NEWSMAKER
Inside Texas Politics began with Democratic State Senator Royce West in studio to discuss the changes needed in Senate Bill 30 (SB30) – commonly referred to as the Community Education Act. This law was expected to improve trust between police and minorities, but Senator West says it needs some tweaking. Also, during his interview, he revealed his choice for Texas governor. The Senator joined host Jason Whitely and Bud Kennedy of the Star-Telegram.
STATEWIDE
Assaults on prison guards are on the rise in Texas prisons because of a shortage of officers. The problem didn’t happen overnight, but it is just now getting attention from state lawmakers. Ross Ramsey, co-founder and executive editor of the Texas Tribune discussed with host Jason Whitely what legislatures will need to do to fix the problem caused by not having sufficient staff. Ross also talked about the self-driving cars a California company is bringing to Texas.
MY VOICE, MY OPINION
Two of the biggest headlines out of Washington D.C. last week were about Iran and North Korea. On this week’s My Voice, My Opinion, Debbie Georgatos from 660 AM The Answer argues that both are big wins for President Donald Trump.
NEWSMAKER 2
Without any fanfare, Governor Greg Abbott flew in and out of the airport in Mesquite, Texas for a brief gathering with 41 African-American pastors. Abbott has more than $40-million in the bank and polls show him as the most popular politician in the state. So why did Abbott want to talk with the pastors? Ron Price, CEO of Genesis Research and Technology Group and former Dallas ISD board member, helped get everyone together. He told host Jason Whitely why he organized the meeting.
FLASHPOINT
The word influence is at the center of all politics. But what happens when that influence comes from outside the U.S? The answer sparked this week’s Flashpoint. From the right, Mark Davis of 660 AM The Answer. And from the left, former Democratic State Rep. Domingo Garcia.
ROUNDTABLE
Reporters Roundtable puts the headlines in perspective each week. Host Jason, Bud and Ross returned along with Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA’s political producer. The three discussed Governor Greg Abbott’s online advertising attacking Democrat Lupe Valdez. Valdez is in a May 22 primary runoff with Andrew White for the Democratic nomination for Texas governor. Early voting starts Monday, May 14. Host Jason, Bud, Ross and Berna Dean also discussed Senator John Cornyn questioning the reason behind Attorney General Ken Paxton suit’s over DACA, and what helped Muslim American Salman Bhojani win a seat on the Euless City Council.
