Texas Tribune Brief
808 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 103 ratingsGet the latest news on Texas politics and policy from The Texas Tribune now on Amazon Alexa. With reporters based in Austin, Washington, D.C., and on the U.S.–Mexico border, we are your go-to source for news on statewide issues.
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Episodes
Power outage leaves Texans desperate for heat and safety
February 17, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 8.53 MBAs Texas utility operators and politicians squabbled over responsibility for "load shedding" and "rolling blackouts" Tuesday, many residents scrambled simply to stay warm and alive. www.texastribune.org
At least 2 million Texas households without power as massive winter storm drives demand for electricity
February 16, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.29 MBUtility companies that deliver electricity to Texans are telling customers that power outages could last well into Tuesday
Former top aides say Attorney General Ken Paxton received assistance with home remodel, job for alleged girlfriend in return for helping pol
February 12, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 4.67 MBA court filing documents what Paxton’s whistleblowers believe led to an alleged “bizarre, obsessive use of power.”
Three FEMA-run vaccination sites aimed at underserved Texans to open later this month, Abbott says
February 11, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.79 MBCombined, the three sites are expected to administer more than 10,000 shots per day, with doses supplied by FEMA.
Federal judge prevents Biden administration from pausing deportations for two more weeks
February 10, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5 MBJudge Drew Tipton originally issued a 14-day suspension of Biden’s moratorium on Jan. 26. The pause in deportations was part of Biden’s attempted day one overhaul of several of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
U.S. Rep. Ron Wright dies weeks after testing positive for coronavirus
February 09, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5.22 MBWright, a Republican from Arlington, had been living with cancer for years. He was hospitalized for COVID-19 about two weeks ago.
Older and disabled Texans are demanding their home caregivers be vaccinated for COVID-19. But many workers don’t want it.
February 08, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5.02 MBHome health workers, most of whom are women of color, could start losing their jobs if they aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19. Many are more afraid of the vaccine than the virus, but health experts and public officials widely agree that the vaccine is safe.
Up for the task: Younger Texans are helping older family members get COVID-19 vaccine
February 06, 2021 11:00 - 7 minutes - 13.5 MBJackie Tidwell, a 6th-generation Texan living in Seattle, made it her mission to get her 90-year-old grandfather in Corpus Christi vaccinated for COVID-19 and hopes others “have persistent grandkids like me.” Listen, in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
Speaker Dade Phelan shakes up Texas House leadership with new chairs on key committees
February 05, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 4.89 MBWith assignments out, legislation that has been filed can begin getting referred to committees for potential hearings. The committees overseeing public education, budget writing and redistricting are among those with new chairs.
After weeks as one of the nation's worst COVID-19 hot spots, Laredo leaders see no easy way out
February 04, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5.1 MBAt one point in January, half of the city’s hospital patients were admitted because of COVID-19 — the highest percentage in the nation. That's caused intense debate about what the city can, and should, do next.
Joe Biden’s newest immigration orders include task force to help hundreds of migrant children find their parents
February 03, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.1 MBThe executive orders will also include a review of Donald Trump’s restrictions on legal migration and the “remain in Mexico” program.
Gov. Greg Abbott unveils legislative priorities, including police funding, "election integrity," expanding broadband access and more
February 02, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 4.63 MBGov. Greg Abbott designated five emergency items, which are matters the Legislature can vote on within the first 60 days of the session that began Jan. 12.
Progress in the fight against the coronavirus is coming, but Texas is a long way from herd immunity
February 01, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 4.73 MBMedical experts say the state will struggle to immunize enough Texans to halt the chain of transmission through vaccination. But they hope to soon see evidence that vaccination efforts are helping to take pressure off the health care system.
Volunteers stepping up in hard-hit Laredo to administer COVID-19 vaccine
January 30, 2021 11:00 - 6 minutes - 6 MBThe virus has overwhelmed hospitals in the border town. One medical worker says the COVID-19 vaccine is giving people hope. Listen to her story in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
With a stalled court system, some Texas jails are dangerously overcrowded in the pandemic
January 29, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.47 MBThe Harris County sheriff has pleaded for help from a federal judge to make room at the “bursting” jail in Houston, where six inmates and two employees have died from COVID-19.
National Guard teams will vaccinate residents for COVID-19 in five rural counties, Gov. Greg Abbott announces
January 28, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MBNational Guard teams will visit DeWitt, Marion, Real, Sherman and Starr counties as part of a newly created State Mobile Vaccine Pilot Program.
Federal judge temporarily blocks Biden's 100-day deportation moratorium after Texas sues administration
January 27, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.93 MBThe deportation moratorium was part of a package of immigration-reform measures the new administration proposed on Inauguration Day.
Despite insurrection, there may be more guns in the Texas Capitol this session
January 26, 2021 11:00 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MBThe violent storming of the U.S. Capitol prompted some states to reconsider allowing firearms in their statehouses. Not Texas.
Ken Paxton files lawsuit challenging Biden administration’s pause on deportations
January 25, 2021 11:00 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MBPresident Joe Biden issued an executive order calling for a 100-day moratorium on some deportations as part of a sweeping review and reset of immigration and enforcement policies.
Baylor students must test weekly for COVID-19. Those who keep missing tests could lose Wi-Fi access.
January 22, 2021 11:00 - 3 minutes - 3.54 MBThe new weekly test requirement is possible with the help of a new multimillion-dollar, on-campus lab that produces test results in less than 24 hours.
President Joe Biden to pause border wall construction, issue protections for DACA recipients and roll back other Trump immigration policies
January 21, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.38 MBThe incoming president also plans to send a comprehensive immigration reform plan to Congress after he takes office.
The State of Texas has administered most of its 1.7 million vaccine doses as it prepares to receive 333,000 more
January 20, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.48 MBSome 78% of the 1.7 million coronavirus doses already shipped to providers have been used, including second doses, Gov. Greg Abbott said. Texas is set to receive another 333,650 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Low-income Texans struggle to find new doctors as state officials boot Planned Parenthood off Medicaid
January 19, 2021 11:00 - 3 minutes - 3.02 MBThe state's health commission gave Planned Parenthood's Medicaid patients until Feb. 3 to find new doctors. Experts say there are limited places low-income patients can go, in part because Texas already has a shortage of doctors who accept Medicaid, due to the state’s low payment rates.
Three Texas regions battered by coronavirus are out of intensive care beds
January 18, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.18 MBHospitals in the Abilene, Bryan-College Station and Laredo areas have run out of intensive care unit beds. State health officials are “greatly concerned” about high numbers of hospitalized people throughout Texas.
Texas Capitol staffer says pandemic protocols are a must this session
January 16, 2021 12:00 - 7 minutes - 7.23 MBOdus Evbagharu says that like many of the thousands of people employed at the Capitol, he’s nervous he might catch COVID-19. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. www.texastribune.org
Laws protecting whistleblowers don't apply to Attorney General Ken Paxton, his agency argues in bid to quash lawsuit
January 15, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MBIn a lawsuit, four former Paxton aides claim they were wrongfully terminated for reporting alleged criminal behavior on his part. Paxton’s agency wants a judge to quash subpoenas and depositions, saying that as an elected official Paxton is exempt from state whistleblower protection laws.
All Texas Democrats in U.S. House voted to impeach Donald Trump. No Texas Republicans joined them.
January 14, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.18 MBTexas Democrats have been unanimous in their support for impeachment. Many Republicans from the state have been opposed.
2021 Texas legislative session begins with heavy security presence following U.S. Capitol riot
January 13, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.71 MBLawmakers gathered for the start of the 140-day session Tuesday as the coronavirus continues to rage in Texas.
The Texas Legislature convenes for its 2021 session Tuesday. Here are 5 things to watch.
January 12, 2021 11:00 - 6 minutes - 5.7 MBMuch about the session — including how it will be conducted during a pandemic — remains uncertain.
The state of Texas announces sites for next COVID-19 vaccine shipment
January 11, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.9 MBState health officials said Sunday that 28 hubs will be getting 158,825 doses this week.
Wise County man frustrated with COVID-19 vaccine rollout in rural Texas
January 09, 2021 11:00 - 8 minutes - 7.6 MBSteve Johnson, 75, says trying to get his first COVID-19 vaccine dose in Wise County highlighted the shortcomings of the distribution plan. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast. www.texastribune.org
Ted Cruz faces fierce blowback after his objection to Joe Biden’s victory culminated in a riot at the U.S. Capitol
January 08, 2021 11:00 - 6 minutes - 5.83 MBWednesday’s chaos led to calls for Cruz’s resignation from Texas Democrats. But Cruz says he “ain’t going anywhere.”
U.S. Capitol under lockdown Wednesday as pro-Trump rioters interrupt certification of Joe Biden's victory
January 07, 2021 01:47 - 5 minutes - 5.21 MBAs U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and others began challenging the Electoral College votes that made Joe Biden the president-elect, pro-Trump rioters swarmed the U.S. Capitol and forced Congress to evacuate.
More vaccines on the way to Texas this week as the state's COVID-19 situation worsens
January 06, 2021 11:00 - 4 minutes - 3.83 MBCOVID-19 hospitalizations in Texas are at record levels, while just under half of the vaccine doses shipped to Texans have been given out, according to state numbers.
The state of Texas banned most abortions last spring after the pandemic began. Then second-trimester abortions jumped.
January 05, 2021 11:00 - 3 minutes - 3.07 MBGov. Greg Abbott ordered that all procedures not immediately medically necessary be postponed in March to contend with the coronavirus. In April, the number of abortions performed in Texas dropped 38% compared to the previous year.
Ted Cruz says he’ll object to certification of Electoral College votes that will make Joe Biden’s victory official
January 04, 2021 11:00 - 2 minutes - 2.68 MBJoining several other U.S. senators, Cruz is calling for an emergency audit of election results in “disputed states,” despite no evidence of widespread election fraud.
Texans reflect on the coronavirus pandemic and their 2020
December 26, 2020 11:00 - 10 minutes - 19.9 MBThe dedicated teacher, soon-to-be former bar owner, grieving daughter and COVID long-hauler say they’re all ready for this year to be over. www.texastribune.org
Rental assistance program designed to avoid evictions in Texas until March 15
December 23, 2020 11:00 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MBThe move comes after Congress passed a stimulus bill Monday extending the federal moratorium on evictions through the end of January. The moratorium order was set to expire at the end of the year.
Congress to vote on stimulus bill sending most Americans $600, extending COVID-19 protections
December 22, 2020 11:00 - 3 minutes - 3 MBThe bill will reinstate supplemental unemployment benefits of $300 per week, and extend eviction protections through the end of January. The legislation also allocates another $284 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program.
Second round of COVID-19 vaccines earmarked for smaller Texas hospitals and long-term care facility residents
December 21, 2020 11:00 - 3 minutes - 2.79 MBBy the end of the month, the state expects to distribute 1.4 million vaccine doses to hospitals, long-term care facilities and a host of other locations.
She’s tutoring her siblings while learning remotely. How one Texas high school senior navigates the pandemic.
December 19, 2020 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBSpend a day with Isabel Suarez, an 18-year-old Pflugerville High School senior who's taking on the challenges of virtual school as well as tutoring her two younger siblings during the pandemic.
Officials in Texas expect it to take months for coronavirus vaccine to be available to anyone who wants it
December 18, 2020 11:00 - 3 minutes - 2.84 MBGov. Greg Abbott said he has not yet gotten the vaccine but will “at the appropriate time."
A&M investigating "large scale" cheating case as universities see more academic misconduct in era of online classes
December 17, 2020 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5.12 MBUniversities across Texas and nationwide are seeing an increase in online cheating since the start of the pandemic, as students take more virtual courses and test remotely with less supervision.
After voting for Donald Trump, Texas electors ask swing states to reject results that assured victory for Joe Biden
December 16, 2020 11:00 - 5 minutes - 5.06 MBElectors across the country affirmed Biden’s victory, but the Texas electors refused to admit Trump’s defeat.
COVID-19 vaccinations are underway for Texas' front-line health care workers.
December 15, 2020 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.26 MBFour Texas sites received a total of 19,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, the first phase of a rollout that will put a quarter-million doses into 109 Texas facilities this week — with more on the way next week.
U.S. Supreme Court throws out Texas lawsuit contesting 2020 election results in four battleground states
December 14, 2020 11:00 - 3 minutes - 3.67 MBThe lawsuit challenged election results in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. The high court said Texas did not have standing to bring the case.
Long wait times and broken machines: Nothing could stop this Dallas voter from casting a ballot
December 12, 2020 17:11 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MBIn the weekend edition of The Brief podcast, Gwen McMillan Lawe reflects on the challenges she and other Black and LatinX voters faced at the polls in November.
Trump, Republicans pin hopes on Texas lawsuit to overturn election results, but legal experts say it's a long shot.
December 11, 2020 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBDonald Trump's legal team filed to intervene in the Texas lawsuit contesting the election results on Wednesday. The president asked U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz to argue the case before the U.S. Supreme Court, if it agrees to hear it.
At least three Texas Board of Education members test positive for the coronavirus after in-person meeting
December 10, 2020 11:00 - 5 minutes - 4.8 MBOne of the board members said the state needs to be more cautious about getting back to normal — especially with a new legislative session set to begin next month.
Fourteen U.S. Army leaders fired or suspended at Fort Hood
December 09, 2020 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.23 MBThe shake-ups come in response to an independent review of the Texas base’s command climate and are an effort to correct a yearslong culture of sexual assault and a pattern of violence there.