The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - October 23, 2024

Episode Date: October 23, 2024

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Howdy folks, today is Wednesday, October 23rd, and you're listening to the Texans Daily Rundown. I'm the Texans Assistant Editor Rob Lausches, and here is the rundown of today's news in Texas politics. First up, the San Antonio Police Department confirmed that members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had taken over vacant apartments in San Antonio's Palatia Apartments Complex in early October, although there are unconfirmed reports of them currently occupying up to four complexes. SAPD's Public Information Office told the Texan on October 23rd, quote, on October 5th, multiple law enforcement agencies conducted an operation at the Palatia Apartments in San Antonio and arrested 19 people, including four members of the Trende Aragua criminal in Houston, Jorgenis Robertson Cova, a 32-year-old illegal alien from Venezuela,

now in custody at the Brazoria County Jail. Cova was allegedly recruiting middle school students for Trende Aragua. The Daily Mail reported on October 16th that Trende Aragua gang members had taken over four apartment complexes after squatting in the Palladia apartments for the prior five to six months, allegedly renting units to fellow illegal aliens and using the space as a hub for human trafficking, prostitution, or drug deals. Next, the battle for House District 70, situated in the southern region of Collin County, has become one of the most anticipated races of

2024. The two candidates, incumbent state representative Mihaela Plisa and Republican challenger Steve Kennard, are two very different figures, offering voters a clear contrast in both policy and personal approach. Plisa, known for her progressive stances on issues such as education reform and health care, faces Kennard, a conservative who has prioritized decentralization, school choice, and border security in his campaign. As Collin County has experienced rapid demographic changes in recent years, the race serves as a bellwether of the political direction of the region, with both parties heavily invested in the outcome. HD70 has a Texas partisan index rating of

D52%, indicating the Purple District could be ripe for a potential upset in the November 5th election. Plisa made note of this during her interview with CBS Texas, saying that, quote, this district was drawn to protect two incumbent Republicans. When asked about Governor Greg Abbott's previous comments about how the district could flip Republican, Polisa retorted with, bring it. In other news, several elected law enforcement officials and representatives from area unions gathered at a press conference Tuesday to draw attention to a slew of down-ballot judicial races they say have an outsized impact on public safety and criminal

justice. Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies Organization, said, quote, this is an unprecedented endorsement from our organizations for these benches, but we are in unprecedented times. He continued, quote, public safety and victim advocates alike need to know that thets of Appeals, which hear all appeals, criminal, civil, family, and juvenile, for a 10-county region anchored in Houston. The Harris County Deputies Organization joined with the Houston Police Officers Union PAC, Chambers County Officers Association, and the Pasadena Police Officers Association to endorse 10 Republicans who are either challenging incumbent justices or running for open seats on the two circuits.

Last but not least, while the temperatures may still be warm in North Texas, residents in the mountains of western North Carolina are beginning to face cold temperatures while still recovering from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. Fire departments around North Texas are coordinating to collect donations aimed to help them endure the colder temperatures, as the recovery and rebuilding effort is likely to continue for months. Firefighter roofing owner Philip Perdue, the Guns and Hoses Foundation, and Keller Fire Chief Bobby Tatum have coordinated with Bradley Duncan, president of the Yancey County Firefighters Association. They are asking North Texas residents to help by donating needed supplies that will be transported to North Carolina and distributed to those in need. Donations can be dropped off at fire stations in the following cities by Saturday, October 26th at 4 p.m. Bedford, Colleyville, Euless, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Haltom City, Richland Hills, Roanoke,

Trophy Club, and Westlake. Thanks for listening. To support The Texan, please be sure to visit thetexan.news and subscribe to get full access to all of our articles, newsletters, and podcasts. podcast.