Government & Public Policy

From Texas Standard.

Lupe Valdez and Andrew White, the Democrats vying for a chance to face Gov. Greg Abbott in November, are preparing for their only debate of the primary campaign, to be held Friday in Austin. It won’t be broadcast, but will be livestreamed by KXAN-TV in Austin. And the Republican incumbent isn’t waiting around to see who will win the May 22 runoff. Abbott has released a campaign ad calling Valdez “too liberal for Texas.”

From Texas Standard:

Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, who President Donald Trump's nominated for Veterans' Affairs Secretary, has withdrawn his name from consideration, following allegations of misconduct during his tenure as White House physician. And embattled EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is testifying on Capitol Hill Thursday, answering questions about his spending on travel, security and furnishings, since taking office. But while Pruitt is only one of several Trump cabinet members facing scrutiny, Energy Secretary, and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has remained largely out of negative headlines. And Perry's name has been floated as a potential replacement nominee at Veterans' Affairs.