Progress Texas Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Daily Dispatch 5/7/26: Texas Tech Hiding MAGA Meddling From Prospective Students, And More May 07, 2026

Show notes

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

As a protest against the conservative undermining of academic integrity at Texas Tech under new Chancellor Brandon Creighton happens today, officials there are accused of asking faculty to downplay the limitations that have been placed on research: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/06/texas-tech-university-graduate-research-limit-warnings/

...Today's "Funeral" for academic freedom at Tech gets underway this morning at 8: https://www.instagram.com/p/DX2ztKDGvEE/?img_index=1

SB 4, which would make crossing the border into Texas a state crime enforceable by any law enforcement officer in the state - opening the door to unfettered racial profiling of Latino people - is set to take effect in about a week: https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/north-texas-police-prepare-for-sb-4-immigration-law-40671495/

Global anti-American sentiment, hostility towards foreign visitors in Texas, and overpriced tickets are threatening to kill the golden goose promised by the FIFA World Cup: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/06/texas-world-cup-tourists-economic-impact/

New studies find widespread instances of "political breakups" as Americans choose to exclude people with whom they disagree politically from their lives - and Democrats tend to be the ones who initiate these separations: https://socialecology.uci.edu/news/losing-relationships-over-politics-0

We have TWO live events on the calendar! The first is in Houston on Wednesday May 20, when we'll record a live podcast with the newly-elected members of the Cy-Fair ISD board to discuss the undoing of MAGA damage to that district. Space is limited! Please RSVP here:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/cypressisdpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Runoff elections are coming up, with early voting starting on May 18 and Election Day on May 26. See a convenient form to see who will be on YOUR runoff ballot from the Texas Tribune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-may-2026-primary-runoff-ballot/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lots more on voting in Texas: ⁠https://govotetexas.org/⁠

We're also excited to see you in Dallas for our 16th anniversary celebration on Tuesday June 16! Make your reservation now:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/anniversary2026⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Daily Dispatch 5/6/26: Is Pushback At Texas Tech Too Late? And More May 06, 2026

Show notes

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

Tomorrow marks an overdue significant student and alumni pushback against the ultra-conservative transformation of Texas Tech under Chancellor Brandon Creighton: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/texas-tech-academic-freedom-funeral-22242520.php

...More about the "funeral" at Tech tomorrow: https://www.instagram.com/p/DX2ztKDGvEE/?img_index=1

As the runoffs approach, new polling finds a virtual tie between Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican race for Senate, with a slight edge for Democratic nominee James Talarico over Paxton: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5863849-paxton-leading-cornyn-poll/

...Supporters of Wesley Hunt are tending to back Paxton, by about 20 points: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/election-2026/2026/05/05/550879/paxton-cornyn-texas-senate-republican-primary-runoff-poll-uh/

...Also in the Republican runoff: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, perhaps reading the anti-MAGA tea leaves, has backed incumbent Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright over his mega-MAGA challenger Bo French: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/05/dan-patrick-mayes-middleton-endorsement-texas-attorney-general-chip-roy-2026-gop-runoff/

Decades of public policy failure, mostly under Republican legislative dominance, contributed heavily to the conditions that killed 137 people in last July's flooding disaster: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/06/texas-legislature-flood-protection-bills-failed-july-4/

...Still, GOP leaders are now advocating to allow Hill Country summer camps to bypass internet communications requirments imposed by lawmakers after that disaster: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/05/texas-summer-camps-internet-floods-regulations/

We have TWO live events on the calendar! The first is in Houston on Wednesday May 20, when we'll record a live podcast with the newly-elected members of the Cy-Fair ISD board to discuss the undoing of MAGA damage to that district. Space is limited! Please RSVP here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/cypressisdpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Runoff elections are coming up, with early voting starting on May 18 and Election Day on May 26. See a convenient form to see who will be on YOUR runoff ballot from the Texas Tribune: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-may-2026-primary-runoff-ballot/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lots more on voting in Texas: https://govotetexas.org/

We're also excited to see you in Dallas for our 16th anniversary celebration on Tuesday June 16! Make your reservation now:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/anniversary2026⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Daily Dispatch 05/05/26: Temporary Court Wins for Abortion Access, and More May 05, 2026

Show notes

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

Rule that lets Texans obtain out-of-state abortion pills can continue for now, Supreme Court says. ⁠Texas Tribune:⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/01/texas-abortion-mifepristone-federal-ruling-mail-drug/

Texas shops can still sell smokeable hemp THC for now, judge rules. ⁠Texas Tribune:⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/08/texas-hemp-smokeable-ban-joints-lawsuit/

Civil rights groups sue to stop Texas immigration law (ACLU)

How the unreported killing of an American by ICE shattered two Texas families. ⁠Texas Tribune: ⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/04/ruben-ray-martinez-josh-orta-south-padre-ice-shooting-death/

Texas leads nation in utility shutoffs as electric bills rise, federal report finds. ⁠Texas Tribune: ⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/04/texas-electric-bills-utility-shutoffs-lead-nation/

Rep. Greg Casar unveils bill targeting utility costs as part of progressives’ “affordability agenda.” ⁠Texas Tribune:⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/01/texas-greg-casar-congress-bill-utility-costs-affordability-2026-midterms/

Democrats Win in Republican Stronghold in Texas. ⁠Newsweek: ⁠https://www.newsweek.com/democrats-win-republican-stronghold-texas-pearland-11907572

We have TWO live events on the calendar! The first is in Houston on Wednesday May 20, when we'll record a live podcast with the newly-elected members of the Cy-Fair ISD board to discuss the undoing of MAGA damage to that district. Space is limited! Please RSVP here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/cypressisdpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We're also excited to see you in Dallas for our 16th anniversary celebration on Tuesday June 16! Make your reservation now:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/anniversary2026⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Progress Texas is expanding into both broadcast radio - including a new partnership with⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KPFT-FM in Houston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - and into Spanish language media! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and to our Spanish expansion⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

Daily Dispatch 5/4/26: Local Elections Results, Paxton vs Talarico, and More May 04, 2026

Show notes

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

Republican Brett Ligon, former Montgomery County DA, wins special election for open Texas Senate seat. ⁠Texas Tribune⁠: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/02/texas-senate-district-4-special-election/
A Funeral for Texas Tech.⁠ SEAT⁠: https://www.studentsengaged.org/impact/funeral-texas-tech
How the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texas’ electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of color. ⁠Texas Tribune:⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/05/04/texas-section-2-voting-rights-act-supreme-court-voters-of-color-history/
Democratic donor platform ActBlue countersues AG Ken Paxton alleging a politically motivated attack. ⁠Texas Tribune:⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/20/ken-paxton-act-blue-democratic-fundraising/
Talarico urges Paul Quinn graduates to be ‘cornerstones’ for change. ⁠Dallas Morning News⁠: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/talarico-tells-graduates-turn-faith-action-push-22234979.php
Recent "In Progress" episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Wz2xGmBYvCuZ91VnuB5Sv?si=bG9zNV1YSOef1dG7J11gig

We have TWO live events on the calendar! The first is in Houston on Wednesday May 20, when we'll record a live podcast with the newly-elected members of the Cy-Fair ISD board to discuss the undoing of MAGA damage to that district. Space is limited! Please RSVP here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/cypressisdpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Progress Texas is expanding into both broadcast radio - including a new partnership with⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KPFT-FM in Houston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - and into Spanish language media! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and to our Spanish expansion⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

Daily Dispatch 05/01/26: May Day Strong in Texas, and More May 01, 2026

Show notes

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

May Day Strong

Lone Star Labor: Mourn the dead. Fight like hell for the living. ⁠Texas AFL-CIO: ⁠ https://texasaflcio.org/news/lone-star-labor-mourn-dead-fight-hell-living

What is May Day? Where San Antonio protests are planned.⁠ MySA: ⁠https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/may-day-protests-san-antonio-22234392.php

James Broadnax Executed on April 30

James Broadnax executed by Texas: Live updates and final words. ⁠⁠Dallas Morning News:⁠⁠ https://www.dallasnews.com/news/article/james-broadnax-texas-execution-live-updates-22232220.php

Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty: https://tcadp.org/

Camp Mystic Will Not Re-Open

Camp Mystic abandons bid to reopen this summer. Texas Tribune: ⁠https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/30/texas-camp-mystic-reopen-canceled-2025-flood/

Vouchers Update

Personal decisions, not politics, drove interest in school vouchers. Here are takeaways from Houston families. ⁠Houston Chronicle:⁠ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/personal-decisions-drove-interest-school-100000306.html

We have TWO live events on the calendar! The first is in Houston on Wednesday May 20, when we'll record a live podcast with the newly-elected members of the Cy-Fair ISD board to discuss the undoing of MAGA damage to that district. Space is limited! Please RSVP here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/cypressisdpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Progress Texas is expanding into both broadcast radio - including a new partnership with⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KPFT-FM in Houston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - and into Spanish language media! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and to our Spanish expansion⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

Happy Hour 277: How SCOTUS Just Changed Voting Rights in Texas - with Legal Defense Fund and Texas Civil Rights Project May 01, 2026

Show notes

On April 29, on a party line vote, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Louisiana v. Callais, to strip one of the most consequential protections against discrimination in our elections—Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The ruling enables years of racial inequality to come, further eroding fair representation and the equal rights of Black and brown voters in the South. To hear more about the case and how it relates to Texas, we're joined by an attorney who worked on the Louisiana v. Callais case, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) attorney Victoria Wenger, and also by Texas Civil Rights Project Voting Rights Outreach Coordinator La’Dereka Sylvan.

Learn more about the LDF at https://www.naacpldf.org/.

Learn more about the Callais case at https://www.naacpldf.org/press-release/supreme-court-strikes-down-louisiana-map-and-destroys-key-voting-rights-act-provision/.

Learn more about the Texas Civil Rights Project at https://www.txcivilrights.org/.

Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.

In Progress: How Star Wars Reflects And Informs Our Politics May 01, 2026

Show notes

Monday is Star Wars Day - May the Fourth be with you! Both Communications Director Chris Mosser and Digital Associate Haley Smith are lifelong Star Wars fanatics, and are not about to allow an opportunity to talk Star Wars AND politics go by - and in fact, for those interested in both, the parallels between the galaxy far far away and the history and current political moment right here on Earth are interesting to explore. Executive Director Kathleen "Mon Mothma" Thompson joins to try to keep the nerd factor from fully spiraling out of control.

Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.

Daily Dispatch 04/30/26: SCOTUS Overturns Decades of Voting Protections, and More Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

SCOTUS Decision Overturns Decades of Voting Rights Protections

Supreme Court Callais Decision Overturns Decades of Voting Rights Protections. Progress Texas: https://progresstexas.org/blog/statement-supreme-court-callais-decision-overturns-decades-voting-rights-protections

U.S. Supreme Court weakens key pillar of Voting Rights Act, opening the door for Texas to redraw political maps. Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/29/us-supreme-court-voting-rights-act-section-2-decision-texas-redistricting-maps/

James Broadnax Execution Scheduled Today

James Broadnax set for execution today: A look back at the case and new developments. Dallas Morning News: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/article/james-broadnax-texas-execution-live-updates-22232220.php

Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty: https://tcadp.org/

Tech Takeover of Texas

Austin officials say as many as 5 Waymo robotaxis interfered with ambulances after mass shooting. Austin American-Statesman: https://archive.is/Ga87D#selection-924.0-924.1

Waymo skips Austin meeting after robotaxi blocked ambulance: ‘We answered all questions’.San Antonio Express-News: https://archive.is/29p2k#selection-926.0-926.1

How Data Centers Are Eating Up Rural Texas.Austin Chronicle: https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/how-data-centers-are-eating-up-rural-texas/

We have TWO live events on the calendar! The first is in Houston on Wednesday May 20, when we'll record a live podcast with the newly-elected members of the Cy-Fair ISD board to discuss the undoing of MAGA damage to that district. Space is limited! Please RSVP here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/cypressisdpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Progress Texas is expanding into both broadcast radio - including a new partnership with⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KPFT-FM in Houston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - and into Spanish language media! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and to our Spanish expansion⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠ Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠

Daily Dispatch 04/29/26: Talarico Leads Both Republican Candidates, and More Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

The Two “T”s impacting Texas: Talarico and Trump

Talarico leads both Cornyn, Paxton in new poll of Texas’ U.S. Senate race. ⁠Texas Tribune:⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/28/texas-us-senate-poll-talarico-cornyn-paxton-2026-midterms/

"Editing my words': Talarico's Austin pastor says Cornyn is misrepresenting his sermon. Austin American-Statesman: https://www.statesman.com/news/politics/article/talarico-pastor-cornyn-sermon-remarks-22229939.php

Some Texas Republicans rally behind Trump's White House ballroom plan. ⁠Houston Chronicle:⁠ https://www.chron.com/politics/article/white-house-ballroom-texas-funding-22230835.php

Texas Weather Woes

Trump's proposed cuts to NOAA draw pushback from key Texas GOP congressman. ⁠San Antonio Express-News:⁠ https://www.expressnews.com/politics/texas/article/noaa-cuts-trump-brian-babin-22230030.php

Giant hail, tornado threat rising across parts of Texas on Tuesday. Here’s where. ⁠San Antonio Express-News:⁠ https://www.expressnews.com/san-antonio-weather/article/hail-texas-severe-storm-cold-front-weather-22230117.php

Corpus Christi delays action on plan to cut water use by 25% if emergency is declared. Texas Tribune: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/28/texas-corpus-christi-emergency-water-restrictions/

Disaster declarations ripple through South Texas amid water crisis. ⁠Texas Tribune: ⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/28/texas-drought-corpus-christi-water-crisis-towns-declare-emergencies/

Two Somber Updates

Poor preparation doomed Camp Mystic victims, investigator tells Texas lawmakers in harrowing account. Texas Tribune: ⁠ https://www.texastribune.org/2026/04/27/texas-legislature-flood-investigating-committee-hearing-camp-mystic/

Texas parole board denies clemency to James Broadnax two days before scheduled execution. ⁠Dallas Morning News: ⁠https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/article/james-broadnax-clemency-denied-22228908.php

We have TWO live events on the calendar! The first is in Houston on Wednesday May 20, when we'll record a live podcast with the newly-elected members of the Cy-Fair ISD board to discuss the undoing of MAGA damage to that district. Space is limited! Please RSVP here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/cypressisdpodcast

We're also excited to see you in Dallas for our 16th anniversary celebration on Tuesday June 16! Make your reservation now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/anniversary2026⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Daily Dispatch 04/28/26: Supreme Court Cements Racially Redistricted Maps and More Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

As expected, Supreme Court officially greenlights Texas’ gerrymandered congressional map for midterms. ⁠Democracy Docket: ⁠https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/as-expected-supreme-court-officially-greenlights-texas-gerrymandered-congressional-map/
Dallas could host a GOP midterm twist as Trump tries a Texas power play. ⁠Dallas Morning News:⁠ https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/article/dallas-host-gop-midterm-twist-22223462.php
If you want mass deportation, Houston can feel demonic. Here’s why. | Opinion. ⁠⁠Houston Chronicle:⁠⁠ https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outlook/article/houston-mass-deportation-debate-22227921.php
Protesters Call for End to “Inhumane” ICE Detention Centers. ⁠⁠Houston Press:⁠⁠ https://www.houstonpress.com/news/protesters-call-for-end-to-inhumane-ice-detention-centers/
In Big Bend, uncertainty persists around Trump's border wall plans. ⁠Houston Chronicle:⁠ https://archive.is/r854y

Texas Tribune candidate interviews
Texas Tribune: Texas lieutenant governor Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Texas Tribune: Democrats Jaworski and Johnson on Trump battles, legal strategy, and office priorities
Texas Tribune: Texas Railroad Commission GOP runoff: Who is running and what to know

We have TWO live events on the calendar! The first is in Houston on Wednesday May 20, when we'll record a live podcast with the newly-elected members of the Cy-Fair ISD board to discuss the undoing of MAGA damage to that district. Space is limited! Please RSVP here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/cypressisdpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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