WEATHER ALERT
Should Harris County have federal monitors on Election Day?
Read full article: Should Harris County have federal monitors on Election Day?Some state officials are pushing back on what they’re calling “the Department of Justice’s attempt to interfere with Texas Elections," while others argue it will ensure "fair and accurate" results.
AP-NORC poll finds skepticism of nationwide election tallies, especially among Republicans
Read full article: AP-NORC poll finds skepticism of nationwide election tallies, especially among RepublicansThe nation’s deep partisan divisions extend to trust in the vote tallies for this year’s election.
North Carolina's historically Black colleges are mobilizing for Nov. 5, tapping an activist history
Read full article: North Carolina's historically Black colleges are mobilizing for Nov. 5, tapping an activist historyNorth Carolina's 10 historically Black colleges are going all out to get their nearly 40,000 students to vote.
In complaint, Ted Cruz says Democrats broke campaign finance laws to help Colin Allred
Read full article: In complaint, Ted Cruz says Democrats broke campaign finance laws to help Colin AllredCruz alleged that national Democrats illegally exceeded contribution limits when it spent more than $10 million for television ads in Texas benefiting Allred campaign.
Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris while Donald Trump vows border crackdown in dueling Texas stops
Read full article: Beyoncé endorses Kamala Harris while Donald Trump vows border crackdown in dueling Texas stopsHarris talked about reproductive rights to a stadium full of supporters in Houston. In Austin, Trump stumped to supporters and reporters at a private jet terminal and appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate raceDemocrats backing Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to defeat Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are investing $5 million in an ad campaign focused on abortion.
Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate raceDemocrats backing Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to defeat Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are investing $5 million in an ad campaign focused on abortion.
In New York, a constitutional amendment provides election fodder for the left and the right
Read full article: In New York, a constitutional amendment provides election fodder for the left and the rightDemocrats pushed to get a constitutional amendment on New York’s ballot this November because they believed it could energize liberals eager to protect abortion rights.
Five races for the Republican-dominated State Board of Education to watch this year
Read full article: Five races for the Republican-dominated State Board of Education to watch this yearRevising the social studies curriculum could be among the divisive issues the Texas State Board of Education tackles next year.
Here are the Texas House races that Democrats and Republicans think they can flip
Read full article: Here are the Texas House races that Democrats and Republicans think they can flipDemocrats — riding a wave of enthusiasm sparked by Kamala Harris’ nomination — think they can flip just enough House seats to stop Republicans from passing school vouchers.
Republicans raise $1 million targeting South Texas House races as Democrats invest elsewhere
Read full article: Republicans raise $1 million targeting South Texas House races as Democrats invest elsewhereDemocrats have long held an edge in South Texas, but Republicans see an opening there to expand their House majority.
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC poll
Read full article: Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally: AP-NORC pollA new Pearson Institute/AP-NORC survey finds Republicans are more likely to see Israel as an ally that shares the U.S.'s interests and values, while Democrats are more likely to see Israel as a partner that doesn’t share U.S. interests and values.
Feds charge NYC mayor with selling his influence to foreign nationals. He says he won't resign
Read full article: Feds charge NYC mayor with selling his influence to foreign nationals. He says he won't resignNew York City Mayor Eric Adams has vowed to stay in office after federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment accusing him of letting Turkish officials and businesspeople buy his influence with illegal campaign contributions and lavish overseas trips.
Last original member of Kool & the Gang to represent group at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Read full article: Last original member of Kool & the Gang to represent group at the Rock & Roll Hall of FameAfter fueling so many other people’s parties, it will be time for Kool & the Gang to themselves finally celebrate when they are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame next month in Cleveland.
Trump allies make another push to change Nebraska's Electoral College law
Read full article: Trump allies make another push to change Nebraska's Electoral College lawA top Donald Trump ally is pressuring Nebraska Republicans to award all of their state’s Electoral College votes to the statewide winner, a late-stage rule change that would potentially help return Trump to the White House.
Liz Cheney says Dick Cheney will vote for Kamala Harris, and she will support Democrat Colin Allred in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Liz Cheney says Dick Cheney will vote for Kamala Harris, and she will support Democrat Colin Allred in Texas Senate raceLiz Cheney endorsed Allred at The Texas Tribune Festival Friday.
Eight Texas independent voters share how they're sizing up the candidates heading into November
Read full article: Eight Texas independent voters share how they're sizing up the candidates heading into NovemberAmong independents, men lean toward Trump and women to Harris, according to polling. We talk to independents about the candidates they favor and the issues that matter to them.
State Rep. Shawn Thierry switches to GOP, says Democratic Party has “lost its way”
Read full article: State Rep. Shawn Thierry switches to GOP, says Democratic Party has “lost its way”The Houston Democrat lost her seat amid backlash from primary voters over her support for a GOP bill barring transition-related care for minors.
Trump calls for universal coverage of IVF treatment with no specifics on how his plan would work
Read full article: Trump calls for universal coverage of IVF treatment with no specifics on how his plan would workFormer President Donald Trump says that, if he wins a second term, he wants to make IVF treatment free for families.
After being denied a medically necessary abortion, Amanda Zurawski will do whatever it takes to beat Donald Trump
Read full article: After being denied a medically necessary abortion, Amanda Zurawski will do whatever it takes to beat Donald TrumpTwo years after a harrowing pregnancy where she was denied an abortion, the Texan has catapulted to being one of Democrats’ biggest messengers on reproductive rights.
Judge declines to order New York to include ‘abortion’ in description of ballot measure
Read full article: Judge declines to order New York to include ‘abortion’ in description of ballot measureA New York judge says he won’t force state election officials to tell voters that a proposed antidiscrimination amendment to the state’s constitution would protect abortion rights.
Jasmine Crockett at DNC says race is between career prosecutor and career criminal
Read full article: Jasmine Crockett at DNC says race is between career prosecutor and career criminalThe Dallas freshman congresswoman took to the national convention stage to ridicule former President Donald Trump and extol Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo posts about bringing cat to DNC, appears to poke fun at Republican VP nominee JD Vance
Read full article: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo posts about bringing cat to DNC, appears to poke fun at Republican VP nominee JD VanceHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is off to the Democratic National Convention and she isn’t going alone.
It’s not just South Texas. Republicans are making gains with Latino voters in big cities, too.
Read full article: It’s not just South Texas. Republicans are making gains with Latino voters in big cities, too.Republican gains among Latino voters in urban areas could spell big trouble for Democrats’ hopes of turning Texas blue.
Trump zigzags between economic remarks and personal insults at rally in critical Pennsylvania
Read full article: Trump zigzags between economic remarks and personal insults at rally in critical PennsylvaniaFormer President Donald Trump has repeatedly swerved from a message focused on the economy into non-sequiturs and personal attacks, including thrice declaring that he was better looking than Vice President Kamala Harris.
Harris to meet with Teamsters, but union president isn't invited to speak at Democratic convention
Read full article: Harris to meet with Teamsters, but union president isn't invited to speak at Democratic conventionTeamsters union members will host Vice President Kamala Harris for a roundtable discussion in the near future.
Border arrests drop 33% to a 46-month low in July after asylum restrictions take hold
Read full article: Border arrests drop 33% to a 46-month low in July after asylum restrictions take holdU.S. authorities say arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico plummeted 33% in July to the lowest level since September 2020, a result of asylum being temporarily suspended.
US consumer sentiment rises slightly on Democratic optimism over Harris' presidential prospects
Read full article: US consumer sentiment rises slightly on Democratic optimism over Harris' presidential prospectsA surge in optimism by Democrats over the prospects of Vice President Kamala Harris lifted U.S. consumer sentiment slightly this month.
Vance and Walz agree to a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 hosted by CBS News
Read full article: Vance and Walz agree to a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 hosted by CBS NewsMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance have agreed to debate each other on Oct. 1, setting up a matchup of potential vice presidents as early voting in some states gets underway for the general election.
Ruling: Fetus can be referred to as 'unborn human being' in Arizona abortion measure voter pamphlet
Read full article: Ruling: Fetus can be referred to as 'unborn human being' in Arizona abortion measure voter pamphletThe Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that an informational pamphlet for voters can refer to a fetus as an “unborn human being.”.
Harris campaign's new $90 million in battleground ads in August aims to sharpen contrast with Trump
Read full article: Harris campaign's new $90 million in battleground ads in August aims to sharpen contrast with TrumpKamala Harris’ presidential campaign is launching a $90 million advertising effort over the next three weeks to introduce the Democrat to voters and sharpen the contrast with Republican Donald Trump.
A proposed amendment lacks 1 word that could drive voter turnout: ‘abortion’
Read full article: A proposed amendment lacks 1 word that could drive voter turnout: ‘abortion’A proposed amendment to New York's constitution meant to protect abortion access is a crucial part of Democrats' plans to drive voter turnout in the state this fall and potentially flip vital congressional districts.
House Democrats dig in amid ongoing fight in Congress over compensation for US radiation victims
Read full article: House Democrats dig in amid ongoing fight in Congress over compensation for US radiation victimsA top Democrat in the U.S. House says it will take a shift of power in Congress to ensure that legislation is finally passed to extend and expand a compensation program for people exposed to radiation following uranium mining and nuclear testing carried out by the federal government.
Georgia officials say Kennedy, 2 others have signatures for presidential ballot as disputes remain
Read full article: Georgia officials say Kennedy, 2 others have signatures for presidential ballot as disputes remainThree independent and third-party candidates got one step closer to appearing on Georgia’s presidential ballot on Tuesday.
Schumer says he will work to block any effort in the Senate to significantly cut the CDC's budget
Read full article: Schumer says he will work to block any effort in the Senate to significantly cut the CDC's budgetThe Senate’s top Democrat says he'll work to block a plan that would significantly cut the proposed budget of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Will Sheila Jackson Lee’s daughter, Erica, run for her mother’s district seat?
Read full article: Will Sheila Jackson Lee’s daughter, Erica, run for her mother’s district seat?According to an emailed press release, Erica Lee Carter “has been recently asked by community leaders and Democratic party supporters to consider running.” And now, we’re told she is “strongly considering running.”
Minnesota Supreme Court upholds law restoring right to vote to people with felony convictions
Read full article: Minnesota Supreme Court upholds law restoring right to vote to people with felony convictionsThe Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld a 2023 state law that restores voting rights for felons once they have completed their prison sentences.
In an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court's immunity decision, Schumer introduces the No Kings Act
Read full article: In an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court's immunity decision, Schumer introduces the No Kings ActSenate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has introduced legislation reaffirming presidents don't have immunity for criminal actions, an attempt to reverse the Supreme Court’s landmark decision last month.
Senate rejects legislation that would expand child tax credit and restore business tax breaks
Read full article: Senate rejects legislation that would expand child tax credit and restore business tax breaksSenators are heading home for the month after failing to advance a bill to expand the child tax credit and restore some business tax breaks.
Vance praises a key leader behind Project 2025, a conservative effort Trump has disavowed
Read full article: Vance praises a key leader behind Project 2025, a conservative effort Trump has disavowedJD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, has praised the vision of Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts in the foreword of a forthcoming book.
House votes to form task force to investigate shooting at Trump rally, recommend legislative fixes
Read full article: House votes to form task force to investigate shooting at Trump rally, recommend legislative fixesThe House has voted to form a task force to investigate the security failures surrounding the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump.
Harris is starting to vet potential running mates. Her initial list includes nearly a dozen names
Read full article: Harris is starting to vet potential running mates. Her initial list includes nearly a dozen namesVice President Kamala Harris is beginning to vet about a dozen possible candidates to be her running mate as she approaches one of most consequential decisions of her new presidential candidacy.
Biden’s withdrawal from the US presidential race spells new uncertainty for Ukraine
Read full article: Biden’s withdrawal from the US presidential race spells new uncertainty for UkraineU.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to end his campaign for reelection brings a new element of uncertainty for Ukraine.
The Republican National Convention is here. Here's how to watch it
Read full article: The Republican National Convention is here. Here's how to watch itThe Republican National Convention kicks off this week, with delegates and officials descending on Wisconsin to formally nominate former President Donald Trump as the GOP nominee.
Democrats weigh Biden's impact on House races as Republicans grow confident of holding majority
Read full article: Democrats weigh Biden's impact on House races as Republicans grow confident of holding majorityDemocratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has a one-word answer on whether President Joe Biden is a liability for the most vulnerable House Democrats seeking reelection.
Mississippi election officials argue against quick work on drawing new majority-Black districts
Read full article: Mississippi election officials argue against quick work on drawing new majority-Black districtsMississippi election officials say redrawing legislative districts in time for this November’s election is impossible because of tight deadlines to prepare ballots.
Colin Allred punts on whether he thinks Biden should continue reelection bid
Read full article: Colin Allred punts on whether he thinks Biden should continue reelection bidAllred, who is running for U.S. Senate against Ted Cruz, is one of only a few House Democrats from Texas who has yet to say whether they support the president’s reelection bid.
Democrats on Capitol Hill express concerns about Biden in private but stay quiet in public
Read full article: Democrats on Capitol Hill express concerns about Biden in private but stay quiet in publicAfter meeting for around two hours to discuss whether President Joe Biden should remain at the top of their presidential ticket, Senate Democrats almost unanimously have agreed on one thing — not to say anything about it.
Biden's evolving reasons for his bad debate: A cold, too much prep, not feeling great and jet lag
Read full article: Biden's evolving reasons for his bad debate: A cold, too much prep, not feeling great and jet lagPresident Joe Biden has plenty of explanations for his terrible performance in last week’s presidential debate.
Lina Hidalgo receives ethics fine after endorsing a primary candidate at a Harris County press conference
Read full article: Lina Hidalgo receives ethics fine after endorsing a primary candidate at a Harris County press conferenceThe $500 fine from the Texas Ethics Commission comes after the agency found the Harris County judge broke state campaign laws barring use of government resources for political purposes.
With new platform, Texas Democrats may find common ground with Republicans on housing affordability crisis
Read full article: With new platform, Texas Democrats may find common ground with Republicans on housing affordability crisisThe Democrats’ recently approved platform includes calls to loosen zoning rules, which housing experts believe contribute to high housing costs.
Texas Democrats try to unify against GOP “extremism” as their own challenges and strife persist
Read full article: Texas Democrats try to unify against GOP “extremism” as their own challenges and strife persistThe party faces internal tension over the Israel-Hamas war and Biden’s new immigration policy heading into November.
New Texas Democratic group hopes to pump millions into neglected party infrastructure
Read full article: New Texas Democratic group hopes to pump millions into neglected party infrastructureThe new outfit is hoping that its long-term plan will eventually help Democrats become more competitive in statewide races.
Tim Scott, a potential Trump VP pick, launches a $14 million outreach effort to minority voters
Read full article: Tim Scott, a potential Trump VP pick, launches a $14 million outreach effort to minority votersA top ally and potential running mate of ex-President Donald Trump is launching an effort to win over Black and other nonwhite working class voters he argues could be the deciding factor in November’s elections.
Governor halts plan to charge most drivers entering Manhattan $15 for transit and traffic fixes
Read full article: Governor halts plan to charge most drivers entering Manhattan $15 for transit and traffic fixesNew York Gov. Kathy Hochul has halted a plan to charge motorists big tolls to enter the core of Manhattan.
Seeking to spotlight Republican resistance, Senate Democrats renew push for IVF rights
Read full article: Seeking to spotlight Republican resistance, Senate Democrats renew push for IVF rightsSenate Democrats are making a renewed push to show their support for ensuring nationwide access to in vitro fertilization.
National Republicans target Henry Cuellar’s South Texas seat after indictment
Read full article: National Republicans target Henry Cuellar’s South Texas seat after indictmentThe move is a shift in strategy for Republicans who previously focused on other South Texas races even after federal authorities filed criminal charges against the Democrat.
At bribery trial, ex-US official casts Sen. Bob Menendez as a villain in Egyptian meat controversy
Read full article: At bribery trial, ex-US official casts Sen. Bob Menendez as a villain in Egyptian meat controversyAt a bribery trial, a former top U.S. agricultural official has cast Sen. Bob Menendez as a villain who tried to stop him from disrupting an unusual sudden monopoly that developed five years ago over the certification of meat exported to Egypt.
California governor criticized for proposal to eliminate health benefit for some disabled immigrants
Read full article: California governor criticized for proposal to eliminate health benefit for some disabled immigrantsCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing criticism for his proposal to eliminate an optional Medicaid benefit for some disabled immigrants.
Lauren Ashley Simmons declares victory over Texas Rep. Shawn Thierry, who broke with Democrats on LGBTQ+ votes
Read full article: Lauren Ashley Simmons declares victory over Texas Rep. Shawn Thierry, who broke with Democrats on LGBTQ+ votesThe Simmons-Thierry contest emerged as a test of whether Democratic lawmakers who do not fully support LGBTQ+ causes can remain in good standing with their own party’s voters.
Two years later, judge orders new election for Harris County judicial seat
Read full article: Two years later, judge orders new election for Harris County judicial seatDemocratic Judge DaSean Jones beat out Tami Pierce by 449 votes in 2022, prompting one of several election challenges filed by unsuccessful Republican candidates. Many other election challenges were dismissed.
Heat intensifies around Houston Democrat Shawn Thierry ahead of bitter runoff
Read full article: Heat intensifies around Houston Democrat Shawn Thierry ahead of bitter runoffCongresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a Dallas Democrat who previously served in the Texas House with Thierry, spoke at a campaign event where she condemned her former colleague.
House Speaker Mike Johnson survived a motion to vacate. Here's why his job is far from safe
Read full article: House Speaker Mike Johnson survived a motion to vacate. Here's why his job is far from safeDemocrats joined a majority of Republicans on Wednesday to save Speaker Mike Johnson from an attempt by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to remove him from the job.
Failure to oust Speaker 'MAGA Mike' Johnson shows strength and weakness of his alliance with Trump
Read full article: Failure to oust Speaker 'MAGA Mike' Johnson shows strength and weakness of his alliance with TrumpHouse Speaker Mike Johnson has a survived an attempt by far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to remove him from office.
Biden administration will propose tougher asylum standards for some migrants at the border
Read full article: Biden administration will propose tougher asylum standards for some migrants at the borderThe Biden administration plans to propose a new rule Thursday aimed at speeding up the asylum claims process for some migrants.
Texans in Congress stay silent on Cuellar indictment, unlike with Santos and Menendez before him
Read full article: Texans in Congress stay silent on Cuellar indictment, unlike with Santos and Menendez before himSome Texans called on Sen. Bob Menendez and former Rep. George Santos to resign amid their own scandals, but have been silent about the Laredo Democrat.
Minnesota lawmakers debate constitutional amendment to protect abortion and LGBTQ rights
Read full article: Minnesota lawmakers debate constitutional amendment to protect abortion and LGBTQ rightsMinnesota lawmakers have launched their debate on far-reaching legislation that would amend the state's constitution to protect abortion and LGBTQ rights.
With indictment, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s deep South Texas ties will again be tested
Read full article: With indictment, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s deep South Texas ties will again be testedCuellar was expected to cruise to reelection. Now he’ll need to rely on support from local and national Democratic leaders to help him overcome scandal.
Two Houston Democrats face off in back-to-back elections for John Whitmire’s open state Senate seat
Read full article: Two Houston Democrats face off in back-to-back elections for John Whitmire’s open state Senate seatState Rep. Jarvis Johnson and emergency room nurse Molly Cook are duking it out in a sleepy special election to briefly occupy the seat vacated when Whitmire was elected mayor.
Mayra Flores raises twice as much as U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in bid to unseat him this November
Read full article: Mayra Flores raises twice as much as U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in bid to unseat him this NovemberNational Republicans are investing heavily in Flores’ bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in South Texas.
House Republicans send Mayorkas impeachment articles to the Senate, forcing a trial
Read full article: House Republicans send Mayorkas impeachment articles to the Senate, forcing a trialHouse impeachment managers have walked two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas across the Capitol to the Senate, forcing senators to convene a trial.
Colin Allred’s fundraising for U.S. Senate race surpasses O’Rourke’s early 2018 pace
Read full article: Colin Allred’s fundraising for U.S. Senate race surpasses O’Rourke’s early 2018 paceU.S. Rep. Colin Allred raised over $9.5 million for his U.S. Senate campaign this quarter, surpassing Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 first quarter sum of $6.7 million.
Republican Sen. Rick Scott softens his abortion position after Florida Supreme Court ruling
Read full article: Republican Sen. Rick Scott softens his abortion position after Florida Supreme Court rulingSen. Rick Scott of Florida is joining other Republican incumbents scrambling to strike a balance in their abortion rights messaging.
House to delay sending Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate
Read full article: House to delay sending Mayorkas impeachment articles to SenateSpeaker Mike Johnson will not send the House’s articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate this week as previously planned.
Texas House GOP hardliners issue list of demands for a next speaker
Read full article: Texas House GOP hardliners issue list of demands for a next speakerThe two dozen Republican signatories called on the next House leader to commit to their list of conservative demands that served as a repudiation of Speaker Dade Phelan.
GOP's Marjorie Taylor Greene delivers fresh threats of ousting Speaker Johnson in scathing rebuke
Read full article: GOP's Marjorie Taylor Greene delivers fresh threats of ousting Speaker Johnson in scathing rebukeHard-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is escalating her criticism of House Speaker Mike Johnson and threatening his ouster.
Americans think a president's power should be checked, AP-NORC poll finds — unless their side wins
Read full article: Americans think a president's power should be checked, AP-NORC poll finds — unless their side winsA poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Opinion Research finds that while Americans say they respect the Constitution’s checks and balances and don’t want a president to have too much power, that view shifts if the candidate of their party wins the presidency.
Former Texas House speaker says GOP megadonor Tim Dunn told him only Christians should hold leadership positions
Read full article: Former Texas House speaker says GOP megadonor Tim Dunn told him only Christians should hold leadership positionsStraus, who is Jewish, publicly confirmed the conversation for the first time Thursday. It had previously been reported by Texas Monthly.
Wisconsin voters approve ban on private money support for elections
Read full article: Wisconsin voters approve ban on private money support for electionsPrivate money to fund elections will be banned in Wisconsin after voters approved a constitutional amendment Tuesday put forward by Republicans in reaction to grants received in 2020 that were funded by donations from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.