The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - March 28, 2025

Episode Date: March 28, 2025

Want to support The Texan and help us continue providing the Lone Star State with news you can trust? Subscribe today: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/Learn more about the Data Center Coalition at: https://www.centerofyourdigitalworld.org/texasThe Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.Want more resources? Be sure to visit The Texan and subscribe for complete access to our in-depth articles, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Howdy folks, today is Friday, March 28th and you're listening to the Texans Daily Rundown. I'm the Texans Assistant Editor Rob Lauschis and here is the rundown of today's news in Texas politics. First up, Governor Greg Abbott has announced that another state agency will be investigating a controversial real estate development in North Texas, this time for potential discrimination in violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act. The East Plano Islamic Center and its Epic City development have come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks.

The Josephine-based development is planned to cover more than 400 acres of land, which will include more than 1,000 homes, a mosque, and schools. The announcement video for the community states it is designed to bring Islam to the forefront and will, quote, celebrate diversity and promote unity to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity for all residents, regardless of their background. Next, Attorney General Ken Paxton was able to secure a $100,000 settlement and a permanent injunction against a New York-based doctor for violating Texas pro-life laws, but a county

clerk in New York is refusing to file the judgment. On Thursday, the Ulster County Clerk's Office in New York released a statement that it had alerted Paxton of the decision. Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Brooks said, quote, I hold my responsibilities and the oath I have taken in the highest regard. He continued, quote, In accordance with the New York State Shield Law, I have refused this filing and will refuse any similar filings that may come to our office. Since this decision is likely to result in further litigation, I must refrain from discussing specific details about the situation. Dr. Margaret Daly Carpenter was subject to a lawsuit in December 2024 alleging she provided

abortion drugs, such as Mepha Pristone, to a 20-year-old pregnant resident of Collin County. According to the original lawsuit, the abortion-inducing drugs were provided via telemedicine. Stay tuned for more news updates after this short message. Data centers fuel 364,000 Texas jobs, generate $3.5 billion in state and local taxes, and power essential services like banking, healthcare, and video calls. With 21 connected devices per household and soaring data demands, these hubs drive Texas's booming economy, shape its technological future, and keep your data here in the U.S. To learn more, visit centerofyourdigitalworld.org. Now returning to your daily Texas news. In other news, a health insurance CEO has been fired after a tense committee hearing

in the Texas house during which he admitted to hiring private investigators to investigate various lawmakers, journalists, and customers. Also triggering attorney general Ken Paxton's launch of an investigation into the company. Mark Sanders was first called into the House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiencies hearing along with representatives of other insurance companies to discuss Superior Health Plan's complaints with the Medicaid procurement process. But the hearing evolved into something entirely different – allegations that the company had been using PIs to collect data on lawmakers and others. Hiring a PI is a common yet

little-known practice for insurance companies to ensure the validity of their patients' claims, but the concern here was primarily that non-claimants were being investigated, as well as concerns that the data collected was potentially confidential. Also, a national business group called Protecting American Consumers Together, or PACT, is moving into Texas to push for additional tort reform during the 89th legislative session. PACT, a group financially backed by Uber and Waffle House, among others, is running an ad campaign spanning all media formats with a seven-figure buy behind it to back priority legislation that would restrict financial awards and personal

injury lawsuits. The ad is up on digital platforms now and will be up on television in the next week or so. Senate Bill 30 by State Senator Charles Schwartner would set various restrictions on the kinds of evidence that can be submitted in a civil lawsuit, limit what counts under the mental or emotional pain or physical pain and suffering categories, and require judges to spell out their justification for awards above a certain threshold. Last but not least, Fort Worth Independent School District will be moving administrative

staff into the classroom in a move designed to improve the district's poor academic performance. The district board met on March 25th for a meeting, which included an hour-plus presentation from newly hired superintendent Karen Molinar, detailing the specifics of the district's new strategic plan and resolution to address its self-described literacy crisis. In the end, the proposal from Molnar to move $22.7 million of funding and restructure 19 job titles encompassing more than 160 positions passed with a unanimous vote. Molnar said, quote, we are going to be laser focused on literacy and reading support for our students as well as our teachers. Thanks for listening. To support the Texan, please be sure to visit thetexan.news

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