Austin, TX
Texas lawmakers to consider congressional map redrawing after pressure from Trump
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Legislature is set to revisit the state’s congressional maps during an upcoming special session, following pressure from former President Donald Trump, who has reportedly urged Republican lawmakers to flip several Democratic seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Of the 38 congressional seats in Texas, 25 are currently held by Republicans, with 12 held by Democrats and one vacant following the death of Representative Sylvester Turner earlier this year. Trump has suggested redrawing the district boundaries to flip as many as five Democratic-held seats, aiming to further secure the GOP’s narrow House majority.
President Trump indicated to reporters that redrawing the maps could shift three to five seats from Democrats to Republicans, further solidifying the state’s already Republican-majority delegation.
Congressman Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat representing Austin, is no stranger to redistricting battles in Texas. He recalled that his district lines had once extended to the Rio Grande Valley and nearly to Houston. “I was once drawn all the way to Mexico. I had an office in McAllen. I was once drawn almost all the way to Houston,” Doggett said.
ALSO| Flash floods have a surge of Texans signing up for emergency alerts
Doggett also stated that Trump recently sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott, identifying four districts as being gerrymandered along racial lines. He pointed out the inconsistency of that claim, noting, “Keep in mind they were gerrymandered by a Republican-controlled state legislature and Republican officials have just been giving testimony in a lawsuit in El Paso under oath that there was no racial consideration.”
Jim Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project, emphasized the potential impact of even a small number of flipped seats. “If you redraw the maps and you win 2, 3, 4, it’s still going to be a pretty big win, given how close the House of Representatives is,” Henson said.
Democratic Representative Greg Casar has publicly opposed the redistricting effort, and Doggett warned that the proposed changes present broader dangers. “It’s a very serious threat to democracy. I think it’s not about helping Texas. It’s all about helping President Trump stay in office,” he said.
Republican Representative Michael McCaul declined to comment on the issue. A request for comment from Republican Representative Chip Roy’s office was not returned.
Governor Abbott has scheduled the special election to fill the late Representative Turner’s seat for November, eight months after Turner’s death.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — You know the saying: ‘April showers bring May flowers’. A wetter-than-normal pattern is likely in Texas through early April, hopefully making a dent in our extreme drought, and lowering pollen totals!
It’s not just the Lone Star State; several storm systems will bring mountain snow, heavy rain, and the potential for severe weather across the country into the upcoming weekend, Saturday, April 4 through 5.
Severe Weather
The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted parts of the Southern Plains, Great Plains, and Midwest for potential severe weather on Friday. There is a level 3/5 (Enhanced) risk for cities such as St. Joseph, Ottumwa, Kirksville, Moberly, and Indianola.
There is a growing concern for large hail, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado in the highlighted area.
There is a level 2/5 (Slight) risk for cities such as Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Tulsa, Des Moines, and Overland Park on Friday.
Texas Travel
Traveling in Texas this weekend for Easter Sunday? Bring an umbrella and a rain jacket! Scattered thunderstorms, including a few strong-to-severe storms, are possible.
A strong cold front arrives on Saturday afternoon, bringing widespread rain chances. There is a level 1/5 (Marginal) risk for cities such as Houston, Shreveport, Jackson, Cleveland, and Buffalo.
High temperatures on Sunday will be cooler than normal. In Austin, we’ll likely remain in the 60s.
Wet Pattern
The Climate Prediction Center has high confidence in a wetter-than-normal pattern continuing through mid-April.
A few cold shots of late winter air will cool down parts of the Midwest and Northeast in the next week, with some late-season snow possible. Most of the country is trending warmer-than-normal.
AUSTIN, Texas — The owner of two renowned Mexican restaurants in Austin has purchased local southern food institution Hoover’s Cooking, and plans to open a taquería on the property are in the works.
According to a report from the Austin American-Statesman, Este and Suerte owner Sam Hellman-Mass finalized the purchase of the Manor Road staple this week.
Hoover Alexander has operated Hoover’s Cooking for nearly 30 years, bringing comfort food classics to North Austin. The chef and Austin native recently announced his retirement, with the restaurant set to close May 31.
While there are popular taco dishes on the menu at both Este and Suerte, Hellman-Mass and executive chef Fermín Núñez plan to build an outpost devoted to tacos at the east end of the Hoover’s lot.
Plans for the building that was home to Hoover’s have not yet been determined.
As for Hoover’s legacy, Hellman-Mass told the Statesman he plans to work with Hoover to commemorate him as he retires, calling him “a paragon of character and hospitality.”
North Dakota Supreme Court hears arguments on term limits lawsuit
Helen Rankin, the first Black woman in the Ohio House, dies at 89
Can a Local Product Emerge as Oklahoma’s Answer to Depth at Linebacker?
Audit finds missed safety checks at Oregon state parks
Disturbing footage | Pa. pediatric nurse faces charges for allegedly abusing infant
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
GOP rails against ‘s— sandwich’ deal as all eyes turn to House to end DHS shutdown
Planning commission approves Trump’s White House ballroom plans
Trump does not have to turn over presidential records, Justice Department says
Map: 4.6-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Northern California
What you need to know: 5 key takeaways from Trump’s Iran address
-
South-Carolina5 days agoSouth Carolina vs TCU predictions for Elite Eight game in March Madness
-
Education1 week agoVideo: Trader Joe’s Dip Head-to-Head Taste Test
-
Miami, FL1 week agoJannik Sinner’s Girlfriend Laila Hasanovic Stuns in Ab-Revealing Post Amid Miami Open
-
Culture1 week agoWil Wheaton Discusses ‘Stand By Me’ and Narrating ‘The Body’ Audiobook
-
Minneapolis, MN1 week agoBoy who shielded classmate during school shooting receives Medal of Honor
-
Culture1 week agoWhat Happens When We Die? This Wallace Stevens Poem Has Thoughts.
-
Vermont5 days agoSkier dies after fall at Sugarbush Resort
-
Politics5 days agoTrump’s Ballroom Design Has Barely Been Scrutinized