Texas Republicans, at the urging of former President Donald Trump, are pushing an unusual mid-decade redistricting measure through the Legislature aimed at boosting GOP representation in Congress. If it passes, people in Austin could end up in the same district as rural Texans living over 300 miles away. Read more here.

Over 50 Democratic members of the Texas House now face civil arrest warrants and $500-per-day fines after walking out to block a Republican-led redistricting proposal. Many have left Texas, while GOP leaders push to compel their return. Because there is no quorum, the House is unable to legally conduct business. On Monday, Republicans convened for a special session at the Capitol, but it was gaveled in and adjourned almost immediately when it became clear there weren’t enough lawmakers present. Read more here.

In 1968, dentist Dr. Sidney White Jr. and his wife, Helen White, an educator and community activist, began pursuing their vision of a dream home. They were drawn to Westover Hills, a recently developed neighborhood in Austin just north of the popular Northwest Hills. But one fact stood in their way: the Whites were Black. One builder after another—half a dozen in all—refused to work with them. Read more here.

President Nelson Linder has made a recommendation for those interested to read the book, "The African Awakening." This book explores the rise of youth-led movements and political activism across Africa, highlighting how a new generation is challenging authoritarianism, corruption, and inequality. Using protests, social media, and grassroots organizing, young Africans are demanding democratic reforms and accountability. The book underscores a renewed sense of political consciousness and pan-African solidarity, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by state repression and systemic obstacles. It offers a hopeful yet realistic look at the continent's ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. You can purchase the book here.

Harvard is challenging the Trump administration's attempt to limit the enrollment and attendance of foreign students, at least temporarily, by filing a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS has stated that current international students at Harvard must transfer to another institution or risk losing their legal status in the U.S. Harvard’s attorneys are presenting their arguments in federal court in Massachusetts, as the administration moves to restrict both the university’s federal funding and the status of its international students. Read more here.

Since beginning his second term as president, Trump has released a series of executive orders and memos aimed at law firms that have either been involved in cases against him or employed individuals he considers political opponents. One such order singled out WilmerHale, specifically condemning the firm for hiring Robert Mueller, the former Department of Justice special counsel who led the investigation into potential ties between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia. Read more here.

A new proposal could prevent Dobie Middle School from shutting down, but it would involve a major overhaul of its administration and staff. Read more here.

Superintendent Matias Segura informed parents, students, and AISD leaders that, due to years of underperformance at Dobie, significant steps were necessary to prevent the state of Texas from assuming control of Austin’s local school system. He presented the community with three options: permanently closing Dobie; closing it for a minimum of two years before potentially reopening; or handing over the school’s management to a charter organization. Read more here.

President Trump overturned a 1965 executive order that mandated federal contractors to take actions to adhere to nondiscrimination laws. Read more here.