The Texas Senate has begun deliberations in the impeachment trial of Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, with the impeachment managers arguing that he abused his power to protect a political donor and his defense team arguing that the charges were politically motivated and baseless. Former senior aides testified to their concern and alarm over Paxton's actions, with the jury of senators now deliberating whether to convict and remove him from office. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched in the coming days, as it could have a major impact on the state's political landscape.
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A federal judge has ruled that the Biden administration's effort to codify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy into a federal regulation was unlawful. Judge Andrew Hanen, appointed by former Republican President George W. Bush, barred the government from approving any new applications, but left the program intact for existing recipients. The Supreme Court is expected to make a final ruling on the legality of the DACA program in the coming months.
Charlie Robison, a Texas singer-songwriter, passed away on Sunday due to complications from a medical procedure. He was known for his rootsy anthems and released his solo debut album, “Bandera,” in 1996. His music and commitment to his home state of Texas will be remembered and cherished by fans for years to come.
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas has condemned Sen. Tommy Tuberville's hold on hundreds of military promotions, calling it a "paralyzing" move and a "national security problem." GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley also weighed in, calling the policy "a national security problem" and promising to end it if elected. The hold on military promotions has been ongoing for months, creating a national security issue.
A federal appeals court has temporarily paused a lower court's ruling that would have required Texas to remove its controversial floating river barriers from the Rio Grande. The barriers, which are intended to deter migrants from crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, were installed by the state of Texas and will remain in place for the time being. The Justice Department had argued that the barrier was a violation of the U.S. Constitution and the International Boundary and Water Commission Treaty of 1970, while Texas argued that the barrier was necessary to protect the state from illegal immigration. The appeals court's decision is only temporary, and the case will continue to be litigated in the courts.
Former top aide Jeff Mateer testified in the historic impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, providing insight into why Paxton was using his power in ways that are now at the center of the trial. Mateer believes an extramarital affair Paxton had with a donor’s employee was “relevant” to the accusations, and that it helped connect the dots about why Paxton was using his power in the ways he was. If convicted, Paxton will be removed as attorney general and could be barred from running for office again. The Texas Senate is expected to make a decision on the articles of impeachment in the coming days.
A federal judge in Austin, Texas has ordered the state to remove a large floating barrier from the middle of the Rio Grande River, following protests from the U.S. and Mexican governments. The U.S. government argued that the buoys violated the federal government's exclusive authority to regulate navigable waters, and Judge Ezra found that the buoys interfered with the federal government's ability to manage the river and caused environmental damage. The ruling is the latest development in the Biden administration's efforts to address the ongoing migrant crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.
On Monday morning, a vehicle crashed into a Denny's restaurant in Rosenberg, Texas, injuring 23 people. Video of the aftermath shows a red vehicle fully inside the restaurant, with the wall and windows around it demolished. The driver of the SUV was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, while the 23 injured patrons were taken to local hospitals for treatment with injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe injuries that do not appear to be life-threatening.