Is a Strong Latino Candidate Texas Democrats’ Only Hope?
The party is long-overdue for such a leader at the top of the ballot.
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Politics ⋆
New Texas Map Starts Game of Political Musical Chairs
GOP’s Trumped-up redrawing took a wrecking ball to congressional districts. Now comes the mad dash for seats.
Editor’s Letter: Introducing Our September/October 2025 Issue
A note from the editor-in-chief
West Texas Congressman’s ‘Big Beautiful’ Cuts Could Harm Rural Hospitals in His District
Jodey Arrington was the House architect of Trump’s massive tax-and-spend bill that includes steep healthcare cuts.
Racism Wrapped in Rural Warmth
Staying in my hometown means facing subtle prejudice in day-to-day life.
Dems in Congress Are Being Denied Access to ICE Facilities. Now They’re Suing.
As immigration enforcement spending ramps up, oversight mechanisms have been stifled—including for members of Congress.
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Politics
Will a STAAR-Crossed Legislature Finally Enact Real Testing Reform?
It’s on the agenda at the Texas Capitol, but advocates worry heavy-handed “accountability” will remain intact.
Can Anything Halt the Gerrymandering Arms Race?
Texas Dem quorum-breakers are seeking to protect voter rights nationwide, but they’re likely engaged in little more than a perfunctory game of chicken.
Border and Immigration
A Venezuelan Was Detained as a ‘Documented’ Gang Member by ICE, Which Refused to Provide Proof
The Venezuelan immigrant, who has no criminal record, previously worked for a multinational corporation that sells snacks, food, and soft drinks.
U.S.-Mexico Border Militarization Fails to Stop Modern Drug Smuggling Industry
Efforts by Trump and Mexico don’t address root causes or measure up to an evolving, international fentanyl market, experts say.
ICE ‘Task Force’ Agreements Expand to Galveston, Beaumont
As Immigration and Customs Enforcement rolls out necessary training, the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office joins a growing list of Texas law enforcement agencies deputizing officers to serve as roving immigration agents.
Culture
Recovering Suzanne Césaire’s Legacy
A Fort Worth modern art exhibition and a new experimental film are part of a renaissance of work about an influential Caribbean writer.
‘Shaky’ Audio Series Is a Messy, Real Look at Disabled Life
Texas writer and director Katherine Craft’s Audible comedy depicts a musician’s tumultuous return to Plano as she adjusts to new limitations.
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