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Why testimony in Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson was delayed

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www.youtube.com – KHOU 11 – 2024-10-21 16:57:10

SUMMARY: Robert Robertson, a death row inmate whose execution was recently halted, was scheduled to testify before a Texas legislative panel but could not attend due to security concerns raised by the Attorney General’s office. Instead, lawmakers heard testimony from Dr. Phil, who interviewed Robertson, focusing on the potential need for a retrial over the shaken baby syndrome charges against him, which many experts now dispute. The committee aims to urge the Court of Criminal Appeals to reevaluate the case, amidst ongoing criticism of the Texas criminal justice system. Governor Abbott condemned the legislative actions that paused the execution. A new execution date may be set for 2025.

Robert Roberson was scheduled to be executed on Thursday, Oct. 17, but the Texas Supreme Court issued a last-minute stay after legislators subpoenaed him to testify.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Texas House committee advances congressional redistricting plan

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www.kxan.com – John Thomas – 2025-08-02 10:52:00

SUMMARY: The Texas House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting approved House Bill 4, proposing to redraw 37 of 38 congressional districts, mainly creating five new Republican-leaning seats as urged by former President Trump. The bill’s map, presented by Rep. Todd Hunter, uses “political performance” as a criterion, openly acknowledging partisan intent. The plan targets major areas including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley, establishing new majority-Hispanic districts but raising concerns about potential political retaliation against Black Democratic members. The committee vote passed 12-6 on party lines, with the full Texas House expected to debate the bill next week.

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Trump removes official overseeing jobs data after dismal employment report

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www.kxan.com – CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and JOSH BOAK, Associated Press – 2025-08-01 20:36:00

SUMMARY: President Donald Trump fired Erika McEntarfer, director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), after revised job reports showed hiring slowed sharply in May, June, and July. Trump accused the agency of manipulating data for political reasons without evidence and promised a more “competent” replacement. Economists and former BLS commissioners condemned the firing, emphasizing the importance of trust in economic data. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer supported Trump’s decision. The latest report showed only 73,000 jobs added in July, with previous months’ figures revised down significantly, signaling economic weakening amid inflation and trade tensions. The move raised concerns about politicizing economic statistics.

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott signs school cellphone ban bill in Amarillo on Friday

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www.kxan.com – Caden Keenan – 2025-08-01 12:45:00

SUMMARY: Texas Governor Greg Abbott will visit Amarillo to ceremonially sign House Bill 1481, authored by local State Representative Caroline Fairly, which restricts phone use in public and charter schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The law mandates schools to implement policies that either store students’ phones and devices during the day or ban them on campus, aiming to improve focus, mental health, and social engagement. Abbott’s signing event will include officials like Representatives Fairly, Dustin Burrows, Jared Patterson, Amarillo ISD Superintendent Dr. Deidre Parish, and teacher Mellessa Denny. The law mirrors similar bans in other states but faces opposition from parents concerned about emergency communication. Fairly also championed the App Store Accountability Act requiring age verification and parental consent for app downloads by minors.

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