The Trump Administration lost again in court, this time on voter ID
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A federal judge ruled that Texas’ voter ID was intended to discriminate against blacks and Latinos. The Department of Justice tried to argue otherwise. Continue Reading
Texas’ hate crime law results in few convictions, lots of disappointment
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In Texas, the tiny number of successful prosecutions leave both victims and lawmakers questioning state’s commitment to punishing hate. Continue Reading
To beat Ted Cruz, Beto O’Rourke plans to throw out the Democratic playbook
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No Texas Democrat has won a U.S. Senate seat in nearly thirty years or any statewide office since 1994. But U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke is optimistic he can break the streak, in part by eschewing consultants, pollsters and PAC money. Continue Reading
Beyond the wall: A Texas Tribune documentary on immigration and border security
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The Texas Tribune looks past the heated rhetoric to explore why people and dope keep pouring across the border. Continue Reading
Scientists say Trump’s border wall would devastate wildlife habitat
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At the U.S.-Mexico border, scientists say existing fencing is hurting endangered wildlife and warn that a continuous wall could devastate many species. Continue Reading
Justice Department changes position on Texas’ discriminatory voter ID law
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The DOJ, now overseen by Jeff Sessions, is walking back years of effort aimed at limiting the harmful effect of state voter ID measure on minorities. Continue Reading
In apparent case of mistaken identity, Austin father caught in ICE sting
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Undocumented immigrant Miguel Angel Torres was on his way to deliver Valentine’s Day chocolates to his daughter last week near Austin. Now, in what his family calls a case of mistaken identity, Torres is in an immigration lock-up near San Antonio. Continue Reading
Texas not enthused about possible import tax to pay for border wall
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Such a tax is all but certain to have a dramatic affect on the U.S. economy and particularly in Texas, which imports far more from Mexico than from any other country. Continue Reading
Rick Perry’s Texas giveaways
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The soon-to-be U.S. energy secretary doled out billions in grants and tax incentives for corporations while governor of Texas. One $30 million grant went to an energy group that turned out to be a phantom. Continue Reading
Small steps aim to lessen exploitation of Texas construction workers
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In Houston and Austin, some builders are voluntarily trying to ensure that construction workers are paid well and their safety is protected. Continue Reading
Big employers no strangers to benefiting from cheap, illegal labor
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Two cases illustrate how big-name employers benefit from illegal labor and why undocumented workers are easily exploited. Continue Reading
In Texas, undocumented immigrants have no shortage of work
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An underground labor market provides abundant employment opportunities for undocumented immigrants in the United States. But working in the shadows often means accepting low pay and exploitation. Continue Reading
In Texas, lawmakers don’t mess with employers of undocumented workers
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For all their condemnations of illegal immigration, Texas lawmakers — Republican and Democratic — have shown little interest in cracking down on businesses that employ undocumented workers. Continue Reading
Texas wages a war on drugs at the border. That might be the wrong place.
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An estimated 1.6 million adult Texans have substance use disorders, many addicted to drugs that arrive illegally from Mexico. Continue Reading
Rick Perry’s energy legacy is more complicated than you think
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With President-elect Donald Trump set to tap former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to head the department of energy, here’s a closer look at the energy legacy of the state’s longest-serving governor. Continue Reading