Donald Trump signed an executive order dismantling the federal Department of Education: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/20/texas-greg-abbott-trump-education-department/...Despite an intake of $12 billion in annual federal education funding, Texas ranks 29th among U.S. states for education quality: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/education/2025/03/21/trump-highlights-texas-in-dismantling-department-of-education/82579774007/Texas now faces the possibility of being the epicenter of an eventual national - or maybe even global - measles epidemic: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/21/texas-measles-vaccine-new-mexico-oklahoma-us/...Demonstrating how deep down the rabbit hole some anti-vaxxers have dug, the parents of the Gaines County child who died amidst the outbreak are still advocating against vaccines: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/20/texas-measles-family-gaines-county-death/...Texas Congressional Democrats are demanding answers from the CDC on what they're doing about the outbreak, and why they're not doing more: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2025/03/20/lloyd-doggett-cdc-measles-outbreak-texas-symptoms-vaccine/82551785007/The Tesla Cybertruck, built at the Austin Gigafactory, has seen its full line recalled over weak glue holding an exterior stainless steel panel in place - ALL of them have been recalled: https://www.the-independent.com/tech/tesla-cybertruck-recall-glue-panels-musk-b2719222.html...The reliance on electric power for the doors of Tesla cars may have turned them into deathtraps in certain accident situations: https://oaklandside.org/2025/03/18/cybertruck-crash-report-says-witness-could-not-open-door-to-save-victims/RSVP's are required for Monday's All In For Equality Advocacy Day at the Texas State Capitol, including bus transportation from San Antonio, Houston and Dallas, training on legislative visits, a noon rally, and lunch! https://secure.everyaction.com/-BQtCcqCQEGykR0ohWT3tQ2On March 29th, the State Democratic Executive Committee will choose a new chair for the Texas Democratic Party - while you don't get to vote in this very important election, you have a representative on that committee, and you should let them know your preferences: https://progresstexas.org/blog/most-important-election-you-don%E2%80%99t-know-aboutWomen's History Month, being observed throughout March across Texas, serves both as a celebration of the history of breakthroughs for women, and a reminder that Texas is the worst state for them: https://progresstexas.org/blog/celebrating-women%E2%80%99s-history-month-worst-state-womenSan Antonio listeners! Progress Texas will visit the Alamo City for the first time in far too long on May 6! Please join us for a fun fundraising gathering of progressives and a LIVE podcast taping. RSVP here: https://act.progresstexas.org/a/sanantonio_mixerThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! 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:A child died Tuesday night of measles at a Lubbock hospital - the first American measles death since 2015: https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9...New Trump administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tried to downplay the Texas outbreak, falsely claiming that most hospitalizations are simply for quarantine purposes: https://newrepublic.com/post/192025/robert-f-kennedy-jr-response-measles-death...Texas Republican leaders are now forced to try to counter the anti-vax sentiments they've allowed to develop in Texas as they send out teams to contain the outbreak: https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/texas-measles-death-outbreak-20189434.phpA rare unanimous vote in the Texas Senate as priority school funding passes, including raises for teachers but not an increase in the basic allotment for schools, which has not risen since 2019 despite inflation: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/18/texas-senate-teacher-pay/...A clear prioritization of raises for rural Texas teachers over their urban counterparts may be a strategy to soften the blow that small town schools are likely to suffer as private school vouchers get closer to passing: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/26/texas-house-vouchers-republican-cosponsors/...Proposed budgets from both the Senate and House include massive funding cuts for Texas universities, a clear threat for those institutions to do away with anything remotely resembling DEI: https://www.click2houston.com/news/texas/2025/02/27/texas-legislature-proposes-400-million-cut-to-higher-ed-as-dan-patrick-threatens-university-budgets-over-dei/A legal complaint against a Dallas-based assistant chief counsel for ICE has been filed, using a Texas Observer report that he's the author of a virulent racist social media account as its basis: https://www.theroot.com/this-texas-ice-attorney-allegedly-tweeted-america-is-a-1851766609We celebrate Black History Month throughout February! See a great essay on this year's celebration, happening amidst so much turmoil, and a listing of related events happening across Texas: https://progresstexas.org/blog/black-history-month-2025-celebrating-texas-culture...Check out a terrific essay for Black History Month by Progress Texas Institute Board Chair Louis Bedford: https://progresstexas.org/blog/trickle-down-diversity-doesn%E2%80%99t-workThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! 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:A lawsuit filed by the state in an attempt to escape enforcing a new law protecting workers in the process of pregnancy and maternity threatens a broader undermining of Congressional authority: https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/02/texas-pregnant-workers-fairness-constitutional-chaos.htmlDoctors as far north as Chicago are warily eyeing the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-doctor-concerned-texas-measles-outbreak/...Austin Public Health officials are renewing their call for everyone to be sure they're protected via vaccination: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/austin-public-health-encourages-everybody-to-get-measles-vaccination...Anyone who has contracted measles from the contagious person from Gaines County who visited San Antonio, New Braunfels and San Marcos over Valentine's weekend would likely be showing symptoms (and would be contagious themselves) between yesterday and March 2: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/hcp/communication-resources/clinical-diagnosis-fact-sheet.html#:~:text=The%20incubation%20period%20is%20typically,4%20days%20after%20rash%20onset....Measles can also cause "immune amnesia", which leaves the patient more vulnerable to all other pathogens: https://asm.org/articles/2019/may/measles-and-immune-amnesiaGovernor Abbott announces that Colony Ridge, the Houston-area community long demonized as a criminal immigrant hotbed by Texas Republicans over the objections of local law enforcement, "is being targeted" by ICE: https://www.tpr.org/border-immigration/2025-02-24/texas-gov-greg-abbott-says-colony-ridge-community-target-of-immigration-enforcementHouston GOP Congressman Dan Crenshaw has been caught on camera trashing right wing talking head Tucker Carlson, who has invited Crenshaw to come on his show to continue the spat: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/02/24/rep-dan-crenshaw-kill-tucker-carlson-x/Dairy Queen locations in 25 small Texas towns have shut down after a conflict between their Texas franchisee and the parent company over the failure of the franchisee to modernize those restaurants: https://www.ketk.com/news/local-news/the-court-battle-behind-25-texas-dairy-queen-closures-revealed/We celebrate Black History Month throughout February! See a great essay on this year's celebration, happening amidst so much turmoil, and a listing of related events happening across Texas: https://progresstexas.org/blog/black-history-month-2025-celebrating-texas-culture...Check out a terrific essay for Black History Month by Progress Texas Institute Board Chair Louis Bedford: https://progresstexas.org/blog/trickle-down-diversity-doesn%E2%80%99t-workThe merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
After a long wait, the House speaker makes his committee assignments, and some Texas Republicans are none too pleased. We’ll hear the backstory and how it could affect the legislative session going forward.With the New York Stock Exchange moving part of its operations to Dallas and a separate Texas Stock Exchange in the works, North […] The post What a stock exchange boom means for Dallas appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Congressional Democrats are railing against the abdication by the Congress of their control of federal purse strings to the unelected Elon Musk, including Austin Congressman Greg Casar:https://www.reddit.com/r/QuiverQuantitative/s/gNFR33sfZS...And Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett:https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2025/02/12/first-doge-committee-hearing-showcases-partisan-divide-over-elon-musks-role/Big money is very much running the show lately not only in D.C., but also back here in Texas, where the push to Christianize our public schools is in full swing at the Lege:https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/13/texas-speaker-race-house-tim-dunn-dustin-burrows/...Texas Republicans have filed multiple House and Senate bills that would criminalize the teaching of basic reproductive biology via sex-ed lessons in our public schools, including the arrest of teachers:https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2025-02-14/texas-gop-gets-creative-in-crusade-against-sex-education/...Freshman State Rep. Andy Hopper wants to eliminate the Texas Education Agency altogether:https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/texas-lawmaker-files-bill-abolish-texas-education-agency/The Gaines County measles outbreak has grown to 24 cases, all unvaccinated:https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/science/measles-vaccination-texas.html...And all 100% preventable:https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2025/02/13/west-texas-measles-outbreak-spreads-among-unvaccinated-residents/We celebrate Black History Month throughout February! See a great essay on this year's celebration, happening amidst so much turmoil, and a listing of related events happening across Texas: https://progresstexas.org/blog/black-history-month-2025-celebrating-texas-culture...Check out a terrific essay for Black History Month by Progress Texas Institute Board Chair Louis Bedford: https://progresstexas.org/blog/trickle-down-diversity-doesn%E2%80%99t-workThe early giving period for this year's Amplify Austin Day has begun! Support Progress Texas at https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/progress-texas-institute.Progress Texas is now ranked in the top 3% of all podcasts worldwide for listenership - thank you! https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/progress-texas-podcasts-progress-texas-pHdPjbaN-7B/The merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Grab your goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/.We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social.Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
On this episode of the podcast host Amanda Head welcomes Texas Congressman Randy Weber, corporate airline pilot Josh Schirard and retired FBI Executive Assistant Director Chris Piehota.Congressman Weber criticizes the Biden Administration's policies and praises President Trump's border security efforts, including his signing of the Laken Riley Act. The Texas Republican also detailes his state's significant border with Mexico and condemned sanctuary cities like Austin.Secondly, Amanda Head talks with corporate airline pilot Josh Schirard about the latest happenings and investigations into the Blackhawk helicopter that collided with the American Airlines flight that crashed down into the Potomac River just before landing at Ronald Reagan International Airport just outside of Washington, D.C. Pilot Schirard also details his personal experiences as a pilot who has flown domestic and internationally, as well as what could have happened inside the cockpit of the aircraft before the collision occurred.Furthermore, retired FBI Executive Assistant Director Chris Piehota dives into the Kash Patel hearings that took place in front of the U.S. Senate. Patel's nomination was listed as a “controversial” one according to Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. Nevertheless, Piehota tells Head he thinks Patel, “kept his composure and did a good job…” while simultaneously refusing to “take any of the bait.”If you want to follow either guest, Amanda, or our exclusive Furthermore Podcast account on X you can do so by searching their handle:@FurthermorePod@AmandaHead@ChrisPiehota@TXRandy14See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: Donald Trump says he plans to follow through with applying a 25% tariff to all goods imported from Mexico starting Sunday - consumers in border states like Texas will feel the pinch immediately: https://thehill.com/business/5117233-trump-mexico-canada-tariffs-threat/ East Texas freshman GOP State Rep. Brent Money has filed legislation that would define life as beginning at fertilization - rendering illegal IVF, IUD's and Plan B: https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/breaking-brent-money-bill-to-criminalize ...All while hundreds of Texans have been fleeing the state to get abortion care - lately including at least six girls under the age of 12: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/texas-abortion-ban-teens-20047622.php More puzzlement, considering the massive federal immigration intervention underway, over Texas Republicans' apparent plan to keep staffing and funding Operation Lone Star: https://www.tpr.org/military-veterans-issues/2025-01-30/as-more-federal-troops-deploy-to-the-border-the-fate-of-texas-state-military-mission-is-unclear ...Schools are no longer safe - a Conroe parent is furious that her daughter was grilled for her immigration status by her Spanish teacher: https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/conroe-schools-immigration-20065867.php ...Churches are no longer safe, and experts say that's both a tragic backslide into prior historical injustices, and an erosion of the First Amendment: https://www.texasobserver.org/ice-churches-christianity-constitution-trump/ Governor Abbott is set to give a statewide address to outline his legislative priorities on Sunday evening at 5pm: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/31/greg-abbott-state-of-the-state-speech/ Progress Texas is now ranked in the top 3% of all podcasts worldwide for listenership - thank you! https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/progress-texas-podcasts-progress-texas-pHdPjbaN-7B/ The merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Grab your goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/. We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social. Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
President Donald Trump's first week in office was a fire hose of tech policy news, from executive orders to AI initiatives. To help break down Trump's tech agenda so far, POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly called up former Congressman Will Hurd. The Texas Republican was at the forefront of tech and cyber issues in Congress, and he's now the chief strategy officer at a defense tech firm. Though Hurd wasn't supportive of Trump's return — and even ran against him — he explains why he sees a lot of common ground on tech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: Upending over five decades of tradition, but right in line with their anti-democratic MAGA fanaticism, the Republican majority in the Texas House voted yesterday to ban Democrats from chairing committees: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/23/texas-house-republican-committee-chairs/?utm_source=Texas+Tribune+Newsletters&utm_campaign=9a17e04997-trib-newsletters-thebrief&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-9a17e04997-103307619 As the State Bar of Texas unceremoniously drops disciplinary proceedings against Ken Paxton for his false claims during attempts to undermine the 2020 election, our Attorney General is officially above the law: https://apnews.com/article/texas-paxton-2020-election-lawsuit-9ff4bdde238196830a639c3e7d07358e Even as Republican budgets seek to continue funding Governor Abbott's Operation Lone Star boondoggle to the tune of multiple billions of dollars, the Governor is asking the federal government to reimburse Texas for the $11 billion it has already blown: https://www.fox4news.com/news/texas-greg-abbott-border-security-refund-operation-lone-star Should Trump follow through with his threat of an across-the-board 25% tariff on Mexican imports, his voters in Texas are set to see prices head the opposite direction than that they voted for: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/article/texas-mexico-trump-tariff-20049363.php Join us Saturday afternoon at 2 for our livestream of the first in-person Texas Democratic Party Chair candidate forum from the historic LBJ Ranch! We'll cover it via Youtube: youtube.com/@progresstexas The merch to match your progressive values awaits at our web store! Grab your goodies at https://store.progresstexas.org/. We're loving the troll-free environment at BlueSky! Follow us there at https://bsky.app/profile/progresstexas.bsky.social. Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at https://progresstexas.org.
Texas is a red state with a strongly Republican legislature and voted for Trump by 14 points. So why do many state GOP leaders work in concert with Democrats to keep moderates in control of the state? Texas GOP Chair Abraham George explains the crucial power struggle in Texas that will determine whether Texas gets the governance its voters want. Then, Army Veteran Will Thibeau talks about how wokeness has rotted the U.S. military from within and lays out the Day One agenda for Pete Hegseth to turn things around before America loses a war it can't afford to lose.Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Patreon supporters who give $5 a month will get an ad-free version of the show!Join our private Facebook group and Discord server!Jessica and I spoke about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics.— Why did an Ohio Catholic school get $5 million intended for water infrastructure in West Virginia? (0:45)— One new member of Congress is openly agnostic. Another's religion? "None." (18:04)— Oklahoma lawmaker's "covenant marriage" bill would make it harder to get divorced. (32:32)— Texas Supreme Court to decide if Southern Methodist U. can break from the United Methodist Church. (50:18)— Orthodox Christian confesses to vandalizing Satanic statue in Concord, NH. (1:02:25)— Texas Republicans file bill to install state-sponsored Nativity scene in Capitol. (1:10:15)— Christian Nationalist: Not having chaplains in schools "creates mental disease." (1:14:20)This content is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
It's taken 15 years to get Texas Republicans fully aware of the dangerous alliance that a small group of Republicans […]