A new survey by the American Association of Professors reveals that a significant number of professors in Southern states like Texas and Florida are contemplating leaving their positions due to the current political climate’s impact on education. Roughly a quarter of respondents have applied for higher education jobs in other states since 2023. Professors cite the “broad political climate” as the primary motivator, surpassing salary as the top concern. The recent legislation, like Texas’s SB17 banning DEI initiatives, has led to resource cancellations and staff changes, prompting professors to seek alternative employment.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed individuals mocking Charlie Kirk’s death, sharing a video of a student’s arrest for celebrating the news. Abbott, along with other Texas lawmakers, condemned the student’s actions and thanked Texas Tech University for their response. The student involved in the incident is no longer enrolled at the university. This comes after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University.
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Saturday’s Powerball jackpot, the second-largest in U.S. lottery history at nearly $1.8 billion, was won by tickets sold in Missouri and Texas. The Multi-State Lottery Association announced that the winning ticket holders can choose between an annuitized prize of $893.5 million or a lump sum payment of $410.3 million before taxes. Other significant prizes include two $2 million winners in Kansas and Texas, and 18 $1 million winners across 13 states. Following the win, the Powerball jackpot resets to $20 million for the next drawing, after a 42-drawing streak without a winner, with odds of winning at 1 in 292.2 million.
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Following the tragic flash floods at Camp Mystic, which resulted in the death of at least 26 campers and counselors, Texas has implemented new camp safety laws. These laws, including Senate Bill 1 (also known as the “Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act”) and House Bill 1, aim to improve emergency preparedness and safety standards at youth camps. The legislation mandates measures such as youth camp safety teams, minimum camper-to-counselor ratios, state inspections, outdoor warning systems, emergency alert systems, and enhanced evacuation procedures. While these laws are welcomed by many, some camp owners express concerns over the financial implications of implementing these new safety protocols.
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Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn announced he would no longer participate in briefings about jail deaths called by County Commissioner Alisa Simmons, citing the commissioner’s “hostile and unprofessional” treatment of county staff. Waybourn’s decision came after multiple missed briefings and followed public criticism of his handling of over 70 in-custody deaths since 2017, including cases that have led to lawsuits and criminal charges. The sheriff’s office maintains it already releases information via press releases and public records requests, while Commissioner Simmons argued the briefings are for the public and that the sheriff should be present to answer questions. Recent events such as the starvation and dehydration death of Kimberly Phillips and the suicide of Charles Stephen Johnson, have fueled the call for more action.
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A man in Houston has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy who was participating in a “ding dong ditch” prank, according to authorities. The suspect, Gonzalo Leon Jr., was apprehended by a SWAT team and is currently in custody. This incident follows a similar case in Frisco, Texas, where a man fired at teenagers engaged in the same prank, resulting in aggravated assault charges. Tragically, these events highlight a pattern of escalating violence related to the “ding dong ditch” prank, with past instances including deadly outcomes in Southern California and Virginia.
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MAGA congressional candidate Valentina Gomez has ignited controversy with an anti-Islamic campaign ad where she used a flamethrower to set fire to a Quran, vowing to “end Islam” in Texas. Gomez, who has a history of using hateful rhetoric and staging violent stunts against various groups, previously staged a mock execution of an immigrant. The recent actions have elicited strong condemnation, with critics accusing her of incitement. Gomez, who is also an immigrant, has made other offensive and controversial statements and actions, including burning LGBTQ+ books and making disparaging comments about other groups.
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Al Green will no longer represent Texas’ 9th Congressional District, and it’s a tough blow. Hearing the news feels like a punch to the gut, especially when you consider the impact. Al Green, a true fighter for the people, is now facing the reality of a redrawn map that’s carving up his district in the Houston area. It’s hard to see this as anything other than a deliberate move.
This feels like disenfranchisement, plain and simple. When a well-respected figure like Al Green, someone who consistently speaks truth to power, is targeted, it sends a clear message. It’s easy to see this as part of a larger game, where politicians strategically redraw district lines to favor their own party, often at the expense of voters.… Continue reading
President Donald Trump announced the Justice Department would be suing California over Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting efforts, which aim to create a more Democratic-leaning congressional map. This announcement followed Trump’s praise of Texas Republicans’ efforts to gerrymander House districts to favor the GOP, potentially giving them five more seats. Newsom responded by saying, “BRING IT,” while the Justice Department did not immediately comment. These redistricting efforts are happening mid-decade, a break from the typical once-a-decade process following the U.S. Census.
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The nation is embroiled in a redistricting war, with Texas leading the charge by redrawing congressional maps to potentially favor Republicans. This move has triggered retaliatory actions, including walkouts by Democrats and plans by Democratic-led states like California to redraw their own maps. Voters across various districts are expressing concerns over the fairness and potential disenfranchisement resulting from these actions. The situation is further complicated by the Supreme Court’s stance on partisan redistricting, which has seemingly emboldened states to engage in these practices.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood