Deep in the Pockets of Texas
Ed Lavandera reveals how a handful of influential billionaires steer the politics of school boards, city councils, and the state legislature in Texas.
Texas is one of only 10 states with no limitations on campaign donations to candidates. As a result, a few wealthy donors with strong religious views have an outsized influence on the government of approximately 30 million people. In a state known for its independence, Texas is usually at the forefront of legislation – and its conservative Republicans tell Lavandera that what's happening now goes beyond ideology.
Lavandera speaks with sources on the record for the first time about how a small number of extremely wealthy citizens fund campaigns of little-known candidates who back their ideology against insufficiently conservative lawmakers. In addition to financing candidates, they fund political action committees and the scorecard by which legislators are ranked, maneuvering lawmakers to take positions espoused by the billionaires. Even by Texas' conservative standards, the state has adopted some of the most stringently conservative legislation ever seen in the state's modern history. In this special, Lavandera explores how the ambitions of these few influential Texans are poised to expand beyond the state lines.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
The Chi
The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Kevin is the pre-teen who must step past shattered illusions and embrace the normal rites of childhood, while Brandon the dreamer makes his own nearly impossible leap of faith to succeed in life and love with girlfriend Jerrika. Emmett is the carefree teen is thrust into complex responsibility with guidance from his mother Jada, and Ronnie is the drifter whose struggle to love and be loved calls into question his every pursuit.
Welcome to Wrexham
In 2020, Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds teamed up to purchase Wrexham AFC, Wales' oldest professional football club, in the hopes of turning the club into an underdog story the whole world could root for. The worry? Rob and Ryan have no experience in football or working with each other. That said, they are serious about their investment in Wrexham, improving the club and doing right by the townspeople.
Jersey Shore: Family Vacation
The cast of Jersey Shore swore they would always do a vacation together. Now, five years, five kids, three marriages, and who knows how many GTL sessions later, the gang is back together and on vacation in a swanky house in Miami Beach.
Dune: Prophecy
From the expansive universe of Dune, 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.