Texas
Vice President Kamala Harris calls on Texans to protect reproductive and voting rights during Austin visit
/static.texastribune.org/media/files/ccb3acffefcfe9ec0466eb345ec71d8b/Kamala%20Harris%20LBJ%20EG%20TT%2025%20CROPPED.jpg "Vice President Kamala Harris calls on Texans to protect reproductive and voting rights during Austin visit")
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Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday known as Texas’ abortion ban “immoral” and urged Texans to guard reproductive rights when contemplating their decisions within the upcoming November elections.
“A democracy can be as sturdy as our willingness to struggle for it,” she mentioned throughout a dialogue on reproductive rights on the LBJ Presidential Library on the College of Texas at Austin campus, a part of a daylong journey that ended with an look at a downtown fundraiser for Texas Democrats.
Whereas Harris careworn the significance of voting not just for a governor and legal professional common who help reproductive rights, she additionally famous native elections had been additionally essential, particularly in relation to selecting a prosecutor. District attorneys will now need to resolve whether or not to prosecute Texas docs and well being care employees in the event that they carry out an abortion not meant to avoid wasting the lifetime of the pregnant affected person.
Performing an abortion in Texas is now a felony punishable by as much as life in jail. The brand new state legislation, which has solely slim exceptions to avoid wasting the lifetime of a pregnant affected person, went into impact in August, two months after the U.S. Supreme Courtroom overturned Roe v. Wade. The legislation has compelled Texans to hunt abortions in different states.
“It’s going to matter who your county prosecutor is when you reside in a spot the place there’s a state legislation that has criminalized docs and nurses and well being care suppliers,” Harris mentioned.
Harris mentioned that the U.S. Division of Justice is working with state attorneys common to make sure Individuals have a proper to journey however “not the one in Texas,” she mentioned, referring to Texas Legal professional Common Ken Paxton.
On the fundraiser, Harris endorsed Beto O’Rourke for governor and highlighted for the viewers among the Biden administration’s achievements: distributing pandemic reduction, passing the Inflation Discount Act, which caps drug costs for Medicare recipients, together with passing a hefty infrastructure invoice alongside and making historic strides to handle the local weather change disaster.
However she additionally spent loads of her handle discussing the U.S. Supreme Courtroom choice this summer time within the Dobbs v. Jackson case, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
“America Supreme Courtroom simply took a constitutional proper that had been acknowledged from the folks of America, from the ladies of America,” Harris mentioned. “Whereas extremists — so-called leaders — trumpet the rhetoric of freedom, they assault the very foundations of freedom.”
She blamed Texas’ elected GOP leaders for eradicating girls’s freedoms, calling them “those passing legal guidelines making it tough for folks within the states to vote.”
Harris added: “A kind of folks is the governor of this very state.” Even earlier than the Dobbs choice, she mentioned, Gov. Greg Abbott and different leaders handed among the “most radical, most anti-women legal guidelines within the nation.”
Harris warned that overturning Roe was only a first step for Republicans.
“The place do we predict that is heading?” Harris requested the gang. “Justice Clarence Thomas mentioned the quiet half out loud. Contraception is on the road. Marriage equality is on the road. With Republican get together leaders in cost, well being care is on the road.”
One matter noticeably absent from her go to was any point out of immigration.
Shortly after Biden took workplace, he assigned Harris the accountability of immigration. In June 2021 Harris she traveled to Guatemala and Mexico, a visit she mentioned was an effort to deal with the basis causes of unlawful immigration. Just a few weeks after that journey, she visited Border Patrol services in El Paso and met with migrant assist teams, however the vp has not but visited the Rio Grande Valley, the place numerous border apprehensions are taking place.
Predictably, Harris’ go to drew barbs from Texas Republicans, together with Texas Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, who’ve criticized the federal authorities’s stance concerning the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Texans have been compelled to bear the results of this Administration’s failure to handle the border disaster, together with the historic variety of unlawful crossings in addition to the tragic rise in migrant deaths, drug smuggling, fentanyl overdoses, and cartel violence,” Cornyn mentioned in a press release on Friday. “Sadly, the Administration’s Border Czar hasn’t seen the epicenter of their self-inflicted disaster firsthand, which has overwhelmed our border communities and legislation enforcement.”
Cornyn’s jab at Harris got here after Cruz, put stress on the Biden administration on immigration, threatening Division of Homeland Safety Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with impeachment for “dereliction of responsibility” on the southern border in a letter to the division Thursday.
Federal immigration brokers have recorded 2.1 million encounters on the Southwest border — a document quantity — within the first 11 months of the fiscal 12 months 2022, which ended on Sept. 30 That’s a 24% enhance from your entire earlier fiscal 12 months 2021. Of these, greater than half occurred on the Texas-Mexico border, the place brokers recorded 1.2 million encounters in the course of the first 11 months of the fiscal 12 months 2022.
One caveat. These numbers embody repeat border crossings by people who made a couple of try. And people repeat crossings have helped drive the variety of encounters larger.
In March 2020, the Trump administration invoked an emergency well being order generally known as Title 42 which immigration brokers have used to immediately flip away many individuals making an attempt to cross the border, again to Mexico, together with asylum seekers, with out having to file expenses and wait on the formal deportation course of.
Immigration brokers document an individual making an attempt to cross greater than as soon as throughout the identical fiscal 12 months as a brand new encounter. The most recent recidivism price accessible exhibits that it’s at 27%, the best it’s been because the fiscal 12 months 2015.
Reporter Uriel Garcia contributed to this story.
Disclosure: LBJ Presidential Library and College of Texas at Austin have been monetary supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group that’s funded partly by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Monetary supporters play no position within the Tribune’s journalism. Discover a full listing of them right here.
I arrived at the San Antonio International Airport and stepped outside to meet my ride. The dry, hot air gave me an instant flashback to my days intermittently working in the West Texas oilfield. I’ve seen quite a bit of the Lone Star State and couldn’t wait to get to Fredericksburg. I’d heard so much about this cute historical German town in the Texas Hill Country.
After an hour’s drive, the shuttle driver and my host said, “We’re on Wine Road 290.” The county has over 75 wineries, vineyards, and wine-tasting rooms. I thought, “What a perfect getaway for Texans and travelers flying into the area.”
A unique stay in a whimsical hideaway
Blue Sage No. 12
I wasn’t surprised to see the rolling hills as we drove toward the property I was staying at outside town. But I was astonished at how green this part of Texas was, especially since I was visiting at the end of the summer. I learned that Fredericksburg is home to the largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms, and seeing the fields of flowers is a popular activity during the spring. People come from all over to admire the bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and red poppies.
We pulled up to Blue Sage, where I was staying, and I was instantly excited to check in to my accommodations — No. 12. The dark blue treehouse-inspired cottages looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. As I toured the inside of mine, I was awed by the warm and inviting boho decor. The loft room, with a giant soak tub overlooking the woods, was grounding, and I knew I had found a comfy weekday retreat.
After resting and freshening up from the long travel day, I met with friends to enjoy cocktails at Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen in Fredericksburg’s historic district. We sipped and savored a handcrafted cocktail and a few small bites in their relaxing lounge area before heading to Hill & Vine for dinner. Known for their Southern staples, trying Texas wine and their black-eyed pea hummus was delicious.
Hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock on a blue sky day / Ashlee hiking the Summit Trail
In 2023, over 300,000 people visited Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. It’s a popular place for hiking, camping, and bird-watching – many migratory birds fly through.
The iconic rock feature is one billion years old, and you can hike to the top of the pink granite dome along the Summit Trail. The climb is steep, but the views of Hill Country are worth the trek.
Planning tip: Be sure to make reservations to visit the park. October through May are the busiest times of the year to explore, and parking is limited.
After hiking, we drove back into town for lunch at Hill Country Herb Garden. Their menu is curated with wellness in mind and rotates seasonally. I had a beautiful kale and quinoa salad with steak, just what my body needed after the morning’s hike. After lunch, we toured the herb gardens, gift shop, and spa — they make custom scents. There are even 14 quaint little cottages on the property you can book for lodging.
Learn about Fredericksburg’s German heritage
Outside of the Vereins Kirche Museum / Lunch at the Hill Country Herb Garden
Germans immigrated to the area in the mid-1800s after being enticed by promises of a new life. It wasn’t just Germans; Danish and Swiss settlers also made their way to Fredericksburg. You can learn more about the town’s history at the Vereins Kirche Museum and the Pioneer Museum.
You can do a self-guided tour of a historic homestead at the Pioneer Museum and see inside the buildings, including a traditional Sunday house. A Sunday house is where families that lived out of town and worked on farms and ranches would stay on the weekends so they could attend church.
After an exciting day of hiking and tours, we ended the evening with an Italian-inspired dinner at Alla Campagna. The savory Heritage Chicken Risotto and a Texas white wine were the perfect way to end the day. I couldn’t resist topping the day off with a few bites of homemade chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio gelato.
A morning of local retail therapy
Row of cowboy boots at Allens Boots / Breakfast at the Keidel Pharmacy
The following day, we drove into town and had breakfast at Keidel Pharmacy inside the new Albert Hotel (the largest hotel on the main street, opening in January 2025). I was pleased to start the day with a piece of gluten-free cinnamon coffee cake and an almond milk London Fog latte.
Afterward, I spent a few hours window shopping and checking out all the cute local stores, such as Carol Hicks Bolton, Blackchalk Home + Laundry, Allens Boots, and Flying Cow Tallow.
For lunch, we grabbed a glass of rosé and a quick salad at Standard Public House before heading to the vineyards for wine tasting.
Discover Fredericksburg’s wine scene
Meierstone Vineyards / Airis’Ele Vineyards
While traveling, there is something glamorous and fun about visiting local wineries, hearing stories from the owners, and tasting wine. Our first stop was Meierstone Vineyards. Krystal Patel’s family has been making 100% Texas wine for seven generations, starting in the 1840s. I loved the white wine flight, and their 2023 Trebbiano was my favorite.
Next, we visited Airis’Ele Vineyards. Their team has over 40 years of experience in the wine business. I found their wine-tasting room welcoming, with big windows for Summer Tanager bird-watching. Their sweet Bienvenue was refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Don’t miss this family-run farmstand
Das Peach Haus Farmstand
Last, we headed to Das Peach Haus farmstand, which has been in business for over 50 years. The Fischer & Wieser family business sells local wines made from 100% Texas grapes, fruit jams, jellies, sauces, and other delectable artisanal goods.
Deanna Fischer, the Chief Experience Officer, shared that the company’s goal is to “Create flavorful experiences that make people happy.”
You can sample many of the farmstand’s specialty foods to select your favorites before purchasing. I appreciated that each jar provides examples of how to pair it with your next happy hour hors d’œuvre or cozy dinner at home. You can also take one of their cooking classes or have a hand-crafted cocktail at Dietz Distillery, which is next door.
It’s nice to see places like this still preserving family, food, and faith in the community.
Texas vs. Clemson: Quinn Ewers, Hayden Conner react to CFP win
Texas defeated Clemson, 38-24, in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Texas football is preparing to face the champion of its old conference in the College Football Playoff, with Big 12 champion Arizona State awaiting in the Peach Bowl.
Texas was tested in the first round, defeating Clemson 34-24 behind a rejuvenated running attack led by Jaydon Blue and Quintrevion Wisner. However, the Sun Devils, winners of six straight games, also have a fierce rushing attack led by running back Cam Skattebo, who has run for 1,568 yards rushing and 22 total touchdowns.
BUY TICKETS FOR TEXAS VS. ARIZONA STATE HERE
The Peach Bowl is held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta the same site of Texas’ loss to Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game. The winner will advance to the Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State or Big Ten champion Oregon will await. Ohio State advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Tennessee at home, 42-17.
Here’s everything to know about the upcoming game:
Where is Texas vs Arizona State?
Texas will travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to face Arizona State. It is also the location of the national championship game.
CFP Bowl locations
Peach Bowl
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Matchup: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 4 Arizona State
Fiesta Bowl
Location: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Matchup: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State
Sugar Bowl
Location: Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Matchup: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
Rose Bowl
Location: Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Matchup: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Oregon
Texas vs. Arizona State tickets
Tickets for Texas’ game against Arizona State are available here.
CFP schedule
Playoff quarterfinals
All times in CT
Tuesday, Dec. 31
Fiesta Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 1
Peach Bowl, noon
Rose Bowl, 4 p.m.
Sugar Bowl, 7:45 p.m.
Playoff semifinals
All times in CT
Thursday, Jan. 9
Orange Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 10
Cotton Bowl, 6:30 p.m.
Playoff Championship
Monday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. CT
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The Texas Longhorns are three games away from a national championship, and for the quarterfinal matchup against Arizona State, the Horns will travel to a familiar field.
Texas will take on the Sun Devils at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the same venue that hosted the SEC Championship loss to Georgia.
The new opponents have a similar story to Texas: a conference newcomer that dominated the veterans.
Arizona State joined Texas’ former conference, the Big 12, and had a breakthrough season. The Sun Devils defeated Iowa State in the conference championship to take the trophy home in their maiden season.
The Sun Devils are led by redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Michigan State. Leavitt has recorded 192 completions in 304 passing attempts for 24 touchdowns.
The defense is also led by a transfer player out of New Mexico State. Junior defensive back Myles Rowser has recorded 88 tackles and one sack.
Arizona State only dropped two games this season, both in conference play at Cincinnati and Texas Tech. The season record and championship clinch earned the Sun Devils the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff, awarding them with a bye week in the first round.
Texas, on the other hand, fell to Georgia in the championship game and dropped to the fifth seed, while the Bulldogs earned the second. But that wasn’t enough to stop the Longhorns from advancing.
The Horns had no issues defeating ACC champion Clemson in the first round at home.
Texas and Arizona State will face each other on New Year’s Day for a spot in the semifinals.
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