Even the Scandals are Bigger in Texas

Former President Trump pleaded not guilty to the four criminal charges against him tied to his actions leading up to January 6th. The next hearing will be on August 28th. Suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s long-delayed criminal trial is expected to begin early 2024. But before that, he has an upcoming impeachment trial on September 5th. Also in Texas: A federal lawsuit was filed on Wednesday to stop the state’s ban intended to target drag performances. The suit argues that the law is unconstitutional and threatens the free expression of the state’s residents, including drag performers. And in headlines: the U.S. government ordered the partial evacuation of embassy personnel in Niger, the line-up for the knockout round of the World Cup has been finalized, and Florida effectively banned AP Psychology as a course for high school credit.