Redistricting blitz ignites in courts

U.S. Circuit Judge Jerry Smith criticized a colleague for 'judicial misbehavior' after a federal court blocked Texas's new congressional map, which was seen as favoring Republicans. In a 104-page dissent, Smith described the conduct as the most outrageous he has encountered in his 37 years on the bench. The ruling has significant implications for the Republican Party's strategy ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

A cold case in Texas has been revived thanks to a group of criminal justice and forensic science students who urged investigators to focus on a specific suspect. Their efforts have led to new developments in the decades-old murder investigation.

Jonathan Joss, a voice actor known for his role in 'King of the Hill', has been killed, and a Texas man has been indicted in connection with his death. Joss' husband reported that the assailant shouted violent homophobic slurs before opening fire.

Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley criticized former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper for his opposition to immigration enforcement bills, linking it to recent ICE operations in Charlotte that resulted in over 120 arrests. Whatley claims that Cooper's actions have hindered cooperation with federal immigration authorities, exacerbating the situation in North Carolina.

Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and presidential candidate, stated that 'abortion bans have killed another woman in Texas' following a ProPublica report. The report highlighted the case of a 37-year-old woman named Tierra, who died due to complications related to the state's abortion restrictions. Clinton's remarks were made in a post on the social platform X, linking to the ProPublica article.

Melania Trump and Usha Vance visited Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina to thank military families for their service. This marks their first joint visit, emphasizing their commitment to supporting service members and their families.

Federal judges have blocked a redistricting plan proposed by Texas Republicans, labeling it as 'racially gerrymandered.' This ruling has sparked backlash from Republican officials, who argue that the decision reflects a double standard in judicial scrutiny. The case is expected to escalate to the Supreme Court as the GOP prepares for the upcoming midterm elections.

Some Texas Republicans are advocating for hand-counting ballots in the upcoming primary elections. Critics argue that this approach could lead to confusion, errors, and delayed results, particularly in crucial contests scheduled for March. The proposal raises concerns about the efficiency and reliability of the electoral process in Texas.