NEWSMAKER
Inside Texas Politics began with Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. He discussed the school district’s long-range facilities plan. Critics claim that under the plan, dozens of neighborhood schools would be closed or consolidated. Dr. Hinojosa joined host Marie Saavedra and Bud Kennedy, of the Star-Telegram. Saavedra was filling in for Jason Whitely.
STATEWIDE
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops announced this week that all Texas’ Catholic dioceses will release the names of clergy who have been “credibly accused” of sexual abuse. Alana Rocha, a reporter at the Texas Tribune, was in for Ross Ramsey this week. Alana joined host Marie Saavedra to discuss why Governor Greg Abbott, a Catholic, hadn’t made a public statement about the announcement. Alana also talked about the new Quinnipiac and Upshot polls showing Senator Ted Cruz maintaining a nine percentage point lead over challenger Congressman Beto O’Rourke.
MY VOICE, MY OPINION
Governor Gregg Abbott and challenger Lupe Valdez met in their first and only debate about two weeks ago. The two discussed their positions concerning Texas having a red flag law as a way to prevent school shootings. The law would allow a judge to remove a gun from someone who is presenting an imminent threat. In this week’s My Voice, My Opinion, contributor Cydney Walker, from Coffee and Politics 101, said school safety is important, but safeguards are needed to prevent the system from being abused.
NEWSMAKER 2
Texas House District 114 has been held by Republicans for decades. It includes North Dallas and Lake Highlands. Hillary Clinton won there in 2016, and it is now considered a battleground district. We invited Republican candidate Lisa Luby Ryan to come on the show; however, she declined due to some prior commitments. John Turner, a moderate Democrat vying to win District 114, joined host Marie Saavedra to discuss how being a moderate helps his campaign.
FLASHPOINT
The polls in the U.S. Senate race range from Senator Ted Cruz holding a nine percentage point lead over challenger Beto O'Rourke to O’Rourke winning by two. The debate over the exact meaning of these polls sparked this week’s Flashpoint. From the right - Mark Davis - of 660AM The Answer. And from the left - Rich Hancock - from VirtualNewsCenter.com.
ROUNDTABLE
Reporters Roundtable puts the headlines in perspective each week. Alana and Bud returned along with Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA’s political producer. A PAC is airing the first attack ads going after Ted Cruz. It makes fun of Cruz for letting President Trump talk about his wife during the 2016 presidential campaign. Beto O'Rourke has said he wants to keep his ads clean. Alana, Bud and Berna Dean discussed whether the PAC ad will help or hurt O’Rourke. The three journalists also offered perspective on whether young voters will actually vote in November. The Star-Telegram found that out of 15.6 million Texans registered to vote, 18 to 29-year-olds have more registered voters than any other age group.
