Welcome back. Turning to Texas with new developments on the redistricting showdown that's playing out in the Lonear State and all across the country. Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott filed an emergency petition with the Texas Supreme Court to remove House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Woo from his seat.Now, Woo is one of dozens of Texas Democrats who fled the state to block the start of a special legislative session and a Trumpbacked plan to draw new lines for the state's congressional districts. Abbott ...

Voting Rights & Democracy - The Voting Rights Act, signed into law 60 years ago, is under attack, with Texas Republicans accused of erasing its legacy through district manipulation [1][2] - The core issue is framed as a fight to protect democracy against those who would trade it for power, emphasizing the importance of collective action and resistance [3][8] - The redistricting efforts in Texas are described as a "rigged districtricting" and a "pole tax," designed to discriminate against Black and Brown voters [6][7] - Concerns are raised that the actions in Texas could set a precedent for other states and the entire country, highlighting the national implications of the issue [7] - The speakers emphasize the need to stand up for the right to vote, which people have died for, and to keep democracy in place [8] Political Landscape & Accusations - The speakers accuse Donald Trump and his allies of trying to rig the system by changing the rules and shutting voters out of the process [43][44] - There are accusations that the redistricting is racially motivated, with specific examples of districts being packed with African-Americans and economic engines being removed [49][51] - Missouri representatives claim that Donald Trump drew maps in Washington D C and sent them to Texas and Missouri [19][20] - The representatives from North Carolina highlight the dangers of partisan gerrymandering, citing their own state's experience where Republicans have a disproportionate number of seats despite Democrats receiving more votes [34][36][37] Call to Action & Support - The speakers call for unity and support for the Texas legislators who are fighting against the redistricting efforts, emphasizing that they are not alone [3][4][11][15][39] - The representatives from other states express their solidarity with Texas and pledge to fight against similar efforts in their own states [18][22][23][39] - The speakers urge the media to change their narrative and accurately portray the situation in Texas, emphasizing that it is not just about partisan politics but about racial discrimination [49][62] - The Texas state representatives get paid $600 per month and are being fined $500 per day, highlighting the financial sacrifices they are making [61]

THROUGH PARTIZAN REDISTRICTING OF THEIR OWN. >> I MEAN, IT'S THE WORLD WE LIVE IN. YOU HAVE A STATE LEGISLATOR IN TEXAS WHO'S TALKING ABOUT ARRESTING DEMOCRATS, AND WHO SEES HIS ONLY JOB AS DOING WHAT DONALD TRUMP WANTS HIM TO DO.I MEAN, WE NEED TO GET MORE SEATS FOR DONALD TRUMP, FOR DONALD TRUMP'S, YOU KNOW, MAGA AGENDA. WHAT IS IT. YOU KNOW, IT'S CRAZY.THERE IS THERE IS FOR REPUBLICANS. THERE IS NO MORAL HIGH GROUND HERE. JUST LIKE WHEN DEMOCRATS DO THIS IN IN THEIR STATES, THERE'S NO MORAL HIGH GROUND F ...

Does the president have a point. Are Democrats kind of counteracting your argument that what Texas is doing is wrong. No, not at all.Typically, state legislatures, whether they're in blue states or red states, they adjust district boundaries at the beginning of the decade. And yes, they gerrymanders. Sometimes Democrats do it, sometimes Republicans do it.It is wrong in either instance, because politicians shouldn't be picking their voters. Voters should be picking their politicians. But what's happening her ...

Political Landscape & Public Opinion - The Republican party is facing discontent in traditionally Republican areas, with voters expressing concerns over policies and practices [1][1][1] - Public opinion polls indicate unpopularity for Donald Trump and the Republican party, compounded by unpopular bills [2] - Town hall meetings are reflecting public anger and a potential shift in enthusiasm towards the Democratic party [2] - Voters are ahead of politicians in their discontent with issues like ICE, government cuts, and the Epstein scandal, creating a division between voters and some Democratic politicians [2] Epstein Case & Justice Department - The Justice Department is considering releasing the audio and/or transcript of Deputy Attorney General's interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, potentially with redactions [2] - The House Oversight Committee is subpoenaing information from the Justice Department and former officials across multiple administrations regarding the Epstein case [3] - Victims of Epstein have criticized the Justice Department's handling of the case, alleging a focus on protecting wealthy individuals rather than seeking justice [3][4] - Jeffrey Epstein displayed photos of himself with powerful figures, potentially as a deterrent to those who might report his misdeeds [13] Redistricting & Gerrymandering in Texas - Donald Trump has urged Texas Republicans to redraw congressional maps to create five more Republican seats [15] - Texas Democrats fled to Illinois in an attempt to delay the redistricting scheme, which redraws 37 of 38 congressional districts [17][16] - The proposed plan focuses on creating five new trending Republican districts for partisan purposes [16] - Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have threatened to arrest and vacate the seats of Democrats who are protesting the redistricting [37] - There are concerns that partisan gerrymandering could impact the balance of power in Congress [25] Economic Data & Political Manipulation - There are concerns about potential political manipulation of economic data, specifically regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics [54][55] - President Trump's claims that job numbers are subject to political manipulation send a signal that credible data may be suppressed [59] - There are concerns that the administration is trying to enforce its version of the facts on government agencies that traditionally provide independent data [68] Tariffs & Trade - The EU may not be able to fulfill its promise of $600 billion in exchange for lower tariffs [69] - The floor for tariffs seems to be about 15%, which is a major change in the world economy [70] - President Trump is leveraging tariffs to push forward his geopolitical agenda, including towards allies like India and Canada [72]

If a year ago when we were campaigning against Donald Trump, we had said Donald Trump is going to try to radically change election rules before the midterm elections, he's going to get his allied governors to file lawsuits to remove dulyeleed Democrats from office and replace them with their own handpicked lackey. And then Donald Trump is going to send the FBI to go illegally arrest Democratic lawmakers just because they disagree with him. People would have said we were acting crazy.But it's not crazy. It's ...

Redistricting Dispute - Texas Democrats left the state to prevent a vote on redistricting, specifically opposing mid-decade redistricting [1][3] - Democrats label the redistricting as "Trumpmandering," claiming it's beyond typical gerrymandering and will have decades-long negative impacts [6] - The current congressional map in Texas is considered racially and ethnically gerrymandered, suppressing Black and Latino voters [8] - The DOJ requested Texas legislature to redistrict, targeting four congressional districts with majority-minority populations represented by Latina and African-American representatives [9][10] Flood Relief Impasse - Democrats claim that flood relief bills have not been prioritized during the special session, despite the urgent need in central Texas [2][11] - Republicans control the governor's office, House, and Senate, yet haven't taken sufficient action on flood relief, even though the governor can allocate funds without legislative approval [12] - Democrats argue Republicans are using flood relief as a political tool, while Republicans accuse Democrats of obstructing progress [3][10] Legal and Political Strategy - Democrats anticipate the redistricting issue will eventually be resolved in court, citing Texas' history of voting rights and election disputes [7] - Democrats are educating the community and gaining support from legislators in other states facing similar redistricting challenges [4][7] - Democrats reject claims that the redistricting brings minority communities into the fold, calling it "spin" and "hogwash" [8][9]

They've left the state, abandoned their posts, and turned their backs on the constituents they swore to represent. They've sherked their responsibilities under the direction and pressure of out of state politicians and activists who don't know the first thing about what's right for Texas. To be absolutely clear, leaving the state does not stop this house from doing its work.It only delays it. And every day this chamber is unable to act, the cost grows. Oh my goodness.It's almost like Lincoln talking to Cong ...

Well, essentially this just dropped. The reason why it just dropped is moments before Texas Republicans who remain in the state actually went to the House, they did not have a quorum and they started the process there. There was a motion that compels the sergeant of arms to have arrest warrants for the Democrats that are not in the state.I do want to point something out here though. We're talking about the Department of Public Safety. That's the Department of Public Safety in Texas.So now you have the issue ...

It is day 197 of the second Trump administration. And tonight, Texas Republicans and Democrats are in a showdown that could decide the fate of next year's midterms and American elections going forward. This weekend, Democrats down in Texas in the state legislature fled the state.The goal was to prevent Republicans from passing their new congressional map redrawn to benefit the GOP in future elections. President Trump has pushed for this new map, which is very rare in the middle of a decade. Between censuses ...