John C. Moritz

A real treat to join ⁦‪@HannahNorton89‬⁩ and ⁦‪@James_Barragan‬⁩ on James’ inaugural “Reporters Roundtable” as host on Spectrum’s Capital Tonight. It airs at 7. Tune in. #txlege

Who was Lloyd Bentsen? New podcast makes case that Texas politics needs someone like him The former Democratic senator from Texas is best remembered for his zinger in a debate. But Bentsen's family says his legacy runs much deeper.

Latest column: New podcast makes the case that Lloyd Bentsen should be remembered for more than just his withering putdown of Dan Quayle all those years ago. www.statesman.com/story/news/p...

Luci Baines Johnson, daughter of LBJ, and Congressman Lloyd Doggett at an anti-Trump rally at the Texas Capitol. #txlege

These Texas teachers lost pay when taking parental leave. They aren't alone. Texas doesn’t provide paid parental leave for teachers, leaving thousands to rely on limited vacation time to bond with their newborns.

Despite 3 of 4 TX teachers being women, many school districts don't offer paid maternity leave. That didn't surprise me too much. Most Texans dn't hve it.

But what I didn't know - & I'd guess much of the public doesn't - is they can also DOCK teachers' pay 🧵 www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/tex...

Embattled Texas Lottery Commission moves to ban courier companies that sell tickets online A state Senate panel on Monday will consider legislation that would ban the online ticket brokers from operating in Texas.

The course reversal by the Texas Lottery
comes just hours before a Senate committee hearing on a bill to outlaw the online ticket brokers. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...

Burrows said HB3's companion is HB2, the educations savings account. Calls the tandem the "Texas Two Step." He says "We have the votes to get it done." #txlege capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...

At #TPPF, Speaker
@Burrows4TX
says HB3, the voucher bill, has been filed. capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/H...

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says he has 'no confidence' in the Texas Lottery In an exclusive interview, the powerful Republican cast major doubt on the future of the 33-year-old, state-run gaming operation.

Not one to mince words, here's what
@DanPatrick had to say about the controversial lottery courier companies operating in Texas and elsewhere: "A courier is nothing more than a phony baloney name for an app." statesman.com/story/news/p... #txlege

Great interview from the wonderful @pamelacolloff.bsky.social with some very very good research/writing advice!

'Call me a liar to my face': Texas Gov. Abbott, Rep. Hinojosa spar over school vouchers Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has made enacting a "school choice" plan his top priority for 2025. But an Austin Democrat is pushing back.

All politics is local, as the saying goes. But sometimes it also gets personal. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p... via @statesman

Texas lottery jackpots are vulnerable to money-laundering operators, Senate panel says After being grilled by a state Senate committee, lottery officials say they need to provide better oversight of the state-run gambling agency.

The Senate Finance Committee had some harsh words for the management and oversight of the state agency that oversees the Texas lottery. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...

From the Statesman archives: Railroad, freedom colonies changed Austin after Civil War From the Archives column: As part of an Austin history series, we look at how railroads and freedom colonies altered the city's fate.

www.statesman.com/story/news/h...

Texas will provide assets in Trump's border security fight, but Abbott says feds must pay Here's why the Texas governor, who helped make border security a top issue in the 2024 election cycle, is heading back to Washington next week.

"This is going to be a federal government obligation," @GregAbbott_TX says about his recent offer to Trump. www.statesman.com/story/news/p... #txlege

Vouchers also an emergency item, Abbott says, but also promises a pay raise for teachers. And says school security needs a $500 million investment.

"I want at least $10 billion in new property tax relief,"
@GregAbbott_TX says at the top of his state of the state address where he said the issue will be a legislative emergency. #state

Dick Button dies at 95: Olympic gold medalist was figure skating's superstar and professor Dick Button was the first American Olympic figure skating gold medalist in the sport back in 1948, then again in 1952.

Sad news from the Olympics ice skating rink ... www.usatoday.com/story/sports...

Legendary legislator, educator Joe Bernal dies at 97 A beloved figure in Alamo City, Joe Bernal is best known for championing early bilingual education laws. He was 97.

The Texas House pauses to remember the life of former Rep. and Sen. Joe Bernal of San Antonio, who died Saturday at 97. Here's the @ExpressNews obit: #txlege www.expressnews.com/news/article...

Gov. Greg Abbott deploys 400 additional National Guard troops to Texas' southern border The Texas governor said the additional troops will work alongside federal border agents as part of Trump's efforts to seize the offensive.

The operations were launched from bases in Fort Worth and Houston. Includes C-130s and Chinook helicopters. The force will join thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers already deployed as part of Abbott's ongoing $11 billion Operation Lone Star. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...

How is it still only 2025?!?

Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood leader, Gov. Ann Richards' daughter, has died Two months before her death, Richards was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by them-President Joe Biden.

Exactly two months before her death, Richards was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is remembered as a committed organizer for progressive causes. www.statesman.com/story/news/l...

The House adjourn until 2pm Wednesday for long MLK Day weekend and, presumably, the inauguration on Tuesday. #txlege

Some of the hardworking members of the Capitol Press Corps in the House chamber #txlege

Secretary of State Jane Nelson is preparing to gavel in the House and will preside over any drama in the speaker race. #txlege

Show time for Day 1 of the 89th #txlege session is at noon. But press and some House already in place.

Top photos were taken yesterday. Bottoms, two years ago almost to the day. Conclusion: I have only one available facial expression in the presence of a camera. #txlege #presscredentials

U.S. Press Freedom Tracker’s Stephanie Sugars on Protests, Police and the Press - First Amendment Watch Sugars discussed the considerations that are made in including detainments or arrests and the often tumultuous relationship between police and the press.

Check out this First Amendment Watch interview with @pressfreedomtracker.us' Senior Reporter @stephaniesugars.bsky.social about the Tracker's annual arrest report and threats journalists faced in 2024.

Peter Yarrow, founding member of Peter, Paul and Mary, dies at 86 Peter Yarrow, the singer-songwriter, activist and founding member of the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has died at 86 after battling bladder cancer.

Sad news from the folk festival…

Peter Yarrow, founding member of Peter, Paul and Mary, dies at 86

www.usatoday.com/story/entert...

39 states have legalized sports betting. Will Texas join the list in 2025? Supporters of legalizing sports betting say the activity should be taken out of the shadows in Texas.

Casinos bring the potential for state revenues, but the it would hardly be free money, a study by the Texas Public Policy Foundation finds. #txlege www.statesman.com/story/news/p...

Linda Lavin, Tony Award-winning actress and 'Alice' star, dies at 87 The actress and singer died Sunday due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer, her rep told USA TODAY.

Sad news from Mel's Diner. And before that, from Barney Miller's 12th Precinct. www.usatoday.com/story/entert...

Greg Gumbel, CBS Sports broadcasting legend, dies at 78 Greg Gumbel, the renowned CBS Sports anchor and commentator, has died of cancer at the age of 78.

Sad news from the broadcast booth. #nfl
www.cbsnews.com/news/greg-gu...