Texas Tribune Brief

Texas Tribune

About

This podcast is on hiatus as of Aug. 24, 2023. It previously highlighted the latest news on Texas politics and policy from The Texas Tribune.

Available on

Community

1401 episodes

The Brief is going on hiatus

The Texas Tribune put this podcast on hiatus in August 2023 due to staffing changes in the newsroom. If you want to follow the latest news on Texas politics and policy, check out our daily email newsletter, which is also called The Brief. You can sign up at texastribune.org/newsletters https://www.texastribune.org/newsletters/

50s
Aug 25, 2023
U.S. Justice Department argues for removal of Texas’ floating border barrier in federal court

IN A COURT HEARING OVER THE BARRIER NEAR EAGLE PASS, THE U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ARGUED IT WAS INSTALLED WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION, WHILE LAWYERS FOR THE STATE SAID IT NOTIFIED THE FEDS FIRST. Sad to announce that this will be the last episode of the Texas Tribune Audio Brief. Thank you to the dedicated Audio Brief podcast listeners and the numerous followers who have enjoyed and supported the Audio Brief. I am truly sorry and thank each and every one of you for gracing me your trust and support. I will miss you all, Justin Dehn

4m
Aug 23, 2023
Can Ken Paxton be forced to testify at his impeachment trial?

LAWYERS FOR THE SUSPENDED ATTORNEY GENERAL ARGUE THAT COMPELLED TESTIMONY WOULD VIOLATE PAXTON’S RIGHTS, BUT HOUSE IMPEACHMENT MANAGERS DISAGREE. THE ISSUE MAY BE SETTLED IN THE TRIAL’S OPENING HOURS.

4m
Aug 22, 2023
Former judge declines to serve as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s adviser for Ken Paxton impeachment trial

A DAY AFTER PATRICK ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT, MARC BROWN DECLINED IT, CITING A CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION HE MADE TO PAXTON’S GOP PRIMARY OPPONENT IN 2021.

3m
Aug 21, 2023
New allegations against Ken Paxton raise stakes for early decisions in impeachment trial

BEFORE 30 SENATORS TAKE ON THEIR ROLE AS IMPEACHMENT TRIAL JURORS, THEY FACE A SERIES OF MOMENTOUS VOTES ON WHETHER TO DISMISS THE CHARGES AS REQUESTED BY THE SUSPENDED ATTORNEY GENERAL THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

6m
Aug 18, 2023
New accusations: Ken Paxton used burner phone, secret email account, fake Uber name to hide ties to Nate Paul

AFTER PAXTON’S LAWYERS SOUGHT TO DISMISS ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AS UNSUBSTANTIATED, HOUSE MANAGERS RESPONDED BY ACCUSING THE SUSPENDED ATTORNEY GENERAL OF GOING TO GREAT LENGTHS TO COVER UP HIS RELATIONSHIP TO THE AUSTIN REAL ESTATE INVESTOR. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

5m
Aug 17, 2023
Medical experts assert transgender health care for youth is safe as LGBTQ+ Texans sue over new prohibition

TEXAS FAMILIES AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS SUED THE STATE OVER SENATE BILL 14, WHICH RESTRICTS TRANSGENDER YOUTH FROM ACCESSING GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE. THE GROUPS ARE REQUESTING AN INJUNCTION FROM A STATE DISTRICT COURT JUDGE BEFORE THE LAW GOES INTO EFFECT ON SEPT. 1. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

4m
Aug 16, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott declares wildfire disaster for three-fourths of Texas

AMID ONGOING WILDFIRES, THE GOVERNOR’S DISASTER DECLARATION FOR THREE-FOURTHS OF THE STATE’S COUNTIES ALLOWS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO ACCESS STATE RESOURCES TO FIGHT FIRES. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

5m
Aug 15, 2023
U.S. Department of Education reaffirms Baylor’s religious exemption in response to sexual harassment complaints

THE UNIVERSITY HAD ASKED THE FEDERAL AGENCY TO DISMISS SEXUAL-HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS BY LGBTQ+ STUDENTS, ARGUING THAT THE CLAIMS INFRINGED ON THE SCHOOL’S RELIGIOUS TENETS. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

4m
Aug 14, 2023
A prison guard says she was forced to stay at her post during labor pains. Texas is fighting compensation for her stillbirth.

THE SEVEN-MONTHS-PREGNANT OFFICER REPORTED CONTRACTION-LIKE PAINS AT WORK, BUT SHE WASN’T ALLOWED TO LEAVE FOR HOURS. SOON AFTER, HER BABY WAS DELIVERED STILLBORN. BUT THE ANTI-ABORTION STATE IS FIGHTING HER LAWSUIT, IN PART BY SAYING HER FETUS DIDN’T CLEARLY HAVE RIGHTS. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

4m
Aug 11, 2023
Texans do not need a license to carry, but some gun owners still want one

SINCE THE PERMITLESS CARRY LAW PASSED IN 2021, TEXANS HAVE NOT NEEDED A LICENSE TO CARRY A GUN. BUT GUN INSTRUCTORS AND SOME GUN OWNERS STILL SEE THE BENEFITS IN TAKING THE CLASSES NECESSARY TO OBTAIN A LICENSE. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

5m
Aug 10, 2023
Democrats Colin Allred, Roland Gutierrez draw distinctions on key issues as they target Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024

HEADING INTO THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY, THE U.S. HOUSE MEMBER AND STATE SENATOR ANSWER QUESTIONS ON GUNS, THE BORDER, ABORTION AND OTHER PARTS OF THEIR PLATFORMS. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

5m
Aug 09, 2023
Ken Paxton legal team works to invalidate every article of impeachment before trial

IF SUCCESSFUL, THE FLURRY OF LEGAL FILINGS WOULD HALT THE SUSPENDED ATTORNEY GENERAL’S SEPTEMBER IMPEACHMENT TRIAL BEFORE IT TRULY BEGINS IN THE TEXAS SENATE. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

4m
Aug 08, 2023
Texas AG appeals judge’s order that allows women with complicated pregnancies to get abortions

STATE DISTRICT COURT JUDGE ISSUED A TEMPORARY EXEMPTION TO TEXAS’ ABORTION BAN. HOURS LATER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE FILED AN APPEAL, WHICH BLOCKED THE ORDER. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

3m
Aug 07, 2023
LGBTQ+ Texans & advocates sue to block new law that could criminalize some drag shows

State officials backing Senate Bill 12 have said they want to protect children from seeing sexually explicit performances. But a new legal challenge says the law is so broad and vague that it criminalizes constitutionally protected expression. The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take our audience survey. It’s the best way to get to know our listeners.

6m
Aug 04, 2023
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick defends move to ask Texas A&M to ‘look into’ professor accused of criticizing him

The professor allegedly criticized Patrick during a lecture and was temporarily suspended after the lieutenant governor contacted Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. The case has raised questions about political interference in the university’s academic affairs. The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take our audience survey. It’s the best way to get to know our listeners.

6m
Aug 03, 2023
Amid scorching heat, Texas state parks can be a refuge — or a danger

More than a million people visited Texas’ 89 state parks in June. But in spots without bodies of water, park officials are warning people to not overdo it as triple-digit temperatures persist. The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take our audience survey. It’s the best way to get to know our listeners.

5m
Aug 02, 2023
Suspended Texas AG Ken Paxton’s lawyers seek to dismiss all but one of the 20 impeachment articles

Paxton’s legal team says removing him from office would “override the will of the people.” His attorneys have also requested that any evidence of alleged misconduct that predates his current term be excluded from his Senate impeachment trial. The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take our audience survey. It’s the best way to get to know our listeners.

6m
Aug 01, 2023
Billions in property tax cuts need Texas voters’ approval

Legislation passed this month would raise the state’s homestead exemption to $100,000, lower school districts’ tax rates and put an appraisal cap on residential and commercial properties, among other measures. But voters must first approve a constitutional amendment. The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take our audience survey. It’s the best way to get to know our listeners.

7m
Jul 31, 2023
U.S. House Republicans from Texas target federal funding unless Homeland Security chief is removed

ESCALATING THEIR FIGHT OVER SECRETARY ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS’ HANDLING OF IMMIGRATION AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER, FAR-RIGHT REPRESENTATIVES SAY THEY WILL OPPOSE ANY APPROPRIATIONS FOR HIS AGENCY. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

5m
Jul 28, 2023
Facing sex discrimination claims, Texas begins jailing migrant women under border crackdown

OPERATION LONE STAR ORIGINALLY TARGETED SINGLE MEN SUSPECTED OF CROSSING THE BORDER ILLEGALLY IN MASS TRESPASSING ARRESTS, BUT SOME CLAIMED THAT NOT ARRESTING WOMEN VIOLATED EQUAL PROTECTION LAWS. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

5m
Jul 27, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott signs $18 billion tax cut package for Texas property owners

AT A TIME WHEN THE STATE HAS SOME OF THE NATION’S HIGHEST PROPERTY TAXES, THE INITIATIVE WAS A CORNERSTONE OF HIS 2022 REELECTION CAMPAIGN. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

4m
Jul 26, 2023
U.S. sues Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to remove floating border barrier

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MADE GOOD ON ITS WARNING LAST WEEK THAT IT WOULD SUE TEXAS UNLESS THE STATE AGREED TO REMOVE THE BARRIER IN THE RIO GRANDE NEAR EAGLE PASS. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

4m
Jul 25, 2023
Race was a factor in Black professor’s failed hiring, Texas A&M department head says

HART BLANTON, THE HEAD OF THE UNIVERSITY’S DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS AND JOURNALISM, ALSO SAID THEN-PRESIDENT M. KATHERINE BANKS INTERFERED WITH THE RECRUITMENT OF JOURNALIST KATHLEEN MCELROY. THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AUDIO BRIEF WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE CLICK HERE http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey TO TAKE OUR AUDIENCE SURVEY. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET TO KNOW OUR LISTENERS.

4m
Jul 24, 2023
Hundreds of thousands of Texans bumped off of Medicaid face lots of confusion and stress

About 500,000 people have been removed from the rolls since continuous Medicaid coverage ended in April. Those helping low-income people with medical care say many don’t realize they’ve lost coverage yet. We have a favor to ask: would you go to texastribune.org/briefsurvey http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take a five-minute listener survey? This is the best way for Texas Tribune journalists to know what works and what doesn’t for our podcasts. We appreciate your feedback.

6m
Jul 21, 2023
In tearful testimony against Texas’ abortion ban, three women describe medical care delayed

The women, believed to be the first to testify about an abortion ban’s impact on their pregnancy since 1973, are seeking to clarify when a medical emergency justifies an abortion. We have a favor to ask: would you go to texastribune.org/briefsurvey http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take a five-minute listener survey? This is the best way for Texas Tribune journalists to know what works and what doesn’t for our podcasts. We appreciate your feedback.

5m
Jul 20, 2023
State investigating claim that DPS troopers were told to push migrants back into the Rio Grande and deny them water

The Office of the Inspector General is investigating the claims, which include pushing small children and women with nursing babies back into the river and turning away a 4-year-old girl, who later passed out on the riverbank from the heat. We have a favor to ask: would you go to texastribune.org/briefsurvey http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take a five-minute listener survey? This is the best way for Texas Tribune journalists to know what works and what doesn’t for our podcasts. We appreciate your feedback.

6m
Jul 19, 2023
Acting as Ken Paxton impeachment judge, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issues gag order

“Prejudicial and inflammatory statements” from both sides have jeopardized the ability of senators to offer fair and impartial justice, Patrick says. Violators can be found in contempt, jailed and fined. The Texas Tribune Audio Brief would like to hear from you! Please click here http://texastribune.org/briefsurvey to take our audience survey. It’s the best way to get to know our listeners.

6m
Jul 18, 2023
Doctors treating trans kids are leaving Texas, exacerbating adolescent care crisis

Texas doctors fear a new era of government intrusion into medicine as lawmakers ban transition care for kids following prohibitions on abortion.

6m
Jul 17, 2023
Lawsuit seeks to block new Texas law banning gender transition-related care for kids

The families who are suing argue the new law, which goes into effect Sept. 1, violates their parental rights by stopping them from providing medical care for their children and discriminates against transgender teens.

5m
Jul 14, 2023