Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is pursuing legal action to remove House Democrats who fled the state, asserting they have abandoned their positions. Paxton plans to file cases in district courts, which could lead to appeals and special elections if successful. Governor Greg Abbott has bypassed district courts by filing an emergency petition with the state supreme court. Paxton’s 2021 legal opinion on quorum breaking did not address constitutionality or removal of lawmakers. Democrats’ response has been criticized as ineffective, with some questioning the legality of their out-of-state arrangements. The situation highlights tensions over partisan redistricting in Texas.
Tropical Storms Karina and Lowell formed Thursday in the Pacific Ocean, both of which were expected to become hurricanes in the next few days, the National Hurricane Center said.
A new study suggests that El Ninos — the natural climatic chaos agent that pops up periodically and spikes global temperatures — are getting stronger because of human-caused climate change.
Two unvaccinated Pennsylvania residents have died after being infected with measles, the first U.S. deaths this year related to the contagious virus. State health officials announced the deaths Tuesday. They did not reveal any details about the people who died, other than that they lived in Lancaster County, west of Philadelphia.
