The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - October 9, 2025

Starting point is 00:00:00 Howdy, folks. Today is Thursday, October 9th, and you're listening to The Texans Daily Rundown. I'm the Texans assistant editor Rob Laus, and here is the rundown of today's news in Texas politics. First up, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has stayed the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson in a Thursday order. The stay comes one week before his execution date of October 16. 25. His execution has been delayed multiple times following legal maneuvering from both his legal representation and members of the Texas legislature. Roberson was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in 2003 in connection with the death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in 2002. His execution date of October 17th, 2024 thrust his case into the national spotlight. After the involvement of a bipartisan

Starting point is 00:00:58 and group of Texas lawmakers with the assistance of non-profit legal organization, the Innocence Project. State Representative Jeff Leach wrote Thursday morning after the CCA stay order, quote, truth and justice win the day. Leach is one of the Texas Republicans who have been advocating on behalf of Roberson over the course of the past year. Next, Johnson County Sheriff Adam King pleaded not guilty to four sexual harassment-related charges at a hearing last week. The sheriff was charged with two felony retaliation counts, one misdemeanor abusive office count tied to sexual harassment, and one felony aggravated perjury count, which was added less than 24 hours before the hearing. King turned himself into the Texas Rangers in August and went on voluntary administrative leave.

Starting point is 00:01:46 He was later released by the Rangers on October 1st and booked into Johnson County Jail with a $50,000 bond. An affidavit claimed that King sexually harassed multiple female employees, of the county with unwelcome sexual advances, making comments about their appearances referencing weight, clothing, or body parts. King allegedly threatened one employee who reported him and tried to find her home address. In other news, the tiny West Texas outpost of Loving County, long known for its colorful feuds and national headlines, has once again found itself in the national spotlight. But this time, it's not a cattle dispute or a clash between legacy families. It's a plan by a political activist to upend the county government entirely, a scheme now drawing scrutiny from

Starting point is 00:02:33 state and federal officials. Malcolm Tanner, a political activist from Indiana who has filed to run for president of the United States, has drawn widespread attention after the Houston Chronicle first reported on his plan to recruit new residents to Loving County by offering them free homes. Tanner purchased and subdivided land in the remote county, promising a title to anyone willing to move there, register to vote, and join his effort to remake the community's government. The plan's implications are significant, given two defining features of Loving County, its minuscule population, and its oil-rich tax base. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates only about 64 residents live within its boundaries, yet the county government takes in roughly $60 million

Starting point is 00:03:17 annually in property tax revenue from the surrounding Permian Basin oil fields. With the Chronicle reporting that Tanner has already relocated some 30 people to the area, an unprecedented political takeover has gone from just another viral social media post to a very serious reality. Last but not least, while the federal government began the second week of its ongoing shutdown, the U.S. Senate confirmed 107 of President Donald Trump's nominees, including eight Texas residents who were granted roles as ambassadors, assistant secretaries, and one as general counsel. GOP politicians recently raised alarm at the large number of executive branch nominees who had yet to be confirmed by the upper chamber over eight months after Trump was sworn into office. U.S. Senator John Cornyn spoke on this, quote, historic obstruction in early September, confirming his intent to join fellow Republicans in a rule change,

Starting point is 00:04:14 utilized previously under the prior Trump administration, which would allow for the confirmation in mass of many candidates via one vote in the Senate. listening. To support the Texan, please be sure to visit the texan. News and subscribe to get full access to all of our articles, newsletters, and podcasts.

The Texan Podcast - Daily Rundown - October 9, 2025

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