Austin, TX

Texas Democrats select Kendall Scudder as state party chair

Published

2 months ago

March 29, 2025

Texas Democrats select Kendall Scudder as state party chair

Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.

The Texas Democratic Party’s governing board on Saturday elected Kendall Scudder to lead the party forward as its new chair after a devastating performance in November and years of electoral defeats.

“The challenge that we’re facing right now is terrifying for this country and for this state, and a lot of people are counting on us to come together and do the right thing and make sure that we are building a Texas Democratic Party that is worthy of the grassroots in this state,” Scudder said upon taking the gavel. “Let’s build a party that the working men and women of this state can be proud of.”

Scudder took 65 out of 121 votes, an outright majority in the seven-way race.

Scudder will take over as chair of the state party at a moment when Democrats are grasping for a way forward after blowout losses up and down the ballot last year, including President Donald Trump’s victory and a surge to the right by traditionally Democratic groups, such as Hispanic voters in South Texas.

After proclaiming Texas a competitive state where Democratic candidates had a fighting chance of winning statewide for the first time in three decades, party leaders instead watched as Trump and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz trounced their Democratic challengers by roughly 14 and 9 percentage points, respectively. Democrats also ceded ground in the state Legislature and lost nearly every contested state appellate court race, in addition to 10 judicial races in Harris County — eating away at years of Democratic dominance in Texas’ largest county.

That left many Democrats concerned that, after appearing to come within striking distance of winning statewide in 2018, the party was back at a sobering low.

Longtime Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa announced his resignation shortly after the election, acknowledging the party’s poor performance and a need for a new direction.

That push for a fresh vision defined the race for party chair. Scudder will be the incumbent come 2026, when a broader group of delegates will elect the next full-term chair at the party convention in Corpus Christi. The 121-member State Democratic Executive Committee chose Hinojosa’s successor at the Saturday meeting, its first quarterly meeting of the year, because he resigned in the middle of his four-year term.

During his campaign, Scudder, an East Texas native, emphasized the importance of listening to the “grassroots.” Even before he launched his candidacy, he had accused party leadership under Hinojosa of ignoring those voters and activists. He wants to “recalibrate” the party toward a focus on working people.

“The reality is simply that Democrats on the ground don’t have a lot of confidence in party leadership anymore,” Scudder told The Texas Tribune in an interview on Thursday.

He wants the party to pay attention to areas he says it has previously written off, like rural communities, and put a priority on Spanish-language communications.

Scudder has worked in affordable housing and real estate. He came onto the state party stage through the SDEC, although he began his political activism with the Texas Young Democrats and the Texas College Democrats.

Scudder’s leading opponents, former Harris County Democratic Party Chair Lillie Schechter and former Annie’s List Executive Director Patsy Woods Martin, had offered similar but competing visions to re-establish Democratic credibility on kitchen table issues and reconnect with voters in their communities. During the campaign, Schechter and Woods Martin emphasized their experience getting Democratic candidates elected.

The SDEC hosted a candidate forum in Austin on Friday evening before toasting Hinojosa, the outgoing chair.

There, and at the panel’s meeting on Saturday, party insiders discussed how to rebuild credibility with working class voters, engage young people, fundraise and build a party infrastructure that better facilitates elected officials’ involvement in races around the state.

“The problem is that every Democrat thinks that if they had 10 more minutes, they could explain it to you,” Scudder said on party messaging during the forum. “We’ve got to get to a point where we’re speaking to people at their gut, because people vote with their guts and not their brains.”

While most party chair contests are shaped by region and race and decided at the party’s convention during midterm election years, this race was a more insular affair whose outcome was determined by a small group of the party’s activists, many of whom are progressives dissatisfied with the party’s strategies and operations.

Although the SDEC was prepared to go multiple rounds with their ranked choice ballot, Scudder’s 65 allowed him to win in the first round. Woods Martin took 27 votes, and Schechter took 26. Denton County Democratic Party Chair Delia Parker-Mims took two votes, and Meri Gomez rounded out the count with one vote. Eight candidates appeared on the ballot, but one dropped out before the election.

As the votes were tabulated, members passed out to-go shots of blue liquor — and non-alcoholic options — in an effort to liven spirits after a difficult 2024 election and an unprecedented chair race.

The candidates were largely aligned ideologically. And they especially all agreed on the need for change in the party’s direction.

“We are at an inflection point right now,” Schechter said, “and if we don’t learn lessons from the last election, and continue doing things status quo, we’re never going to win in Texas.”

We can’t wait to welcome you to the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas’ breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 13–15 in downtown Austin. Step inside the conversations shaping the future of education, the economy, health care, energy, technology, public safety, culture, the arts and so much more.

Hear from our CEO, Sonal Shah, on TribFest 2025.

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.

Source link

Click to comment

Austin, TX

UCF softball vs. Texas live updates: NCAA softball score, highlights

Published

20 minutes ago

May 18, 2025

Press Room

UCF softball vs. Texas live updates: NCAA softball score, highlights

The UCF Knights and Texas Longhorns will battle for the Austin Regional championship Sunday.

Texas (48-10), the No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, needs to win only once to advance to the super regionals. For UCF (35-23-1) to move on, it will need to claim the first game at 1 p.m. at Red & Charline McCombs Field and capture a second victory over the Longhorns later in the afternoon.

Game 1 will air on ESPN+.

Watch UCF softball vs. Texas on ESPN+

The Knights did their jobs Saturday, triumphing 10-2 over Eastern Illinois and 10-8 over Michigan. A loss would’ve ended their season.

On the other hand, Texas has yet to be truly challenged in the Regional. It crushed Eastern Illinois 10-2 Friday and dominated the Wolverines 16-4 Saturday.

The News-Journal is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along.

UCF softball score: Texas 2, Knights 0, top of 2

Texas strikes first.

Following a one-out walk to Victoria Hunter, Leighann Goode blasts a Vega pitch over the wall to straightaway center field for a two-run homer.

UCF softball starting pitcher

Isabella Vega will get the start for the Knights. The redshirt freshman enters with a 1.55 ERA across 131⅓ innings (31 appearances).

Teagan Kavan will start for the Longhorns. Kavan holds a 2.59 ERA.

What time does UCF softball vs. Texas start?

Date: Sunday, May 18
Time: 1 p.m. EST
Where: Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, Texas

What TV channel is UCF softball vs. Texas on today?

UCF softball schedule 2025

Below are UCF’s last five results. To view the Knights’ full 2025 schedule, click here.

Wednesday, May 7: UCF 7, Utah 5 (Big 12 Tournament)
Thursday, May 8: Arizona 4, UCF 3 (Big 12 Tournament)
Friday, May 16: Michigan 4, UCF 3 (NCAA softball tournament)
Saturday, May 17: UCF 10, Eastern Illinois 2 (5 inn.) (NCAA softball tournament)
Saturday, May 17: UCF 10, Michigan 8 (NCAA softball tournament)

Texas softball schedule 2025

Below are Texas’ last five results. To view the Longhorns’ full 2025 schedule, click here.

Saturday, May 3: Texas 12, Kentucky 3 (5 Inn.)
Thursday, May 8: Texas 7, Ole Miss 6 (SEC Tournament)
Friday, May 9: Texas A&M 14, Texas 2 (5 Inn.) (SEC Tournament)
Friday, May 16: No. 6 Texas 10, Eastern Illinois 2 (NCAA softball tournament)
Saturday, May 17: Texas 16, Michigan 4, (6 inn.) (NCAA softball tournament)

Source link

Austin, TX

The seventh Google Store opens on May 30

Published

17 hours ago

May 17, 2025

Press Room

At the end of this month, Google Store Domain Northside in Austin, Texas will open as the company’s seventh retail location in the US.

News about this location emerged in January, with Texas becoming the Google Store’s fifth state. It is located in an outdoor shopping area surrounded by restaurants, residential space, and corporate offices. There is a pretty big Apple Store in the area.

Located at 11701 Domain Blvd, Suite 164, Austin, TX 78758, the Google Store grand opening is set for Friday, May 30 at 10:00 AM CDT.

This is Google’s second store opening this year after Santa Monica, with this upcoming launch matching the two-store pace of 2024. It remains to be seen if there will be others this year.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

As always, you can demo and buy Pixel phones, watches, earbuds, and tablets, as well as Nest smart home devices (like cameras and thermostats). There’s also Fitbit, other accessories, and branded Google merchandise.

Meanwhile, those in the area can order online and pick-up in the store, while Google offers troubleshooting, Pixel phone repair, classes, and other activities.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Source link

Austin, TX

Orlando Outpaces Honolulu, Hawaii, Austin, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, Salt Lake City as America’s Top Summer Travel Destinations During this Memorial Day Trip Surge, What Everyone’s Talking About – Travel And Tour World

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2025

Press Room

Orlando Outpaces Honolulu, Hawaii, Austin, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, Salt Lake City as America’s Top Summer Travel Destinations During this Memorial Day Trip Surge, What Everyone’s Talking About – Travel And Tour World

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Orlando is officially leading the pack. As travelers pack their bags for the Memorial Day trip surge, it’s clear that Orlando outpaces every other contender. This year, it’s not just about sunshine and roller coasters—it’s about value, variety, and easy access. While cities like Honolulu, Hawaii, and Austin, Texas offer charm and excitement, Orlando delivers a complete summer travel package. And right now, everyone’s talking about it.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati, Ohio and Salt Lake City continue to attract savvy travelers with cultural gems and outdoor escapes. But even with their rising popularity, Orlando outpaces them in affordability, family appeal, and entertainment options. As the Memorial Day trip surge kicks off the season, the spotlight remains on Orlando.

People are skipping the long-haul flights to Honolulu, Hawaii in favor of quicker getaways. They’re choosing theme park thrills over live music in Austin, Texas. And while Cincinnati, Ohio and Salt Lake City offer great getaways, Orlando edges them out with sheer versatility.

What’s more, everyone’s talking about how Orlando has become the heartbeat of American summer travel. It’s the city that delivers on every front—fun, food, affordability, and family-friendliness.

So, as the Memorial Day trip surge fuels travel conversations nationwide, don’t be surprised that Orlando outpaces destinations like Honolulu, Hawaii, Austin, Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Salt Lake City. This isn’t just a trend. It’s a travel takeover. And everyone’s talking about where they’re heading first.

Travel season is heating up—and so are travel prices. But even as airfare, hotels, and dining costs rise, your dream summer getaway doesn’t have to burn through your savings. A new study from WalletHub reveals the most affordable cities for summer travel in 2025, blending high value with high adventure.

Whether you’re looking to escape for a weekend or plan a multi-week vacation, these U.S. destinations rank highest in terms of cost, access, attractions, and overall travel convenience. What makes them stand out? Each city delivers a uniquely American experience—without the sticker shock.

WalletHub’s Methodology: What Makes a City Budget-Friendly?

WalletHub analyzed 100 major metro areas across six core metrics: travel costs and hassles, local expenses, attractions, weather, activities, and safety. The goal? To identify cities that offer the best value per vacation dollar.

Each destination was scored out of 100, creating a weighted average that puts both entertainment and economics into context. The cities topping the list aren’t just affordable—they’re also culturally rich, easy to navigate, and packed with reasons to visit now.

#1 Orlando, Florida – The Magic of Affordability

Orlando claims the crown this year, and not just because of its world-famous theme parks. While Disney and Universal attract families from around the globe, Orlando also offers incredibly affordable lodging (as low as $42 per night for 3-star hotels) and a surprising number of free and low-cost attractions.

Boat tours, art installations, lakefront parks, and quirky neighborhoods offer endless adventures without premium prices. Orlando blends luxury with budget-savvy fun, making it a no-brainer for travelers of all ages.

#2 Atlanta, Georgia – A Southern Star with Massive Value

Atlanta ranks second for many reasons: its strategic location, airport connectivity, and affordable access make it a central hub for both long-distance road trippers and air travelers. From free festivals and parks to low-cost entertainment, Atlanta stretches your dollar farther than most major cities.

It also shines with its vibrant food scene, rich Civil Rights history, and top-rated attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.

#3 Washington, D.C. – A Capital Experience That Doesn’t Cost a Fortune

America’s capital is surprisingly affordable. With dozens of free museums, national landmarks, and public gardens, D.C. offers one of the most enriching travel experiences in the U.S.—without spending big.

Hotels are reasonably priced, and public transport is convenient and safe. With a lower-than-average crime rate, Washington, D.C. is ideal for families, solo travelers, and cultural explorers alike.

Other Standouts: Culture, Comfort, and Cost-Saving All in One

Here are the remaining WalletHub top 15 affordable summer destinations for 2025:

#4 Honolulu, Hawaii – Surprising entry, but off-season airfare and island deals make it more reachable than ever.
#5 Austin, Texas – Live music, lakes, and low costs.
#6 Cincinnati, Ohio – A Midwest gem filled with art and food festivals.
#7 Salt Lake City, Utah – Outdoor adventure and calm, walkable neighborhoods.
#8 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – American history, vibrant culture, and walkable cityscapes.
#9 Miami, Florida – Art Deco, beaches, and unbeatable summer hotel discounts.
#10 Dallas, Texas – Museums, music, and modern family fun.
#11 Knoxville, Tennessee – Gateway to the Smokies with a small-town vibe.
#12 Tampa, Florida – Waterfront escapes and low-cost thrills.
#13 Richmond, Virginia – Civil War history and Southern hospitality.
#14 Chicago, Illinois – Big city adventure with surprising summer deals.
#15 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Rodeos, rivers, and rising cultural status.

Why Budget Travel Is Booming in 2025

This year, travelers are getting smarter about their spending. Rising inflation and airfare costs are prompting tourists to seek greater value, not just the flashiest destinations.

Tourism boards across the country are responding by offering discounted travel packages, free public events, and hotel loyalty programs that reward extended stays. Many second-tier cities are investing in digital nomad amenities, local experience tours, and free public transit—all of which enhance the travel experience without increasing the price tag.

Moreover, family travel, road trips, and solo getaways are shaping 2025’s travel trends. Travelers want more authentic, local, and affordable experiences, and the destinations on this list deliver.

Travel Smarter: Tips for Booking Your Budget Getaway

Planning your summer escape? Here are a few quick strategies to maximize your travel dollar:

Travel midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer cheaper flights and hotel rates.
Book early or last-minute: Dynamic pricing rewards both planners and flexible adventurers.
Use fare alerts: Track routes to cities like Atlanta, D.C., and Orlando for sudden dips.
Look beyond big chains: Boutique hotels, local rentals, and eco-stays often offer better value and experience.
Bundle up: Many destinations now offer city cards that include transit, museum entries, and attraction discounts.

What This Means for the Travel Industry

The WalletHub list reflects a broader shift in American travel behavior. Tourists are gravitating away from the most crowded, overpriced destinations and toward cities with soul, affordability, and accessibility.

For airlines and hospitality brands, the message is clear: price transparency, local partnerships, and traveler trust are more valuable than ever. The smartest brands are already tailoring packages to these rising destinations, knowing that volume and value now go hand in hand.

Regional airports, budget airlines, and boutique hotel groups stand to gain the most—especially those that invest in infrastructure and digital outreach before peak summer hits.

Final Word: Don’t Let High Prices Cancel Your Summer Plans

Travel doesn’t have to be exclusive. And a tight budget shouldn’t stop anyone from exploring the incredible diversity of the United States. From oceanfront boardwalks in Florida, to the historic heartbeat of Philadelphia, to the rising food scenes in Cincinnati and Dallas, the options for affordable, inspiring travel are more accessible than ever.

This summer, skip the stress and embrace the savings. Let your budget take you somewhere unforgettable.

Tags: Austin, Chicago, cincinnati, Dallas, florida, hawaii, honolulu, Illinois, Knoxville, Memorial Day Trip, Miami, Ohio, Oklahom, oklahoma city, pennsylvania, Philadelphia, richmond, salt lake city, Tampa, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia