Dr. Annette Portillo

Trump’s DOGE Cuts Are a Texas-Sized Disaster Reckless agency layoffs and the dismantling of federal relief programs could leave the Lone Star State in peril.

From July 3: Federal resources for managing climate-augmented weather disasters are being wiped out. Meanwhile, state leaders stand by while denying the seriousness of climate change as a driver of these events—and the threat this poses to the state economy.

Search for flood victims slowed by mountains of debris as thousands descend on Kerr County to assist Crews are using construction equipment to clear vehicles, trees and homes in a race to locate the 161 people still missing since Friday’s devastating flood.

Roughly 2,100 emergency responders from 10 states have descended on Kerr County to assist with the recovery and cleanup efforts, officials said during a Thursday morning news conference.

Texas Hill Country floods: What we know so far With hundreds confirmed dead or still missing, questions remain about the local response to flood warnings. Meanwhile, lawmakers will weigh measures to mitigate future disasters.

With hundreds confirmed dead or still missing, questions remain about the local response to flood warnings in Central Texas.

Here’s what we know so far.

Agents zip-tie kids in new immigration crackdown in Texas At least three children were taken into custody and zip-tied at the San Antonio Immigration Court.

In San Antonio today, plainclothes ICE officers (not masked this time) arrested, handcuffed, and zip-tied a family of five (yes, ALL of them, including the little children) coming out of their immigration court hearing — which ICE had just had dismissed.

www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/a...

Phang: We don’t need the Ten Commandments hanging in Texas schools. What we need is common-sense gun legislation—so the kids can live.

If my kid goes to a public school in Texas and they can’t come home alive, I don’t give a shit about the Ten Commandments being posted on the wall.

Today the Supreme Court cleared the way for the federal government to transfer thousands of acres of national forestland including a Native American sacred site, to Resolution Copper a mining company owned by Rio Tinto and BHP. The land holds deep spiritual significance for the Western Apache tribe.

We’ve talked about this before, but we wanted to expand on it a little more. Late last week, Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) effectively took control of the Department of the Interior without a single Senate confirmation, public hearing, or vote.

Texas Students Are Experiencing the Impact of SB 17 A new report details how Texas college students are being impacted by Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), which took effect earlier this year.

“We have to be in community. We have to coalition build and we have to double down and not retreat from what we know matters."

@texasaaup.bsky.social @utaustinaaup.bsky.social
#DEI #SB17
www.diverseeducation.com/students/art...

More than 100 Texas students had visas suddenly revoked by the Trump administration The Texas college students are among hundreds across the country who reportedly had visas terminated in recent weeks.

Weaponizing immigration for censorship: “At least 107 international students at Texas universities had visas terminated by United States government officials, according to university officials.” @marcelanotes.bsky.social www.dallasnews.com/news/educati...

Opposition to Abbott’s Vouchers Plan Includes Conservatives The governor crushed anti-voucher Republicans in the Texas House, but there are still plenty of party activists who are opposed.

From @josephinelee.bsky.social: Opposition to vouchers came from across both sides of the aisle, despite the vote this week to pass them.

CDC scraps plan to help Texas schools curb measles over layoffs, employee says Some employees working on the CDC's measles response were warned they could face layoffs.

The CDC has scrapped a plan to offer schools in Texas help with curbing measles, we're told

NIOSH's experts had been in the state, wrapping up work helping fix errors in ventilation/filtration at hospitals treating measles, when they got layoff notices

www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-scr...

Public school students are left behind as vouchers come to Texas School choice advocates often repeat the mantra that public education is not for everyone. But only public schools are required to serve everyone.

www.expressnews.com/opinion/comm...

Ending 30 Years of Resistance, Trump and Abbott Break the ‘People’s House’ The Legislature’s lower chamber has finally blessed school vouchers—and denied ordinary Texans the chance to weigh in.

Just out from @josephinelee.bsky.social and Joelle DiPaolo: After three decades of fighting back against vouchers, the governor enlisted the help of the president to destroy the last vestiges of Republican resistance this week.

Texas' First Black Woman Poet Laureate Spreads Poems of Praise In tough times, Amanda Johnston is creating a community of gratitude with contributions from poets all across the state.

In our magazine: How the first Black woman to be named poet laureate in Texas is using her platform to elevate others and their untold stories of Texas heroes.

How Trump cuts canceled summer literacy camp for 130 kids in Houston Trump cuts to funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs also impacted services for domestic violence victims and people with disabilities.

Trump cuts to funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs also impacted services for domestic violence victims and people with disabilities.
trib.al/VIJkiMq

Texas bees are declining. Here's how severe weather is affecting bees Extreme Texas weather and harsh climate are key factors driving a shocking 66% decline in commercial bee colonies since June 2024.

Extreme Texas weather and harsh climate are key factors driving a shocking 66% decline in commercial bee colonies since June 2024. www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...

It’s here! And what an issue. Of course I’m thrilled to be chosen as a book club author, but this issue of Alta Journal is packed with amazing California indigenous and brown activists and artists. What a beautiful issue!

Okay, I'm back. I hear there are more writers here now...and that's partly why I'm here. How about Indigenous folks?

Say it loud and clear, hate has no home in San Antonio or NEISD North East ISD’s response to a teacher’s sign was overzealous and troubling. Speech and inclusion deserve better.

www.expressnews.com/opinion/edit...

🔔Contact your Texas Senator through the link below!

We expect the Texas Senate to vote on Senate Bill 37 on Tuesday. This bill mandates a state takeover of all public institutions of higher education. Ask your senator to vote NO! secure.everyaction.com/wJsYTW_hD0e_...

Cover Art: “Healer” by LisaNa Macias Red Bear

Sovereign Stories and Blood Memories In Sovereign Stories, Annette Angela Portillo examines Native American women's autobiographical discourses and multiple-voiced life stories that resist gener...

www.unmpress.com/978082635915...

Amazing! Congratulations!👏🏽