Experts in the News

"The Coney Barrett hearings should help [John] Cornyn by focusing attention away from an unpopular Donald Trump, an ailing economy, and the Covid-19 pandemic, and focusing attention toward key policy differences that separate Republicans and Democrats — a focus that can only help Cornyn, who only needs Republican voters to turn out and then vote for him in order to insure his reelection,” said political science fellow Mark Jones.

Federal agencies are no longer required to consider how emissions from projects contribute to climate change, said Jim Blackburn, Baker Institute Rice faculty scholar. “That allows business as usual to continue as usual, which is the enemy of dealing with climate change."

What makes a good astronaut? The attributes have evolved since NASA first vetted candidates in the 1950s, said space policy fellow George Abbey. For today's missions, like NASA’s Artemis program — which aims to establish a long-term presence on the lunar surface — the psychological effects of isolation and the dynamics of teamwork will be even more critical to consider when selecting astronaut crews.

The infusion of cash into the campaigns is the latest evidence that Texas truly is “in play” as a toss-up state, said political science fellow Mark Jones. Still, “I don’t think anyone would credibly say Donald Trump is a lock to win in Texas."

State GOP leaders should insulate themselves and start thinking about a replacement for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, political science fellow Mark Jones said. Paxton’s top employees recently filed a whistleblower’s complaint accusing him of bribery and abuse of office.