The Voting Puzzle: Registration, Access, and Apathy in Texas
Texas consistently ranks near the bottom when it comes to voter turnout — but why?In this episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina dig into the numbers behind Texas’ low voter turnout and explore the many factors that shape how, when, and whether people cast a ballot.TOPICS:Why eligible voters aren’t registering.The unique challenges young voters face.How accessibility and ID laws impact participation.What communities and creatives can do to inspire civic engagement.From systemic barriers to cultural shifts, we unpack what’s keeping Texans from the polls — and what might finally change that.How we vote matters. And in Texas, it might matter more than ever.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). SUBSCRIBE for more local news and information from Houston Public Media: https://www.youtube.com/@HoustonPublicMedia
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The Changing Face of Texas: Growth, Grit, and Growing Pains
This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina explore the growing pains and political pressures shaping Texas as it marches toward its bicentennial in 2036. From population explosions and housing crises to water shortages and shifting demographics, the Lone Star State is facing some big questions about its future.TOPICS:Population growth challenges.Why affordable housing is slipping out of reachWater depletion.Demographic shifts in TexasPolitics of immigrationSilver TsunamiHow energy systems are being put to their limitsAs Texas approaches its 200th birthday, can state leaders rise to the challenge—or will politics get in the way?In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). SUBSCRIBE for more local news and information from Houston Public Media: https://www.youtube.com/@HoustonPublicMedia
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Big Decisions Ahead: Bills, Budget Battles, SCOTUS Cases & What’s Next in U.S. Politics This Summer
It’s shaping up to be a busy — and politically loaded — summer.On this episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina dig into the big headlines and behind-the-scenes dynamics shaping U.S. politics this season.TOPICS:Which bills could land on the Governor Abbott's desk — and which might get vetoedThe status of the federal budget battle in CongressThe latest in U.S. tariff disputes and global trade tensionsSupreme Court cases to watch as rulings roll outPossible changes in foreign policy amid shifting global alliancesHow politicians are gearing up for the 2026 elections during the summerIn addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).
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The 89th Texas Legislature: GOP Goals, Democratic Dilemmas, and Power Plays
This week in politics on Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the dynamics shaping the 89th Texas Legislature, if the state’s top Republican leaders—Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrow— are working together, or working around each other, the overlap—and tensions—between Texas’ executive and legislative branches, the core values driving the Texas GOP this session, controversial bans being pushed by Republicans—and the political risks they carry, why dysfunction is brewing inside the Texas Democratic Party and what it all means for Texans as laws are made (or stalled) under the dome in Austin.TEXAS TOPICSAn overview of the 89th LegislatureOverlap between the Texas Speaker of the House, Governor and Lieutenant Governor.Are the branches of Texas government aligned?What is the core value of the Republican party in Texas.Texas GOP bans plans several bans, could there be issues later?Dysfunction in the Democratic Party.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).
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Biden Fights Cancer, Trump Gets a Jet, SCOTUS Tackles Immigration, and Congress Eyes the ‘Big Beautiful Bill'
This week in politics on Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss how President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis has reignited questions about his legacy and the 2024 race, the Supreme Court tackling major immigration cases that could reshape national policy. They also discuss Donald Trump re-entering the spotlight—fresh off receiving a $400 million private jet—and his push to Congress to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill". Down in Texas, the House passed both a bail reform package and a school funding bill.NATIONAL TOPICSPresident Joe Biden’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and its impact on his legacy.Recent Immigration cases in the U.S. Supreme CourtPresident Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”Trump gifted a $400 million plane.TEXAS TOPICSTexas House passes bail reform measuresSchool funding bill passedIn addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).
Overwhelmed by the political news cycle every week? We get it — that’s why we’re ‘keeping the fun but losing all the drama’ of politics! Party Politics podcast is hosted by Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina, two smart and sassy University of Houston political science professors, who deliver a friendly, funny, and casually informative recap of the week's biggest political news stories. Join the conversation on Twitter @HPMPolitics; use #PartyPoliticsPod to ask Brandon and Jeronimo questions; or email us at Party Politics.
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