The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville is resisting the government’s efforts to take over the historic chapel that gave Mission its name. And a man known as the “cowboy priest” finds himself at the center of a national debate with local implications.
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Posted inState Government
Analysis: Mike Collier lost, but outdid Beto O’Rourke in most Texas counties
Beto O’Rourke, the Texas Democrat who got most of the attention in this year’s general election, got more votes than any other Democrat on the statewide ticket. But one of them out-performed O’Rourke in 171 counties.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Cornyn’s push for federal prison reform helps First Step Act clear U.S. Senate
The bill, which calls for an overhaul in how prisoners are treated and prepared for release, has wide bipartisan backing. It is expected to pass the U.S. House and garner President Trump’s signature.
Posted in
Families Divided
U.S. House Democrats call for congressional investigation into Guatemalan child’s death
Lawmakers said they had more questions than answers after touring Border Patrol facilities in New Mexico where a 7-year-old Guatemalan girl was held before her death.
Posted inState Government
UT-Austin says evidence “does not support a finding” that Charles Schwertner violated Title IX by sending lewd texts
Lawyers for Schwertner say the messages were sent by a third party.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
In Texas, “a perception that tuberculosis no longer exists” raises alarm for legislative attention
Tuberculosis is a rare disease, but public health experts are urging Texas legislators to invest in expensive medication, nurses who can help patients and supporting local health departments to test and treat people who may have been exposed.
Posted in
Dis-Integration
Texas has failed to close educational gaps for kids of color. In Edgewood ISD, the fallout has lasted generations.
Edgewood ISD has faced consistent problems in preparing its students for college and the workforce. The district’s struggles shine a light on Texas’ long record of neglecting schools that educate mostly students of color.
Posted in
Politics
A Texas school contractor says she lost her job because she won’t promise not to boycott Israel. Now she’s suing.
The school severed its contract with the speech pathologist because of state law banning Texas government contracts with companies that boycott Israel.
Posted in
State Government
Gov. Greg Abbott selects deputy chief of staff as new secretary of state
David Whitley was named Texas’ top election official on Monday, years after he started working for Abbott when the governor served as the state’s attorney general.
Posted in
Politics
Texas secession was a key theme in Russian disinformation campaign during 2016 elections, report says
The Russian-based Internet Research Agency used two social media accounts in particular – “Heart of Texas” on Facebook and @rebeltexas on Instagram – to spread falsehoods and exert divisions during the 2016 elections, according to a new report.
