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May 25, 2023

What are the weirdest laws in Texas?

By: David Brown

At the Capitol, an intraparty rivalry between Republicans explodes into the open. The dueling charges between Attorney General Ken Paxton and House Speaker Dade Phelan are so personal and serious, some longtime Capitol watchers are characterizing the battle as among the most significant in Texas political history. Lauren McGaughey of the Dallas Morning news will have details.

After a scandal at a Bastrop foster care facility, Texas lawmakers pass two new bills to crack down on abuses.

We’ll have more on a vigil last night in Uvalde marking the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary.

The Texas Legislature will finish its session having made lots of new laws. But there are plenty of old laws on the books that seem pretty weird by today’s standards.

And debt collectors get a new high-tech tool.


Episodes

May 12, 2025

Houston is the fastest-sinking city in the US, study finds

Abortion pills, denial of bail, and a ban on land purchases for some people: What’s happening in the final weeks of the Texas Legislature?After jackpot controversies, multiple resignations and a ban on online lotto ticket sales, the state’s lottery system is now under investigation.Cities on the rise across Texas are quite literally sinking, with Houston […]

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May 9, 2025

Texas Renaissance Festival ordered to sell land, assets following lengthy legal battle

Texas Catholics, now almost a third of the state population, are celebrating the selection of Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from America.Gov. Gregg Abbott has just signed into law a school voucher plan, but some Texans are continuing to push back.A judge orders the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival, following a civil court […]

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May 8, 2025

Ranchers plead for help to fight a devastating pest on its way back to Texas

Several current and former Frio County officials have been indicted for alleged vote harvesting, part of a years-long investigation led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. One critic calls it voter suppression 101. What’s behind the charges?In the conversation over cash bail reform, what’s missing? An new investigation points to a lack of focus on […]

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May 7, 2025

How shrimp fraud is affecting coastal fishers

According to a new poll, Texans have predictable opinions along party lines about Donald Trump’s immigration policies – but it’s more complicated on the economy.Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is taking legal action against Austin ISD, accusing it of teaching critical race theory. It’s not the first time a Texas district has faced such charges.Shrimp […]

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May 6, 2025

What’s next as Gregg Popovich steps away from the Spurs?

State lawmakers from the House and Senate reach a deal lowering property taxes. Will it pass?It’s the ultimate company town: How Space X’s launch site in South Texas became a city.Generic and house brands are taking off as people look to save on grocery bills. But that’s not the only reason shoppers prefer them.What’s next […]

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May 5, 2025

Documentary tells story of landmark Texas archaeological site

As the clock ticks down on the legislative session, how close is Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to completing his wish list?Weekend balloting across Texas brings some big local changes. We’ll hear from reporters statewide.Texans dominate at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf tournament in McKinney.The documentary “The Stones Are Speaking” tells the story of Michael […]

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May 3, 2025

Texas Extra: Amy Lee Nelson on her new film, Texas music, and her dad

This week, Willie Nelson celebrated his 92nd birthday. Last weekend, the latest film he served as executive producer on had its debut. It screened at the Dallas International Film Festival and it was co-directed by his daughter, Amy. This is an extended interview with her about the film, “King of the Roadies.” It’s about the […]

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May 2, 2025

Judge rules Trump’s use of Alien Enemies Act was unlawful

A South Texas ruling prevents the deportation of some detainees. What it means for the Trump administration’s strategy.Houston’s large Afghan population is closely watching efforts to unwind programs providing them legal status in the U.S. Why many say they can’t return to their home country.Some Texans will be headed to the polls tomorrow for local […]

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