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All eyes were on Texas this week as dozens of House Democrats fled the state, temporarily blocking the GOP’s push to redraw political maps and gain five new seats in Congress. Executive Producer Laura Isensee talks with attorney and education advocate Monica Flores Richart and Maggie Gordon, senior storytelling editor at Straight Arrow News, about what makes this quorum break different — and what might come next. Plus, they dig into why rising unemployment for Black women is especially concerning, talk about how Texas cryptocurrency mining could impact our electric bill, and share their moments of joy.

Dive deeper into today’s stories:

What’s Happening With Redistricting in Texas?

Cornyn says FBI will help locate absent Texas Democrats, but scope of feds’ role unclear

How a Self-Described Wallflower Came to Lead the Texas Democrats’ Walkout

Exclusive: SAN reporter’s inquiry into Texas’ Bitcoin mines triggers lawsuit

A staggering 300,000 Black women left jobs or were forced out in 2025. Here's why Texans should care.

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 8th episode:

Houston Restaurant Weeks

Downtown Houston+

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

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Photo: KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images