Texas GOP's strict voting bill on the verge of final vote
The Texas Legislature is on the verge of signing off on some of the most restrictive voting measures in the U.S. A vote was expected Sunday in the GOP-controlled Texas House that would send Republican Gov. Greg Abbott a raft of election changes that would eliminate drive-thru voting and empower partisan poll watchers.
Republican wants to require national anthem in Wisconsin
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban agreed to play the national anthem after the NBA reiterated its policy to require the song. โThis tradition traces its roots back more than a century โ even pre-dating the songโs adoption as the national anthem. No matter the scope, there is no penalty for violating the requirement, so even if the bar league softball team skipped the national anthem, there would be no repercussion under the law. Dan Patrick has said that requiring the national anthem at all Texas venues that receive public funding will be among his top legislative priorities this session. Although playing the national anthem before games is a staple of American sports at the professional and collegiate levels, it is far less common in other countries.
Texas takes on Biden but Republicans keep distance from AG
FILE - This Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks in Washington, at a rally in support of President Donald Trump. Thatโs the real litmus test,โ said Republican state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, who pointed toward the deportation lawsuit and challenges last year to mail-in ballot applications around his Houston district. Paxton's budget requests may yet force Republican lawmakers to consider the exodus from his office. Greg Abbott โ who has previously said the accusations raise โserious concernsโ โ and Paxton did not respond to questions. He has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he defrauded investors in a tech startup before becoming attorney general.