‘Fake’ Christian? Or Faithful?
Though MAGA believers call James Talarico “blasphemous,” he’s squarely within his Mainline Presbyterian tradition. And that’s a timely reminder of the diversity of Christianity in Texas and beyond.
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Politics ⋆
Can James Talarico Do Better than Beto?
With his scandalized general election opponent now set, the newest Texas Democrat phenom begins his barnstorming of the state.
Opinion ⋆
From San Diego to Plano, Islamophobia Has Consequences
In Texas and beyond, Republican leaders continue to peddle dangerous lies trying to falsely cast Muslims as the “other.”
Will New School District Takeovers Follow the Model—and ‘Chaos’—of Houston ISD?
The state education agency took over four additional districts this spring, installing leaders linked to Houston’s state-imposed superintendent, Mike Miles, including two who worked for his former charter school network.
Labor ⋆
Texas Is Cracking Down on Essential Immigrant Drivers
Professionals like me get Texas kids safely to school. We get food to grocery stores and medical supplies to hospitals. Until the government decides to throw us out of work.
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Politics
Did Texas Republicans’ Restive Runoffs Imperil Their November Ballot?
In almost all cases, the most problematic, extremist, unqualified, and Trumpian candidate won the day.
The Eternal Recurrence of Colin Allred
The former Dallas congressman and (twice) Senate hopeful successfully completed his redux bid to come back to the U.S. House.
Blue Dog Dem Fends Off Maureen Galindo in Wake of Anti-Zionist Tirades
In a crucial congressional race this November, Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputy Johnny Garcia vies to join the ranks of two fellow South Texas Blue Dog Dems in Washington.
Border and Immigration
‘What Kind of Life Is This?’: Five Desperate Cubans Weigh Their Odds in Texas
Refugees from Cuba have always had to struggle for success in America. In Trump’s second term, they’ve been plunged into legal chaos.
Trump’s New Tool to Speed Up Wall Construction May Be a Trap for Texas Landowners
The administration is using a new kind of “right-of-entry” request that allows building earlier in the legal process. Property owners could be signing away more than they realize, attorneys say.
Longtime Immigration Court Interpreter Arrested by ICE at South Texas Airport
The state’s only licensed Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu legal interpreter is now languishing in a Raymondville detention center. She’s lived in America for 35 years.
Culture
A Black Cowboy Museum, Rebooted
With diversity and history under attack in Texas, Fort Bend County leaders are bucking trends to back the expansion of a museum featuring Black cowboy culture.
Let Them Play
Three recent books make the case that welcoming trans athletes can help improve sports culture for all.
Leaving His Mark On Houston’s Inprint
Rich Levy, the man behind the Bayou City’s prestigious reading series and the brains behind Inprint, an unusual literary nonprofit, is retiring.
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