Faculty in the Media

PolitiFact July 1, 2026

Trump allies blame birthright citizenship for ‘birth tourism.’ How often does it happen?

Clinical Professor Denise Gilman explains that there is no reliable evidence showing birth tourism is widespread, noting that available estimates indicate it accounts for only a small fraction of U.S. births despite its prominence in political debates.

More of: Denise L Gilman

Straight Arrow News June 30, 2026

What will it take to solve the great American energy puzzle?

Professor Emeritus David Spence discusses the challenges of expanding U.S. energy infrastructure, explaining that political polarization, permitting uncertainty, and competing priorities have made it increasingly difficult to build the transmission and power systems needed to meet growing electricity demand.

More of: David B Spence

the Guardian June 30, 2026

Trump administration puts religious freedom at heart of US health policy

Professor Elizabeth Sepper argues that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service reorganization uses the framing of religious liberty to prioritize right-to-life agendas and protect healthcare providers who refuse to provide reproductive, emergency, and gender-affirming care, which ultimately compromises patients' rights to non-discriminatory medical treatment.

More of: Elizabeth W Sepper

Factor This June 30, 2026

Policy reform is key for states to unlock the potential of renewable energy

A white paper co-authored by Professor David Adelman arguing that clean energy opposition stems from structural policy failure is referenced in an article proposing policy reform by states.

More of: David E Adelman

CBS News June 30, 2026

Texas reactions mount after Supreme Court birthright citizenship ruling

Clinical Professor Denise Gilman characterizes the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship ruling as straightforward, however she expressed concern that the non-unanimous, delayed decision could incorrectly signal that this constitutional right is uncertain.

More of: Denise L Gilman

KXAN June 29, 2026

Central Texas leaders warn AI-driven layoffs could signal broader job losses

Lecturer Kevin Frazier proposes that, rather than taxing AI, policy makers should focus on rapid, public-private retraining and apprenticeship programs to prepare workers for a shifting, skills- based "portfolio economy."

More of: Kevin Frazier

Spectrum News 1 June 26, 2026

Paxton’s support for IVF highlights broader divide among GOP

Professor Rachel Rebouché explains that an FDA safety study on a medication with track record of safety and efficacy like mifepristone is unprecedented, while emphasizing that widespread interstate conflicts over abortion access are just beginning.

More of: Rachel Rebouché

Houston Chronicle June 26, 2026

Dan Patrick-led Religious Liberty Commission aims to alter the relationship between church and state

Clinical Professor Steven Collis states that while the term"separation of church and state" doesn’t appear in the Constitution, two religious liberty clauses limit how much the government can interfere with religion or promote one set of faith beliefs over another.

More of: Steven T Collis

Washington Examiner June 26, 2026

Trap is set: Job market is about to get crushed if Labor Department doesn’t act now

Lecturer Kevin Frazier co-authors an article arguing that AI is already transforming blue-collar work though automated management of schedules, pay, and performance, and urging policy makers to update laws to create a work environment with more fluid labor arrangements.

More of: Kevin Frazier

the Texas Tribune June 25, 2026

Tensions with landowners rise as a raft of gas pipelines push through Texas properties

Senior Lecturer Christopher Kulander explains that a Texas Supreme Court decision in a 2004 case weakened the requirement that pipeline companies offer "good faith" land valuations, assisting pipeline companies to bring condemnation actions to a speedier close.

More of: Christopher Kulander

News Nation June 25, 2026

Camp Mystic bankruptcy a ‘sham,’ victims’ lawyer says

Professor Angela Littwin suggests that while Camp Mystic's Chapter 11 filing may indicate a potential to reopen, the owners would face significant challenges in securing insurance and regaining trust.

More of: Angela K Littwin

KUT June 24, 2026

Camp Mystic files for bankruptcy after months of investigations, lawsuits on flood deaths

Professor Angela Littwin notes that Camp Mystic's Chapter 11 filing will likely replace individual wrongful death lawsuits with a collection settlement through a centralized trust funded by insurance and assets.

More of: Angela K Littwin