SYNOPSIS: What are the prospects for progress in Texas? Who better to ask than Progress Texas? This week Jesse talks to Chris Mosser, a veteran broadcaster who reports for the nonprofit media platform. They talk Lone Star politics, including this year's redistricting fight and names to watch in next year's elections. Also: how Florida sugar barons are capitalizing on their relationship with Trump; an Alabama school for LGBTQ students has to revise its mission to keep its charter; and a Texas school district locks its libraries. In the arts and culture segment, we look at the origins and spread of Trunk or Treating — coming to a church parking lot near you!

SHOW NOTES: Progress Texas "Meet The Florida Sugar Barons Worth $4 Billion And Getting Sweet Deals From Donald Trump" Forbes Magazine "​​Coca-Cola's Trump-approved soda begins to roll out in the United States" CNN "America's Addiction to Big Sugar Leaves a Bitter Aftertaste" The Heritage Foundation Magic City Acceptance Academy "Magic City Acceptance Academy secures renewal from Alabama Public Charter School Commission" Alabama Reflector Alabama Public Charter School Commission Meeting, 10/15/25 "Magic City Acceptance Academy and the cost of state-sanctioned bigotry" Alabama Reflector "A Texas District Has Just Banned Students from Secondary School Libraries" BookRiot "New Braunfels ISD libraries to reopen Monday, 81 books flagged for further review" KSAT-TV "What to know about trunk-or-treating, a trick-or-treating alternative" National Public Radio

CONTACT: Jesse Mayshark [email protected] (865) 214-7764