Texas Primaries Could be Delayed Further
The Texas Primary Election is scheduled for April 3rd but the U.S. Supreme Court could delay it. The Court heard arguments Monday in a case that could determine what Texas’ legislative and congressional districts look like for the upcoming primaries.
Legal wrangling over proposed redistricting maps already delayed the state's primaries by a month. As KUT's Matt Largey reported during Morning Edition, Monday’s Supreme Court hearing left open the possibility the primaries could be delayed further.
Police Meet with Neighbors about Central Austin Murder
Austin Police met with residents last night concerned about their safety after the New Year's Day murder of 29-year-old Esme Barrera. As KVUE reports community members asked police if the murder and several other crimes in the area were related:
Police met with residents at the First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis Avenue, as part of a regular scheduled meeting of the Heritage Neighborhood Association. Meeting attendees wanted to know if the string of crimes, including Barrera’s murder and two attacks of women across the street, along with an indecent exposure case from five to six blocks east, were all connected. Austin police told the crowd that they while they are combing through 250 tips and have conducted DNA testing, they have no indication at this point that any of the crimes are connected.
Opening Statements in Texas Drug Trial
The Associated Press reports opening statements are scheduled to begin today in Austin in the state's suit against Johnson & Johnson. Texas prosecutors say the drug company overstated the safety of the anti-psychotic drug Risperdal and influenced its use in the Texas Medicaid program. Here's more from the AP:
The company, facing similar claims in other states, is promising to vigorously defend itself when both sides lay out their cases during opening statements Tuesday. The lawsuit accuses Johnson & Johnson and several of its subsidiaries of fraud by making false or misleading statements about Risperdal and the drug's safety, cost effectiveness and superiority in the 1990s. Risperdal is a pill for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Rain Leaves Austin
No need for the umbrella, the rain has moved through Central Texas. Austin got nearly an inch of rain at Camp Mabry. Fredericksburg got over an inch. There's no rain in the forecast today. It's going to be mostly sunny and breezy with highs near 60.