Just in time for Primary season, in the Monthly, Russell Gold profiles Christofascist Tim Dunn. One thing new to me? He's on the board of directors of the company that runs the Ballotpedia website. I'll no longer be using it. (PR Watch documents how many of the funders of the Lucy Burns Institute have Koch ties or are otherwise general wingnuts.)
SocraticGadfly from his recent vacation, talks climate change and the future of the Salton Sea even as global warming gets more and more locked in.
SB4 appears to be in trouble in federal court. The Trib's story is OK; KUT's is better in some ways; the radio discussion was much better, as they noted on Texas Standard that Judge Ezra said that if Texas were able to deport, all 50 states could start their immigration enforcement, which would cause "chaos" and be a "confederation." Gus Bova has that quote at the Observer. His story also notes that under SB4, Texas would send arrested migrants over the border to Mexico, even though an increasing number of Ill Eagles coming THROUGH Mexico are NOT FROM Mexico, or even from the countries of Central America to its south. For good measure, all the stories have Judge Ezra mocking Texas' claim of an "invasion." My legiscritter, David Spiller, the guy who sponsored this and a lawyer, still claims it's constitutional.
Final note on this issue: Ezra said he will NOT stay his ruling, whenever it comes, but almost certainly before the March 5 date of effectiveness (shockingly, Texas primary day). He noted that whatever his ruling is, it will be appealed post-haste to the Fifth Circuit anyway.
Something I never thought I'd see: TEA finally letting go of Marlin, or at least starting the process. Should inspire Houstonians, and cut off the idea that the TEA takeover there is part of some plot to privatize public education. (That said, some Marlin parents want the TEA to stay in charge.)
More and more Houston Dems hate Harris DA Kim Ogg. Can it be enough for Sean Teare to knock her off?
Off the Kuff interviewed a couple of candidates who deserve support in their primaries to take on terrible Republicans, Nasir Malik in SD07 and Marquette Greene-Scott in CD22.
Stace tells us about his COVID-19 experience. He offers tips and advice for those who are about to experience it.
There's a colorful history behind the Texas telecom company accused of making robocalls telling Dems not to vote in the New Hampshire primary.
As I said on Twitter, James M. Dorsey, on my blogroll for years, is often an insightful independent voice on Middle East geopolitics. At the same time, he has, since Oct. 7, 2023, pulled his punches more than once on Gaza-related issues. Recently, he talked about Biden's push to link a Palestine (Gaza IS part of the state of Palestine)-Israel ceasefire to broader issues, without considering the possibility that this is really a Biden stall-out, which I think it is.
Related: #AbadonBiden considers Michigan Dem primary protest vote? And/so?
Long COVID can apparently cause brain injury. Skeptical Raptor has the details.
Neil at the Houston Democracy Project said Judge Natalia Cornelio is on target helping organize a block walk despite having no primary or November opponent. May other Democratic office holders follow her example as we face an authoritarian threat.
Therese Odell would like for Tucker Carlson to stay right there in Russia.
Allyn West shows why one of Houston's iconic thoroughfares really needs some upgrades.
Jeff Balke argues that "public safety" needs to extend to cyclists and pedestrians.
Your Local Epidemiologist addresses the leaked new COVID guidance proposal from the CDC.
The TSTA Blog reminds us of the perpetual dishonesty of voucher proponents.
Reform Austin reminds us who the real threats to children are.
