Sign in

The Texas Signal

@texassignal.bsky.social
1.9K followers 273 following 1.1K posts

Nonprofit newsroom devoted to creating truthful public interest reporting by and for the new Texas majority. Subscribe to our free newsletter: texassignal.com/newsletter

PostsRepliesMedia
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 4m
INBOX: Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin has issued the following statement after an ICE officer injured a man with a vehicle this morning
HOUSTON (October 10, 2026) - Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin issued the following statement regarding an incident in unincorporated Harris County:



“This morning, there was another incident involving ICE actions in Harris County. Time is of the essence in getting the facts, and the public deserves clear, accurate answers.



ICE must cooperate fully with the local investigation. My office supports Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and District Attorney Sean Teare in their ongoing independent investigation, and the Harris County Attorney's Office stands ready to assist and support these critical efforts. We will continue to monitor developments closely as the facts become clear.”
000
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
“'I haven’t prepared a tax return in a long time because I don’t have time, so typically — actually my wife actually does them,' Mr. Paxton said, when asked about a line in his tax returns that seemed to contradict part of his testimony."
000
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Charles Ornstein @charlesornstein.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
While Ken Paxton was suspended from his role as Texas AG in 2023, he took at least 17 trips over three months, including to resort destinations Park City, Utah, and Vail, Colorado. Taxpayers spent tens of thousands of dollars on security for those trips. (Corrected typo) @zachdespart.bsky.social
propublica.org
Ken Paxton’s Security for Travel Cost Taxpayers Millions. Just 1 in 6 of His Trips Had a Stated Business Purpose.
Records show the Texas attorney general has taken nearly 1,000 trips during his tenure, costing $3.3 million in security. We could only connect 138 of those trips and $553,000 in security costs to sta...
24218
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
"In response to a question about reducing the federal deficit, Paxton said: 'Making some reasonable cuts to mandatory spending — you’re gonna have to do it. Or there is no solution. That’s just the reality. We have to suck it up.'”
000
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
The longest serving governor in the state’s history has handedly won his races going back decades. But this year, things feel different for the entrenched incumbent.
texassignal.com
The Shockingly Close Race For Texas Governor
Greg Abbott, despite being an entrenched incumbent, faces the stiffest challenge of his career from Gina Hinojosa, a five-term representative and former Austin Independent School District School Board...
020
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
More protesters at the San Antonio rally:
001
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
From earlier at the president's rally in San Antonio:
012
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 07/10/2026
"Gov. Greg Abbott is blaming a scheduling conflict and says he's not gonna be attending the rally in San Antonio today where the president is going to be. He's not taking time for the president."
4573705915
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
"There was one temporary caregiver mentioned in my story who became homeless because she had one child of her own, had to take in a five-year-old, and she couldn’t pay her bills. And so she made arrangements for the two kids to sleep at a friend’s house and she slept in her car."
011
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Josh Marshall @joshtpm.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Toxic in Texas
15689114
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Another recording of Ken Paxton just dropped:
2117
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Nathan Johnson’s ad, which contrasts his approach to the office from his Republican opponent Mayes Middleton, will join a rotation of political advertisements that have been bombarding Texans in the final weeks of the election.
texassignal.com
Candidates Make Final Moves Across Texas
Nathan Johnson is the latest candidate to unveil a political ad in the closing weeks of an election cycle going down to the wire in Texas
032
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Hansi Lo Wang (he/him) @hansilowang.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
TODAY (Monday, Oct. 5) is the deadline for registering to vote for the midterms in: AMERICAN SAMOA ARIZONA ARKANSAS FLORIDA GEORGIA INDIANA KENTUCKY LOUISIANA — in-person, mail (10/13 online) MISSISSIPPI MONTANA — mail (11/3 in-person) OHIO SOUTH CAROLINA — mail TENNESSEE TEXAS npr.org/vote
npr.org
How to register to vote and check your registration status
For the 2026 elections, NPR has collected deadlines and information on how to register to vote — online, in person or by mail — in every U.S. state and territory.
13661529
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
“We are basically being extorted by a hostile civilization, hostile alien civilization whose intent is to do nothing less but undermine our founding principles,” said Wise County Republican Rep. Andy Hopper.
houstonchronicle.com
Texas Faith Fest speakers propose plans to make Muslims ‘more uncomfortable’
At Texas Faith Fest this year, speakers suggested policies that would limit Muslim religious practices and reshape the government's relationship with religion.
010
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Greg Sargent @gregsargent.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Big development: Dems are growing increasingly bullish on sweeping the big House races in South Texas. A DCCC official tells me internal polling shows Trump's approval cratering in key districts there: TX-15: 36% TX-28: 28% TX-34: 35% This and much more on the pod: newrepublic.com/article/2161...
newrepublic.com
Trump’s Weird Tirade on Midterms Accidentally Reveals Key GOP Weakness
As Trump’s monologue about his Texas midterm convention exposes a problem for the GOP, a Democratic operative argues that his collapse in South Texas is a real tell about what’s coming.
14494126
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Another ringing endorsement!
010
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"It only contributes to a perception among a lot of voters, including Republicans, that he’s corrupt, not trustworthy, and is a highly flawed candidate that very well could bring down several other statewide Republicans"
010
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 30/09/2026
Q: There's a report that Ken Paxton was complaining about your midterm convention. He felt like it hurt him. What's your reaction? TRUMP: Well, I haven't heard that, but I can tell you that the convention was amazing. We had 107 million views. The NFL had 25m. We had four times what the NFL did
10349281
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Headquarters @headquartersnews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Leaked audio of Ken Paxton: Q: Do you think Trump is a bit of a drag? Paxton: To be honest with you, when we did that midterm convention, it dropped our numbers. Everybody’s numbers dropped. Yeah. Not good.
45937325
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Jessica Montoya Coggins @jessicamcoggins.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Earlier today we got some distressing new updates from the attorney for Wilber Rafael Garces Perez. He had to be in front of federal court with a bullet still lodged in his back. His attorney is on Threads where she does regularly update on his condition.
Latest update about Wilber Rafael Garces Perez
033
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
From July:
A Twitter post from Rep. Pfluger showing his letter to the WNBA demanding accountability for alleged unfair treatment of Caitlin Clark
011
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Should be welcome news for Texas Rep. Austin Pfluger, who led a congressional inquiry into the WNBA over their treatment of Caitlin Clark
140
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
INBOX: Agriculture Commissioner candidate @claytontuckertx.com touts new poll showing a "statistical tie" in race. “This race is a statistical tie because Texans are tired of watching the richest corporations in the world get whatever they want while working people are told to settle for less."
Announcement from Clayton Tucker campaign about Texas Public Opinion Research poll showing a statistical tie in Agricultural Commissioner race
021
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
😬😬😬😬
163
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Vice President JD Vance will be in Harlingen on Wednesday for a GOTV rally with congressional candidate Eric Flores
Poster for JD Vance at a rally in Harlingen on Wednesday
100
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"The debate appears to be the first to be announced between any two statewide candidates this election cycle, as Democrats at the top of the ticket are pressuring their counterparts to participate."
ksat.com
Jon Rosenthal says he and Bo French agreed to first major debate between Texas statewide candidates
The debate, which has not been confirmed by French, would be his first major public event since he attracted criticism over racist posts about UT students.
154
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Jane's Due Process may be getting a new name at their 25th anniversary celebration next month, but their focus on giving Texas teens access to reproductive care will stay the same
texassignal.com
A Texas Leader In Reproductive Rights Reaches Milestone
Jane's Due Process may be changing names, but their central mission: supporting Texas teens in accessing reproductive health care, remains the same
031
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"Recently, she said, the wife of the current district attorney, Phil Sorrells, knocked on her door and asked her if she would consider voting for him this year."
031
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
"Finally, the system known as ICE, which has allowed a man to be tortured, should be disbanded."
0145
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
When she first conceived of "Dear Thorns," Karen Olsson says it was a more surrealist work centered around an immigration enforcement facility. As she struggled to finish the book, she became intersected in ocelots.
texassignal.com
The Links That Bind Immigration And Ecology
A Texas author's latest book draws interesting parallels between ocelot conservation and immigration policy
010
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Jessica Montoya Coggins @jessicamcoggins.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The attorney for Wilber Rafael Garces Perez is on Threads and providing a lot of updates there. But this is the latest from her on his condition:
Condition of Garces Perez from his attorney
052
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"During the press conference, Garces Perez told reporters he didn’t receive any medical attention at Dell Seton. When he asked if the bullet would be removed, he said, the doctor told him 'they’re in a hurry to get you out of here.'”
houstonpublicmedia.org
Man shot by ICE in Austin says he has a bullet lodged in his back and was denied medical care | Houston Public Media
Mayor Kirk Watson said he wanted the Austin Police Department to be involved in the investigation of the shooting to offer a “clear-eyed, third-party look” at what happened.
054
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"The man was identified as Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, 29, of Venezuela, by his attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch. Lincoln-Goldfinch told NPR he is married to a woman who has legal status to be in the U.S. He called his wife to tell her he had been shot inside his car and was yelling in pain."
npr.org
Federal immigration agent shoots and injures man in Austin, Texas
The person shot is in serious but stable condition, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said in a press conference.
032
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Jessica Montoya Coggins @jessicamcoggins.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Casar also noted here that he has briefly talked with the victim’s family. He’s demanding an independent investigation, but also that the ICE officer responsible should not be allowed to leave Texas.
073
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"The unidentified man was in serious but stable condition at a hospital after being shot once in the torso on the capital city’s north side, Austin officials said... DHS, which oversees ICE, did not participate in the news conference and didn’t respond to repeated requests for details."
apnews.com
ICE agent shoots and wounds man in Austin, Texas, officials say
Local authorities say a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has shot and wounded a man in Austin, Texas, where anti-ICE protesters gathered at the scene.
000
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Governor Abbott was just a little off with his prediction
A tweet from Greg Abbott on July 2 predicting gas prices in Texas would be below $2 before the end of summer
24919
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"The plaintiffs, Walker’s family, are seeking a jury trial and pursuing both damages and a judgement finding that Texas’ abortion laws violate the state constitution."
030
Reposted by The Texas Signal
The Storytellers Foundation | The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast @tstorypodcast.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The secret is out! Storyrise was featured in @texassignal.bsky.social . We shared why writers need a place to write, find community, and maintain control over their work. Thank you to Jef Rouner for sharing our story! texassignal.com/two-authors-... #writingcommunity
texassignal.com
Two Authors Launch Platform For Writers To Thrive
Two authors with a Houston connection have launched a robust platform that connects writers in a trusting community
092
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Just days before Governor Abbott directed the acting comptroller to investigate school districts for "administrative bloat," an audit of the Texas Education Agency revealed a full-blown bureaucratic sprawl sitting inside the very institution positioning itself as the classroom-spending watchdog.
texassignal.com
Auditing The Auditors
The Texas School Districts Being Told to Cut "Administrative Bloat" While the State Education Agency's Own Management Costs Soared
033
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Chron.com @chron.com · 16/09/2026
One day after calling the viral video “hilarious,” the Texas QB acknowledged that his reaction caused harm.
bit.ly
ESPN reporter reveals private talk with Arch Manning after AI video backlash
One day after calling the viral video “hilarious,” the Texas QB acknowledged that his reaction caused harm.
033
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"According to University data for 2025, international students make up 4.3% of UT’s undergraduate student body, and 9.5% of total enrollment. Additionally, Texas law requires 90% of incoming freshmen to be Texas residents."
thedailytexan.com
UT community grapples with social media comments on student section racial makeup
Despite being a lifelong Austin resident and Longhorns fan, mechanical engineering senior Zaina Jafri had never been as close to the field as she was on Saturday.  Jafri said watching the Longhorn’s n...
010
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
From Rep. Venton Jones: "To the constituents of House District 100 - each individual I have the privilege to serve - and to every survivor of domestic and sexual violence, I extend my sincerest apology for the hurt, frustration, and pain my choices caused."
011
Reposted by The Texas Signal
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick @reichlinmelnick.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
According to the whistleblower: - Agents have to investigate 40 voter records a day, leaving just 11.25 minutes per investigation. - Agents are using state voter registration in a way that may be illegal. - Agents are using source data that many think is completely unreliable.
The identity of the whistle-blower is not known to The Times. Democracy Defenders Fund said in its report that the whistle-blower requested anonymity because of “an extreme fear of retaliation but they feel an obligation to speak up about the misconduct and gross mismanagement they have witnessed.”

According to the whistle-blower, agents are expected to complete at least 40 reviews in each eight-hour day, giving them scant time to determine each voter’s citizenship and voting history. The consequence of the investigation is potentially vast, according to the account, because each review is recorded in a database that could affect individuals’ immigration status or legal permanent residency.The agents plugged those names and personal data into public-facing state websites to find a subject’s voter history. Some states, such as Virginia, declare explicitly that only individual voters may use the search tool to look up their own records. Others, such as California, require specific information such as a driver’s license number or partial Social Security number in an effort to limit the use of the tool to individuals. Worried about the potential legal ramifications of such actions, the whistle-blower “expressed concerns” to those leading the investigation within Homeland Security’s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, according to the account.

The office of the chief counsel at D.H.S. said it was permissible for agents to use the state databases for operations such as the Unlawful Voter Initiative. Yet leadership appeared to acknowledge the potential for legal liability, responding to internal questions that agents “are not personally liable for conducting these searches when done as part of their official duties and properly documented.”Core to the operation is a compilation of data on hundreds of thousands of voters from across the country, described to agents as “source data,” according to previous reporting by The Times. Agents were given little to no information about where the source data originated; at one point, D.H.S. officials said some immigration information had been added to their source data using “supplemental magic,” according to the whistle-blower account. The mysterious origins of the “source data” comes as voting rights groups and election officials have condemned the Trump administration’s many efforts to compile a national voter file and citizenship list.

The whistle-blower report, however, indicates that the data is likely filled with errors. According to a transcript of a training video included in the account, the investigation has relied on data from multiple sources, including public voter files obtained from states, Department of Justice data and queries of records compiled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The data also includes what are known as alien identification numbers, the training video says, which are numbers assigned to a noncitizen that stay in their Homeland Security files permanently, even if they subsequently become citizens who are eligible to vote. If the investigation is using the existence of an alien number to flag that a voter is ineligible, many legal citizens are likely to be improperly ensnared as unlawful voters.
251040490
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Railroad Commissioner candidate Bo French has previously served as Tarrant County GOP Chair and has a long history of making incendiary and racist claims.
texassignal.com
A Social Media Post About UT Students Draws Condemnation (From Some)
The reactions to Bo French's racist post came swiftly from some Texas Republicans, including Senator John Cornyn, but not all offered an outright condemnation
000
Reposted by The Texas Signal
gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
AT&T Stadium reportedly is one of the venues that opposed Macklemore being on Ed Sheeran's bill. Worth noting that AT&T is hosting Kanye West in November.
231699550
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Bo French's Democratic opponent @jon-rosenthaltx.bsky.social announced his campaign had their best fundraising day in the aftermath of the racist UT social media post
Announcement from railroad commissioner candidate Jon Rosenthal that his campaign had record online grassroots fundraising day in the aftermath of Bo French's racist social media post
063
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
State Representative @jon-rosenthaltx.bsky.social, who is running against Bo French for Texas Railroad Commissioner, issues a statement about his UT post:
I spent 25 years as an oil and gas engineer. Bo French spent Sunday morning sorting our student section by skin color.

Greg Abbott said Bo French would "wreck" our oil and gas industry. A man who can’t tell a Longhorn from a foreigner has no business regulating anything in TX.
053
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Greg Abbott weighs in on Bo French's post, avoids a direct condemnation
Greg Abbott's comments on Bo French's UT post: "This is not my message."
021
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The Texas Democratic Party is also calling on Governor Abbott to condemn Bo French
Texas Democratic Party asking Greg Abbott to condemn Bo French's UT attack
1173
The Texas Signal @texassignal.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
A post by Railroad Commissioner candidate Bo French has been called out by a handful of Texas Republicans like John Cornyn and Dustin Burrows, but Governor Abbott has yet to weigh in
Twitter post from Bo French showing UT students and saying its a "problem"
22310