From the New York Times: White House Pushes Texas to Redistrict, Hoping to Blunt Democratic Gains

Texas did this in 2003, so it's not unprecedwented. Neither is it illegal, but it may not be a wise move: 

- Click here for the article. 

President Trump’s political team is encouraging Republican leaders in Texas to examine how House district lines in the state could be redrawn ahead of next year’s midterm elections to try to save the party’s endangered majority, according to people in Texas and Washington who are familiar with the effort.

The push from Washington has unnerved some Texas Republicans, who worry that reworking the boundaries of Texas House seats to turn Democratic districts red by adding reliably Republican voters from neighboring Republican districts could backfire in an election that is already expected to favor Democrats.

Rather than flip the Democratic districts, new lines could endanger incumbent Republicans.

But a person close to the president, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to talk publicly, nevertheless urged a “ruthless” approach and said Mr. Trump would welcome any chance to pick up seats in the midterms. The president would pay close attention to those in his party who help or hurt that effort, the person warned.

At an “emergency” meeting on Monday night in the Capitol, congressional Republicans from Texas professed little interest in redrawing their districts, according to a person briefed on the gathering who was not authorized to comment publicly. The 20-minute meeting, organized by Representative Michael McCaul, a senior member of the state delegation, focused on the White House push.

Representative Pete Sessions, Republican of Texas, said lawmakers plan to gather again to share data and “be on the same page” on the possible redrawing of the map.

For more: Texas’ GOP congressional delegation meets to discuss redrawing districts ahead of midterms.

Also: 

- Gerrymandering.

 

 

 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/climate/trump-coal-gas-plants-energy-emergency.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/09/trump-emergencies-protests-deportations-tariffs/

Dear ChatGPT: What are Emergency Powers?

Emergency powers are special, temporary powers granted to government officials—typically the executive branch (like a president or governor)—to respond quickly and effectively to a crisis. These powers allow leaders to take actions that might normally be restricted or require longer legislative processes.

Key Features of Emergency Powers:

1. Triggered by a Crisis
   Emergency powers are invoked during times of war, natural disasters, public health emergencies, civil unrest, or other major threats.

2. Expanded Authority
   Leaders may bypass usual legal or constitutional limits. For example, they may:

   • Impose curfews or quarantines

   • Reallocate funds without legislative approval

   • Restrict movement or gatherings

   • Seize property or supplies

   • Issue executive orders with the force of law

3. Legal Basis
   These powers are typically grounded in constitutional clauses, statutes, or court interpretations. For example:

   • In the U.S., Congress has passed laws like the National Emergencies Act.

   • State constitutions or laws give governors similar authority.

4. Checks and Limits
   Emergency powers are not unlimited:

   • They are often time-bound.

   • Legislatures or courts can review, revoke, or limit them.

   • They must generally align with constitutional rights (though courts may allow temporary restrictions).

5. Examples

   • COVID-19 pandemic: Governors closed schools and businesses.

   • Hurricane response: Presidents declare disaster areas to mobilize federal aid.

   • 9/11 attacks: The president expanded surveillance and military actions under emergency authority.

Concerns

While emergency powers allow fast action, they can be controversial:

• Risk of abuse (e.g., prolonging emergencies to retain power)

• Civil liberties may be restricted

• Lack of oversight or accountability

In short, emergency powers help governments act decisively during crises but must be carefully monitored to protect democratic principles.

Dear ChatGPT: Why isn't Puerto Rico a state?

 Puerto Rico is not a U.S. state due to a combination of historical, political, legal, and cultural factors. Here's a breakdown:

---

1. Historical Background

• The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico from Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American War through the Treaty of Paris.

• It has remained a U.S. territory since then, governed by federal law but not fully integrated as a state.

---

2. Territorial Status

• Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory, meaning it's controlled by the U.S. but not on a path to automatic statehood.

• Residents are U.S. citizens, but:

  • They cannot vote for President in general elections.

  • They have no voting representation in Congress (only a non-voting Resident Commissioner).

  • Federal laws apply, but not all constitutional rights are fully guaranteed.

---

3. Self-Determination and Referenda

Puerto Rico has held multiple non-binding referenda on its political status:

Year	Option with Most Votes	Notes
1967	Commonwealth	Statehood was second
1993	Commonwealth (by a tiny margin)	Close three-way split
1998	“None of the Above”	Protest vote due to wording issues
2012	Statehood (61% of those choosing an option)	Turnout was 54%
2017	Statehood (97%)	Boycotted by opposition parties
2020	Statehood (52.5%)	Turnout was 55%

Despite these, Congress has ultimate authority to admit a new state — and has not acted.

---

4. Congressional Inaction

• Only Congress can admit new states under Article IV, Section 3 of the Constitution.

• There is no consensus in Congress on granting Puerto Rico statehood, due to:

  • Partisan concerns (statehood could shift the balance of power).

  • Economic implications (questions about tax structure, federal funding).

  • Unclear public mandate (due to referenda turnout and disagreement on interpretation).

---

5. Local Divisions in Puerto Rico

There is no unified consensus in Puerto Rico:

• Some support statehood.

• Others prefer enhanced commonwealth status (more autonomy).

• Some advocate for full independence.

This lack of agreement complicates negotiations with Congress.

---

6. Cultural and Linguistic Identity

• Spanish is the dominant language.

• Puerto Rico has a distinct culture and national identity.

• Some residents fear statehood might erode this identity.

---

Summary

Puerto Rico isn’t a state because:

• It’s a U.S. territory by design.

• Congress hasn’t acted on statehood.

• There’s divided opinion both locally and federally.

• Complex political and cultural concerns remain unresolved.

Dear CHatGPT: Has a governor ever denied extradition in the United States?

Yes, governors in the United States have denied extradition requests, although it is rare and often politically controversial. Extradition between states is governed by the U.S. Constitution (Article IV, Section 2) and the Extradition Act of 1793, which require states to cooperate in returning fugitives. However, governors technically have some discretion in handling these requests.

Notable Examples:

1. Governor Jerry Brown (California, 2013)

• Case: Extradition request from Utah for a man convicted of violating probation related to polygamy.

• Action: Brown denied extradition, citing California's differing view on polygamy and concerns over fairness.

2. Governor Jesse Ventura (Minnesota, 2002)

• Case: Refused to extradite a Somali man accused of murder in Ohio.

• Reason: Concerned about the fairness of the trial process and due process rights in Ohio.

3. Governor Rick Perry (Texas, 2014)

• Case: Delayed the extradition of a man accused of murder in New Mexico.

• Action: Perry initially delayed but did not ultimately deny it permanently. However, it drew attention to gubernatorial discretion.

Can Governors Legally Deny Extradition?

• The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Kentucky v. Dennison (1861) that governors were not legally compelled to comply.

• This was overturned by Puerto Rico v. Branstad (1987), where the Court held that federal courts can compel a governor to extradite a fugitive, reinforcing national unity under the Constitution.

Summary:

While governors can and have denied or delayed extradition, they may be forced by federal courts to comply if challenged. Denials usually involve political, legal, or humanitarian concerns, but they are not absolute or final under current law.

From the Houston Chronicle: Key bills that passed and failed in the Texas Legislature.

 Houston Chronicle: Key bills that passed and failed in the Texas Legislature.

What passed: 
- SB 2: Private school vouchers
- HB 2: Teacher pay raises
- SB 3: THC ban
- SB 10: Ten Commandments in schools
- SB 17: Ban on foreign land ownership
- SJR 5: Bail crackdown
- SB 22: Film incentives
- HB 46: Medical marijuana expansion
- HB 1481: Cell phone restrictions in schools
- SB 4: Property tax cuts 
- HJR 7/SB 7: Billions for water security
- SB 38: Squatters crackdown
- SB 3070: Lottery reform
- SB 379: Food stamps

What Failed: 

- SB 240: Bathroom bill

- SB30 and SB39: Tort reform

- SB 2010: Guaranteed income ban

- HB 5138: AG election fraud cases

- SB 2880: Abortion pill crackdown

- SB 16: Voter ID requirements

- HB 186: Ban on social media for minors

- HB 4: STAAR test overhaul

- SB 19: Ban on taxpayer lobbyists

Houston Chronicle: Abbott's comptroller pick will shape the rollout of Texas private school vouchers

A story about Texas' plural executive, as well as the governor's power to full vacancies. 

- Click here for the article.  

Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to choose a new state comptroller in the next few weeks, who will have an outsized role in the state’s rollout of private school vouchers.

The next comptroller is tasked with everything from marketing the program, which gives students around $10,500 a year to put toward private education, to running the lottery to determine who gets the funds.

Glenn Hegar is stepping down from the job this month after being named chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Abbott can appoint his replacement, and with the legislative session wrapping up, his pick will avoid a Senate confirmation battle.

The stakes will be unusually high — for Abbott and his pick.

“Personnel is policy. Having the right people in the right place means you get the policy implemented in the way that you want,” said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political scientist at the University of Houston. “The controversy about vouchers is the potential for there to be a spiraling cost and for it to be applied in an unfair way. The governor has to put someone in place who will watch those numbers carefully.”

Abbott has yet to hint who he will choose to carry out his signature issue. The statewide position is up for election next year, and several Republicans are already campaigning for the job. They include Christi Craddick, chair of the Texas Railroad Commission, and Don Huffines, who served in the Texas Senate and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022.

Many others are likely angling to run — or to catch the governor’s eye and get an early entry in the role.

 

 

 Houston's East End is booming with new housing. Why is it losing residents?

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/projects/2025/houston-east-end-gentrification/

 

 Legislators give Texas Space Commission $300M for grants and the power to close highways and beaches

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/texas-space-commission-grant-road-beach-spacex-20353207.php

 Texas lawmakers push off big home insurance relief: 'Nothing was done'

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/home-insurance-bills-20347531.php

 https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/06/trump-executive-orders-strategy/

Dear ChatGPT: What privileges and immunities do residents of US territories lack?

Residents of U.S. territories—such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands—are U.S. citizens or nationals, but they do not enjoy all the same privileges and immunities as residents of the 50 states. Key differences include:

---

⚖️ 1. Limited Constitutional Rights

• Insular Cases Doctrine (early 1900s): The Supreme Court ruled that not all constitutional rights automatically apply in unincorporated territories.

  • Example: Certain rights in the Bill of Rights, such as a jury trial, may not be guaranteed.

  • The Constitution applies only partially and "as locally applicable."

---

🗳️ 2. No Voting Representation in Congress

• Territories send non-voting delegates to the U.S. House of Representatives.

  • These delegates can debate and serve on committees but cannot vote on final passage of legislation.

• Territories have no representation in the Senate.

---

🗳️ 3. No Electoral Votes for President

• Residents of U.S. territories cannot vote for President in the general election, because only states and D.C. have Electoral College votes.

  • Even though they may participate in presidential primaries, their votes do not count in the general election.

---

💵 4. Reduced Access to Federal Benefits

• Many federal programs apply differently or not at all:

  • Medicaid: Capped and less generous.

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Not available in Puerto Rico and most territories (a key case: United States v. Vaello Madero, 2022).

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC): Often limited or excluded.

---

📜 5. Uncertain Citizenship Status in American Samoa

• American Samoans are U.S. nationals, not citizens by birth.

  • They can live and work in the U.S. but cannot vote or hold certain federal jobs unless they naturalize.

---

🌐 6. Limited Judicial Access

• Territorial residents may not have access to a federal district court with Article III status.

  • Some territorial courts are governed by local law and not the full U.S. federal judiciary system.

How often are executions delayed at the last minute

 waiting for the governor or the courts

 

 

Can the president rename the Gulf of Mexico?

Links 6/6/25

- Pearland, Texas.

- Alvin, Texas.

- Texas Legislature - Bills By Subject: Artificial Intelligence.

- Moses Austin.

- City of Houston sues two affordable apartment complexes over nuisance claims.

- nuisance.

- SUIT TO ABATE CERTAIN COMMON NUISANCES.

- OCCUPATIONS CODE - PROFESSIONS RELATED TO USE OF CERTAIN MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.

- OCCUPATIONS CODE - NURSING PEER REVIEW.

- Barnes v. Felix.

- The Fifth Circuit’s “Moment of Threat” Doctrine: Are Two Seconds Enough Context to Justify Police Use of Deadly Force?

- totality of circumstances.

- Broker.

- HB 353.

- Become an Individual Real Estate Broker.

- Texas Real Estate Commission.

- What Are Financial Securities?

- U.S. Patent Activity: Calendar Years 1790 to the Present.

 

Why isn't Puerto Rico a state? How about Guam? Virgin Islands? Other territories?

Governor Abbott's Emergency Items

- Governor Abbott Delivers 2025 State Of The State Address.

- 

- From TASA: 

On February 2, 2025, Gov. Greg Abbott gave his State of the State Address, then issued a press release as he traditionally does at the onset of a legislative session. He declared seven emergency items, two of which must be passed during the regular 89th legislative session:

- Property tax relief (must be passed this session),
- Generational investment in water
- Increase teachers’ average salary pay to an all-time high
- Career training expansion
- School choice (must be passed this session)
- Bail reform
- Texas Cyber Command creation

Note that each of the seven emergency items listed above links to a one-pager that describes the governor’s plan in detail.

 

Statistics from the 89th Legislative Session

Sources: 

- Texas Legislature Online.

- Texas Legislative Reference Library.

_____

- Dates of Interest.

- What's Next? Post-Session FAQ and Bill Statistics, 89th R.S.

- Texas Legislature - Legislative Statistics.

- TLO -  General Reports.

- TLO - Bills by Subject.

- Former Harris County DA Kim Ogg ordered to stop speaking about Jocelyn Nungaray after Fox interview.

- Harris County district court greenlights Mayor John Whitmire’s drainage settlement agreement.

- Supreme Court Turns Down Challenge to Ban on Semiautomatic Rifles.

- F.T.C. Investigates Ad Groups and Watchdogs, Alleging Boycott Collusion.

Regarding the FBI

Dear ChatGPT: What is the budget of the FBI?

As of the most recent publicly available data (Fiscal Year 2024), the FBI's budget is approximately $11.3 billion. This funding is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s overall budget and is used to support the FBI’s wide range of responsibilities, including:

- Counterterrorism
- Counterintelligence
- Cybercrime
- Public corruption
- Major criminal threats
- Law enforcement support
- Intelligence gathering and analysis

The budget is proposed by the President as part of the DOJ's budget request and must be approved by Congress. The specific amount can vary year by year depending on national priorities and emerging threats.

Dear CHatGPT: How does the FBI allocate funding by program or division?

The FBI allocates its budget across several major program areas, each supporting different aspects of its national security and law enforcement mission. Here's a breakdown based on available data:

- Counterintelligence: $3.0 billion
- Criminal Enterprises & Federal Crimes: $2.85 billion
- Criminal Justice Services: $505 million

These allocations support various divisions within the FBI:

Counterterrorism Division (CTD) and Counterintelligence Division (CD): Focus on preventing and investigating threats to national security.

Criminal Investigative Division (CID): Handles major criminal threats, including organized crime, financial fraud, and public corruption.

Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS): Manages national databases like fingerprint records and background checks.

The FBI also uses Funded Staffing Levels (FSLs) to allocate personnel resources across its field offices and programs. Each FSL represents one full-time equivalent position, and these are distributed based on program priorities and operational needs.

Dear ChatGPT: What congressional committees have oversight authority over the FBI?

The FBI is primarily overseen by several key committees in the U.S. Congress. These committees are responsible for budgetary, legal, and operational oversight:

1. House of Representatives

- House Judiciary Committee
- - Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance
- - Focus: Legal authorities, civil liberties, and the FBI's investigative powers.

- House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI)
- - Focus: FBI’s intelligence and counterintelligence activities, especially under the National Security Act.

- House Appropriations Committee
- - Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)
- - Focus: Budget and funding for the FBI.

2. U.S. Senate

- Senate Judiciary Committee
- - Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism
- - Focus: FBI operations, surveillance authorities, and civil rights.

- Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI)
- - Focus: Oversight of intelligence-related activities, including those of the FBI.

- Senate Appropriations Committee
- - Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS)
- - Focus: FBI budget allocations and financial accountability.

These committees regularly hold hearings, review reports, and approve funding that shapes how the FBI operates. Their oversight is crucial to ensuring the bureau’s actions comply with the law and protect civil liberties.

Dear ChatGPT: What relationship does the FBI have with the judicial branch?

The FBI’relationship with the judicial branch is structured, limited, and primarily procedural and operational, not supervisory. Here's how they interact:

1. Legal Process & Investigations

The FBI depends on the judicial branch to:
- Obtain warrants (search, arrest, wiretaps) through federal judges or magistrates, often under Fourth Amendment standards.
- Present evidence in grand jury proceedings and criminal trials, working closely with federal prosecutors (from the DOJ).
- Request subpoenas and court orders under various statutes, including the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for national security investigations.

2. Testimony & Evidence

FBI agents:
- Testify in court as expert or fact witnesses.
- Submit affidavits supporting warrants, indictments, and other legal processes.
- Work with U.S. Attorneys to ensure that investigations meet the evidentiary standards required in court.

3. FISA Court (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court)
- The FBI interacts with the FISA Court, a special federal court, when seeking authorization for surveillance in national security investigations.
- Proceedings here are non-public and focused on intelligence-gathering.

4. Independence and Limits

The judicial branch does not control or direct the FBI.

Conversely, the FBI must respect judicial rulings, constitutional protections, and procedural due process.

If the FBI violates constitutional rights, courts can suppress evidence or dismiss cases.

Summary:

- The FBI operates as an executive agency, but its work often requires authorization, review, and oversight from the judicial branch to ensure legality and constitutional compliance. The relationship is one of checks and balances, not hierarchy.

Dear ChatGPT: Which executive agencies in Texas are most similar to the FBI?


In Texas, while there is no direct state equivalent to the FBI, several executive-level law enforcement and investigative agencies carry out similar functions at the state level—such as criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement coordination.

Here are the most similar agencies:

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

- Most comparable to the FBI overall.

- - Texas Rangers (Division within DPS)
- - - Investigate major crimes (e.g. murder, corruption, organized crime).
- - - Similar to FBI criminal investigative functions.

- - Criminal Investigations Division (CID)
- - - Focuses on drug trafficking, organized crime, financial crimes, and human trafficking.
- - - Analogous to FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.

- - Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division
- - - Conducts homeland security threat assessments and shares intelligence with federal partners.
- - - Parallel to the FBI’s counterterrorism and intelligence efforts.

Office of the Attorney General of Texas (OAG)

- Investigates cybercrime, child exploitation, fraud, and public corruption.

- - Houses the Law Enforcement Division, which can conduct criminal investigations and assist in prosecutions.
- - Works closely with DPS and local law enforcement, similar to how the FBI supports federal and local coordination.

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)

- Regulates and certifies law enforcement officers, similar to how the FBI supports standards and training at the federal level (e.g., FBI Academy).

- Not an investigative agency, but important in law enforcement oversight.

Other Supporting Entities

- Texas Fusion Center (part of DPS Intelligence): Shares intelligence across jurisdictions, akin to the FBI’s role in multi-agency coordination.

- Local Police Intelligence Units: Larger departments like Houston PD or Dallas PD may have specialized units that mirror FBI task forces.

HCTRA Cautions Customers as Phishing Scams Surge

Regarding the scams we discussed in class today..

- Cick here for the link.

- Click here for the Houston Toll Road Authority.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) reminds customers to be vigilant against the surge in toll text scams being sent across the country, no matter how convincing they may look.

Phishing scams may attempt to mimic the look of local tolling agencies, but customers should be wary of any suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls they may receive about toll payments. HCTRA does not send SMS text messages regarding billing and will not ask customers to enter any payment information through a text message.

Drivers can protect themselves by verifying a sender before responding, clicking on links, or opening attachments. HCTRA also advises that customers never provide their personal information like credit card numbers or passwords through email or text.

Drivers can visit https://www.hctra.org or log on to the EZ TAG app to review their accounts directly if they receive any unsolicited messaging about tolls. Customers can also verify if they have payments by calling HCTRA’s customer service department at 281-875-3279.


What are the consequences of unpaid tolls?

- Click here. 

Legal Action

Under Texas law, someone who fails to pay a toll may be charged with a criminal misdemeanor for toll evasion under Chapter 370.11 of the Texas Transportation Code. If found guilty, the registered owner of the vehicle can face fines of up to $250 per unpaid toll in addition to court administrative fees.

Habitual Violator

One hundred unpaid tolls within a year may lead to vehicle registration block, vehicle ban, as well as criminal misdemeanor charges, a fine up to $500, and impoundment of the vehicle if the ban is violated.

- Texas Transportation Code.

- Chapter 370.11 of the Texas Transportation Code.

 Meet the lawyer leading Harris County’s fight against President Trump’s White House

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/harris-county-attorney-christian-menefee-20335820.php

1000 word essay questions for Summer 1 and Summer 11

 GOVT 2305: 

The Battle Between the Executive and the Judiciary

Describe the conflict between the actions of President Trump and the federal courts.

In his first few months in office President Trump has made decisions that exceed what previous presidents have done. Some argue that he has exceeded the powers that presidents are granted in the U.S. Constitution, and many of these people have taken these claims to court in the form of lawsuits. 

I want you to read up on some of these lawsuits and discuss the arguments against the actions of the Trump administration, as well as those that support these arguments.

What does this mean for our current understanding of the extent of executive power?

Look on Blackboard for the basic rules for this assignment.

GOVT 2306: 

Executive Influence on the Legislature

Describe how successful Governor Abbott has been in influencing the agenda of the 89th Texas Legislative Session.

Some of the powers the governor is granted in the Texas Constitution allow him to impact the legislative process. He can declare that certain pieces of legislation are emergencies, meaning they can be considered before any other. He can also veto legislation without the possibility of an override by the legislature. He can also veto and funding he does not care for, again without the possibility of an override. There are other informal ways he can persuade and/or coerce the legislature to pass the bills he wants passed.

Used skillfully, these allow a governor to dictate what the legislature will do.

Has our governor been successful this session? 

Look on Blackboard for the basic rules for this assignment.

Dear ChatGPT: What did Edmund Burke say about the importance of manners?

Edmund Burke, the 18th-century Irish statesman and philosopher, placed great importance on manners as a foundation of social and political order. One of his most well-known quotes on the topic comes from his work "Letters on a Regicide Peace" (1796), where he writes:

"Manners are of more importance than laws. Upon them, in a great measure, the laws depend."

This statement reflects Burke's belief that social norms, customs, and etiquette—what he called “manners”—are crucial to maintaining civil society. Here's a deeper explanation of what he meant:

• Manners support the law: Burke argued that without a general respect for tradition, civility, and moral behavior, laws become ineffective or even oppressive. Laws can set limits, but manners shape everyday conduct and mutual respect.

• Cultural continuity: For Burke, manners were part of a broader “social fabric” that connected generations. They carried the accumulated wisdom of the past and helped transmit it to the future, fostering stability.

• Civility in politics and society: He feared that the radical upheaval of traditions—like during the French Revolution—would erode not only institutions but the moral glue that held society together.

In essence, Burke saw manners not as superficial niceties, but as deeply rooted expressions of shared values that make freedom, order, and justice possible.

- Who was Edmund Burke? 

Checks and Balances: Judicial checks on the Executive

- Federal court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs under emergency powers law.

A federal court on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs on imports under an emergency-powers law, swiftly throwing into doubt Trump’s signature set of economic policies that have rattled global financial markets, frustrated trade partners and raised broader fears about inflation intensifying and the economy slumping.

The ruling from a three-judge panel at the New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade came after several lawsuits arguing Trump's “Liberation Day” tariffs exceeded his authority and left the country's trade policy dependent on his whims.

Trump has repeatedly said the tariffs would force manufacturers to bring back factory jobs to the U.S. and generate enough revenue to reduce federal budget deficits. He used the tariffs as a negotiating cudgel in hopes of forcing other nations to negotiate agreements that favored the U.S., suggesting he would simply set the rates himself if the terms were unsatisfactory.

- U.S. Court of International Trade.
- national emergency
- tariffs
- trade deficits
- Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974
- The Worldwide and Retaliatory Tariff Orders
- Section 232 powers from the Trade Expansion Act of 1962


- Judge Blocks Shutdown of Biden-Era Migrant Entry Programs.

A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from pulling legal protections from hundreds of thousands of people who entered the United States through Biden-era programs, ordering the government to restart processing applications for migrants who are renewing their status.

In a sweeping order that extended to Ukrainians and Afghans, as well as military members and their relatives, the judge, Indira Talwani of Federal District Court in Massachusetts, wrote that the Trump administration’s categorical termination of legal pathways for those groups was probably unlawful and had the potential to sow discord across the country.

The decision is a major victory for civil and immigrant rights groups that had sued to stop the administration amid a wider campaign by President Trump to strip legal status from a variety of groups living, working and studying in the country on a temporary basis.

- Federal District Court in Massachusetts
- civil and immigrant rights groups
- categorical parole programs
- Haitian Bridge Alliance
- plaintiffs


- Judge blocks Trump officials’ bid to end NYC congestion pricing.

A federal judge said Tuesday that New York City can keep charging drivers entering parts of Manhattan up to $9 until at least June 9 through its congestion pricing program, which aims to reduce traffic and raise funds to revamp the city’s decaying mass transit network.

U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman of the Southern District of New York issued a temporary restraining order Tuesday against Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and other officials, blocking them from withholding federal cash or approvals from the state in a bid to kill congestion pricing. New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority sued the Trump administration in February for trying to terminate the program.

Catching up with the Texas Legislature - 5/27/25

All of these are from the Texas Tribune: 


- Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don’t deal with homeless encampments.

A proposal in the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature to enhance a statewide ban on homeless encampments met a spectacular demise late Monday when the bill’s sponsor effectively ended debate on the bill.

After several attempts by Democrats to weaken the bill and challenge its legitimacy through other procedural tactics, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, asked for debate on the bill to end and resume on June 3, one day after the session ends.

Senate Bill 241, which had already passed the state Senate, would have forced Texas cities and counties to beef up their enforcement of a statewide ban on homeless encampments. Critics had argued the legislation won’t help reduce homelessness.


- New limits for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits may become a reality in Texas.

A proposal to limit how much an accident victim can recover in lawsuits for medical care won preliminary approval from the Texas House on Monday, but not without changes that leave open monetary awards beyond medical bills and preserve the court’s ability to decide what evidence is relevant.

The bill passed 94-52 on Monday with the support of at least five Democrats.

Senate Bill 30, authored by Georgetown Republican Sen. Charles Schwertner, intends to curb “nuclear verdicts,” or jury rulings that award victims more than $10 million, which proponents say makes doing business in Texas unpredictable.

If the proposal becomes law, those who sue in personal injury or wrongful death cases can submit only the amount paid for medical services, and directs juries to limit the amount of damages based on a set of options such as the maximum that can be charged to Medicare.


- Bill that would increase oversight of Texas’ largest energy users gets OK’d in Texas House.

The Texas House approved a bill Tuesday that would give Texas more oversight over energy transactions between power generators and the state’s largest consumers of electricity.

Senate Bill 6 also proposes new ways to assess the amount of electricity that is available to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the main manager of the state’s grid.

The bill now returns to the Senate. Legislators in the upper chamber must agree to the changes made to the bill before it goes to Abbott.

The bill would give ERCOT the power to oversee energy transactions between power generators and large consumers that don’t involve the state’s grid. ERCOT would also have the authority to cut their power and use it during an emergency.


- Proposal to automatically deny bail to some previously accused of felonies falls in Texas House.

The Texas House on Monday rejected a last-minute proposal asking voters to amend the state Constitution to automatically deny bail to certain repeat offenders, with Democrats banding together to defeat a final part a long-running push to jail more dangerous defendants before trial.

Senate Joint Resolution 87, part of a broader package stiffening the state’s bail laws, fell short of the 100 votes necessary to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot, winning votes from all present Republicans and just nine Democrats. It failed, 93 to 32, with 19 Democrats declining to take a position by marking themselves “present” or not at all.

The House will have one more chance to adopt the proposal tomorrow, though its path to 100 votes remained unclear. The House approved the centerpiece of the bail package and one of Gov. Greg Abbott’s top priorities, Senate Joint Resolution 5, last week.


- Bill to allow smaller homes on smaller lots resurrected in Texas House.

A proposal to allow smaller homes on smaller lots in Texas cities — part of a slew of bills intended to tame the state’s high home prices and rents — is back from the dead after a procedural move killed it in the Texas House Sunday.

Senate Bill 15 — a top priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate — would reduce the amount of land cities require for single-family homes in new subdivisions. That would give homebuilders the flexibility to build smaller homes on less land, reducing the final cost of the home.

The bill, which has already cleared the Senate, briefly came before the Texas House Sunday afternoon before state Rep. Ramon Romero Jr., D-Fort Worth, moved to kill the bill on procedural grounds. That move prevailed. But in a sigh of relief for housing advocates, lawmakers resurrected the bill hours later, fast-tracking the bill to come back before the chamber Tuesday.

From Black's Law Dictionary: The Four Pillars of the Rule of Law

- Click here for it. 

The concept of the rule of law goes back to ancient times and it can essentially be summed up by the well-known phrase, “nobody is above the law.” In other words, in a governing system based on the rule of law, everybody is held equally accountable under the same laws. In contrast, a system that is based upon the rule of men, such as a tyranny, monarchy, theocracy, or oligarchy, occurs when governance, laws, and the administration of justice are determined by the interests of a single person or group of people. While rule of law is a fundamental principal in many countries today, the World Justice Project points out that effective rule of law itself depends on the upholding of the following four principles.

The law applies to everyone

Perhaps one of the defining features of the rule of law is that, under such a system, the law is applied equally to all citizens, including the lawmakers themselves. Rule of law simply means that the law itself, rather than individuals or organizations, reigns supreme. Therefore, even people who enforce and administer the law, such as police officers, judges, and lawyers, are still subject to the same laws as everybody else is.

The laws are not secret or arbitrary

For a rule of law system to function, the laws themselves must be public, fair, stable, and understandable. If the laws change too frequently or arbitrarily, or the laws themselves are not publicized, then citizens have little hope of being able to abide by those laws. Furthermore, the laws must not violate fundamental human rights, which would again make them unfair to citizens.

The laws are enforced fairly

It’s one thing for the laws to be written fairly, but if they are enforced in such a way that is either arbitrary or unfair then the rule of law begins to break down. For example, if a jurisdiction passes laws against drug use, but then only enforces those laws against a particular ethnic minority or social group, then the laws are not being enforced fairly. Citizens living under a rule of law system have a right to know that the laws are being administered and enforced in a way that is fair and accessible.

The justice system is fair

Not only must laws be enforced in a fair and non-arbitrary manner, but so too must justice be delivered in a way that is fair, accessible, and efficient. In other words, the judicial system must stand independent of outside interference, such as by politicians or law enforcement agencies. Instead, the justice system must function to administer the law in such a way that citizens can expect to be treated fairly, regardless of their race, gender, beliefs, or economic status.

The rule of law is foundational to many functioning governments around the world. By limiting the arbitrary exercise of power by a single person or group, the rule of law helps establish a system whereby the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals and groups within a country are respected. While the rule of law is rarely perfectly applied, it is an ideal towards which many countries continue to strive.

Chief Justice Roberts rebukes Trump's call for impeachment of judge

Texas Tribune - Catching up with the Texas Legislature

- Attempt to decriminalize fentanyl testing strips in Texas could stall in the Senate for a third time.

- Texas may put restraints on new big businesses hoping to tap into the energy grid.

- Renewable energy companies face little regulation in Texas. A state lawmaker wants to change that.

- Texas House Republicans poised to scale back legislation that targets state’s universities.

- Amid housing affordability crisis, Texas House votes to take some power from NIMBYs.

- Texas Republican lawmakers may “financially handcuff” cities that don’t play by their rules.

- Texas strips protections for teachers, parents who share “obscene” material with children.

- Will Saturday’s elections be the last one in May for Texas?

- Texas House panel advances THC bill with stricter regulations — but no ban — for hemp industry.

- Texas lawmakers advancing bill to ban kids from social media.

- Advocates fear Texas lawmakers are about to worsen the state’s homelessness crisis.

 

Are City Ordinances In Public Records? - CountyOffice.org

Texas Land Records

Understanding Ordinances: Code vs Ordinance

From the Texas Tribune: In bail talks, lawmakers close in on Texas GOP goal of keeping defendants in jail

Bail reform was one of the lieutenant governor's emergency items.

Here's an update.

- Click here for the article.

. . . the proposal’s momentum in the House this session reflects a years long shift in Texas away from efforts to curtail mass incarceration, reduce wealth-based detention and keep nonviolent offenders out of jail. Instead, under Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, state leaders have swerved toward a tough-on-crime approach to legislating, including through bills that would likely grow the state’s incarcerated population, increase penalties for various crimes and exempt police from deadly conduct charges. And while they have failed to amend the Constitution’s bail provisions, GOP lawmakers have approved more modest changes restricting access to cashless personal bonds, needing only majority support to send the legislation to Abbott’s desk.

Some relevant legislation: 

- SB 9.
- SB 40.
- SJR 1.
- SJR 5.

For a list of all bills related to crime, click on any of the subjects below: 

- Crime Prevention
- Crime Victims Compensation
- Crimes--Against Morals
- Crimes--Against Persons
- Crimes--Against Persons--Sexual
- Crimes--Against Property
- Crimes--Capital Punishment
- Crimes--Drugs
- Crimes--Juvenile
- Crimes--Miscellaneous
- Criminal Procedure--Bail & Pretrial Release
- Criminal Procedure--Defense Counsel
- Criminal Procedure--General
- Criminal Procedure--Insanity Defense
- Criminal Procedure--Post trial Procedure
- Criminal Procedure--Pretrial Procedure
- Criminal Procedure--Sentencing & Punishment
- Criminal Procedure--Trial

From the Texas Tribune: School board races across Texas deal losses for many conservatives

Pendulums tend to swing.

- Click here for the article. 

Conservative school board candidates across Texas suffered an array of defeats in Saturday’s local elections, marking a clear setback for the Republican-aligned movement to shape how grade school curriculums and library books confront issues of race, sex and gender.

The sweeping losses for conservative school board hopefuls also served as an early sign of potential backlash to the nascent administration of President Donald Trump, ahead of a 2026 midterm in which a number of statewide offices will be on the ballot. Midterm elections historically have spelled trouble for the incumbent president’s party in down-ballot races.

Saturday’s elections saw the defeat of numerous conservative school board trustees in the Tarrant County suburbs surrounding Fort Worth, the epicenter of the state’s recent culture war fights over how students should learn about race and gender. All seven school board candidates in contested races who were endorsed by the Tarrant County Republican Party lost their elections.

The fight dates back to 2022, when a network of conservative donors and groups led by Patriot Mobile Action — a North Texas Christian nationalist PAC funded by a cellphone company — backed a slate of 11 school board candidates around the area, 10 of whom won their elections. That included major gains on the Mansfield ISD board, where the newfound conservative majority gave itself oversight over which library books could be added to school shelves, presaging a proposal now making its way through the Legislature.

All three Mansfield ISD trustees up for reelection Saturday had been backed by Patriot Mobile Action and were endorsed this year by the Tarrant County GOP; all three lost their reelection bids. The party’s pick for Mansfield mayor, Julie Short, also failed to unseat incumbent Michael Evans.

Conservatives also racked up losses on the nearby Arlington, Grapevine-Colleyville and Keller ISD boards. Keller ISD trustees have drawn statewide attention over a 2022 policy that, in practice, allowed community members to block proposed book purchases.

For more: 

- In Mansfield, re-elected Mayor says voters sent a message: "People are tired of the uber partisanship" .

- Election results: Mansfield mayor declares victory, Place 5 headed to runoff.

 

https://communityimpact.com/houston/pearland-friendswood/development/2025/04/16/renewing-pearland-old-town-pearland-officials-look-to-revitalize-old-town-with-new-plan/

https://chatgpt.com/c/681a3ff2-a0b4-800a-b4e3-376f36fde493

https://www.houstontx.gov/housing/fair-housing/flyers/2021/english/FH-Hotline-Renters-Flyer-Final-V2-081721.pdf

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-weather/forecast/article/tornado-watch-tuesday-southeast-texas-20312631.php

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/06/trump-presidency-news/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/?reload=true&_=1746554064115

- Texas lawmakers moving to greatly increase control of state universities.

- SB 37.

Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board: Flood Control in Texas

SWIFT Program: No Texas miracle without Texas water

From the Washington Post: Tracking the court actions and lawsuits over Trump’s agenda

For a more detailed look at the uses of the courts to push back against recent executive actions.

- Click here for it. 

Will the courts determine that these are within the proper parameters of presidential powers?

For Review: Dear CHatGPT: How Can a U.S. President Abuse Executive Power?

From the Texas Tribune: Private school vouchers are now law in Texas. Here’s how they will work.

- Click here for the article. 

Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday signed legislation authorizing a private school voucher program into law, marking the grand finale of an oftentimes ugly conflict that has largely defined Texas politics this decade.

Senate Bill 2 will allow families to use public taxpayer dollars to fund their children’s education at an accredited private school or to pay for a wide range of school-related expenses, like textbooks, transportation or therapy. The program will be one of the largest school voucher initiatives in the nation.

“When I ran for reelection in 2022, I promised school choice for the families of Texas. Today, we deliver on that promise,” said Abbott during the bill's signing before hundreds of applauding supporters gathered outside the Governor's Mansion. “Gone are the days that families are limited to only the school assigned by government. The day has arrived that empowers parents to choose the school that’s best for their child.”

The law will go into effect on Sept. 1, with the program expected to launch in late 2026.

For GOVT 2306 - 5/5/25

- Winners and losers from Houston-area elections on bond packages, school board races and more.

- Gov. Abbott threatens to pull San Marcos funding over 'antisemitic' Israel ceasefire resolution.

- U.S. House moves to cut $3.3 billion program that would expand sidewalks in Houston.

- Houston council OKs application for $966M loan to build a new East Water Purification Plant.

- Exclusive: Houston could face lawsuit if city doesn’t renegotiate or withdraw from transportation council.

- After the failed attempt to impeach AG Paxton, state senators wants to change Texas' impeachment law.

How did Putin's military shortages get so bad? | Members Q&A

HB 4814
Author: Gerdes
Last Action: 04/03/2025 H Referred to Public Education: Apr 3 2025 12:38PM
Caption: Relating to the display of and allowance for non-human behaviors in Texas schools.

HB 366
Author: Phelan
Last Action: 04/30/2025 S Received from the House
Caption: Relating to required disclosures on certain political advertising that contains altered media; creating a criminal offense.

HB 32
Author: Button | Geren | Moody | Smithee | Leach
Last Action: 04/08/2025 H Reported favorably as substituted
Caption: Relating to the eviction from real property of certain persons not entitled to enter, occupy, or remain in possession of the premises.

For today's 2305 - and probably tomorrow also

- Outline United States policies regarding westward emmigration beginning in 1790.

- Outline United States policies encouraging agriculture beginning in 1790.

- Outline United States policies encouraging the development of cities beginning in 1790.

- Outline United States policies encouraging the development of interstate commerce beginning in 1790.

- Outline United States policies encouraging the development of interstate transportation beginning in 1790.

- Outline United States policies improving interstate communications beginning in 1790.