JMR
@jamesfortexas.bsky.social
freelance writer covering art, the built environment, culture, people and politics, mostly in dfw and texas. quorum report’s newsclipper.
Reposted by JMR
Our top story: “Bitcoin miners in general, if you map out across the United States, this is my opinion, are taking advantage of small rural communities that don’t have the wherewithal to fight back.”
Crypto's Cryptic Texas Takeover
State regulators don't want you to know about the 60-plus Bitcoin mines guzzling public water and electricity—even though consumers are already paying the price.
www.texasobserver.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Our top story: “Bitcoin miners in general, if you map out across the United States, this is my opinion, are taking advantage of small rural communities that don’t have the wherewithal to fight back.”
And in an update, Harris County House candidate and Dem consultant Odus Evbagharu explains how they won all three seats: www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outl... #txlege
November 7, 2025 at 4:59 PM
And in an update, Harris County House candidate and Dem consultant Odus Evbagharu explains how they won all three seats: www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/outl... #txlege
Reposted by JMR
Maddie McGarvey spent 15 years photographing a young girl growing up in the natural splendor and deep poverty of Appalachia. McGarvey's act of witness is breathtaking and heartbreaking and life-changing. I'm honored to write about it for the New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Opinion | Seeing Those Who Are Forgotten: An Act of Witness in Appalachia
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Maddie McGarvey spent 15 years photographing a young girl growing up in the natural splendor and deep poverty of Appalachia. McGarvey's act of witness is breathtaking and heartbreaking and life-changing. I'm honored to write about it for the New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/o...
Reposted by JMR
For @msnbc.com I wrote about how Tuesday's election gives Democrats the blueprint for overcoming Republican anti-trans attacks and how thus should settle all the talk about throwing trans people under the bus.
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Opinion | Democrats’ election wins showed they don't need to hide their support for trans rights
Republicans repeated Trump's anti-trans strategy from 2024 and lost big. This should be instructive for Democrats.
www.msnbc.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:41 AM
For @msnbc.com I wrote about how Tuesday's election gives Democrats the blueprint for overcoming Republican anti-trans attacks and how thus should settle all the talk about throwing trans people under the bus.
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
oh my god traveling is such a pain in the ass.
November 6, 2025 at 12:38 PM
oh my god traveling is such a pain in the ass.
Reposted by JMR
With the state takeover process getting started in Fort Worth ISD, I talked to parents and students in Houston about what the intervention was like there, an what to expect here. All of them said they were worried for Fort Worth. Gift link:
www.star-telegram.com/news/local/e...
www.star-telegram.com/news/local/e...
‘Scared for Fort Worth’: As FWISD takeover looms, Houston families share concern
A state takeover of Fort Worth ISD would be the second largest in state history. Parents and students in Houston share their experience.
www.star-telegram.com
November 3, 2025 at 3:15 PM
With the state takeover process getting started in Fort Worth ISD, I talked to parents and students in Houston about what the intervention was like there, an what to expect here. All of them said they were worried for Fort Worth. Gift link:
www.star-telegram.com/news/local/e...
www.star-telegram.com/news/local/e...
Reposted by JMR
Four great novels about architecture so you don’t have to read The Fountainhead
October 27, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Four great novels about architecture so you don’t have to read The Fountainhead
Reposted by JMR
Brooke Rollins: "My message to America is your government is failing you right now ... we have failed you."
October 31, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Brooke Rollins: "My message to America is your government is failing you right now ... we have failed you."
The Pearl Comb, which screens at the Lone Star Film Fest today, packs a lot into 21 minutes. I talked to director Ali Cook about his directorial debut, and the intense labor behind making such a short movie. www.star-telegram.com/entertainmen...
This Oscar-eligible movie has gained international acclaim. See it in Fort Worth
The horror fantasy drama is only 21 minutes long.
www.star-telegram.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:51 PM
The Pearl Comb, which screens at the Lone Star Film Fest today, packs a lot into 21 minutes. I talked to director Ali Cook about his directorial debut, and the intense labor behind making such a short movie. www.star-telegram.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by JMR
What a grift nestled inside a boondoggle wrapped in a quid pro quo
Exclusive: SpaceX is set to receive $2 billion to develop satellites that can track missiles and aircraft under President Trump’s Golden Dome project.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Set to Win $2 Billion Pentagon Satellite Deal
The funding would support the development of satellites for President Trump’s Golden Dome project.
on.wsj.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:24 AM
What a grift nestled inside a boondoggle wrapped in a quid pro quo
Reposted by JMR
“In practical terms, Texas is poised to no longer simply cooperate with federal immigration authorities, but function as an annex of them: a state-run extension of federal enforcement built into its everyday policing, transforming state sovereignty into an instrument of national policy.”
NEW: ICE is planning to build a shadow deportation network in Texas. A proposal outlines a 24/7 transport operation run by armed contractors—turning Texas into the logistical backbone of an industrialized deportation machine.
My latest @wired.com: www.wired.com/story/ice-is...
My latest @wired.com: www.wired.com/story/ice-is...
October 31, 2025 at 11:46 AM
“In practical terms, Texas is poised to no longer simply cooperate with federal immigration authorities, but function as an annex of them: a state-run extension of federal enforcement built into its everyday policing, transforming state sovereignty into an instrument of national policy.”
Fort Worth’s Alice Walton playing in NYC politics. Huh
It's funny to start a group called "fix the city" just to funnel money to the guy who fucked up the city
October 29, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Fort Worth’s Alice Walton playing in NYC politics. Huh
Could everything just stop and could someone give me a hug please?
October 29, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Could everything just stop and could someone give me a hug please?
Reposted by JMR
Right after auditioning for Carmela in “The Sopranos,” Edie Falco landed the role. “In college, I was taught to erase my New York accent. In ‘The Sopranos,’ I was cast to use it.”
Edie Falco Tried to Mask Her New York Accent, Until ‘The Sopranos’ Came Along
The ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ actress on overcoming her shyness, playing the weirdos in college and moving from the city to the country.
on.wsj.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Right after auditioning for Carmela in “The Sopranos,” Edie Falco landed the role. “In college, I was taught to erase my New York accent. In ‘The Sopranos,’ I was cast to use it.”
Reposted by JMR
Stop reading the news and normalize lounging inside “Visiona 2” by Verner Panton at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1970.
September 13, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Stop reading the news and normalize lounging inside “Visiona 2” by Verner Panton at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1970.
Reposted by JMR
Jack DeJohnette, just one of the deepest musicians ever, and a personal hero. Here is my obituary for NPR Music.
Jack DeJohnette, dynamic and instantly recognizable jazz drummer, dies at 83
Jack DeJohnette, of the most daring and singular jazz drummers of the last 60 years, died on Sunday.
www.npr.org
October 27, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Jack DeJohnette, just one of the deepest musicians ever, and a personal hero. Here is my obituary for NPR Music.
Reposted by JMR
UT Austin has renamed its Architecture & Planning Library to honor John Chase, its first Black MArch graduate (1952) and the South’s first licensed Black architect. Chase’s legacy as a trailblazer is now celebrated on campus. #ArchitectureAcademia
archinect.com/news/article...
archinect.com/news/article...
UT SoA renames architecture library to honor John Chase, Texas’ first Black architect
John Chase, the trailblazing Black architect and 1952 MArch graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, has received recognition from his alma mater with the official renaming of the SoA’s Architec...
archinect.com
January 28, 2025 at 6:46 PM
UT Austin has renamed its Architecture & Planning Library to honor John Chase, its first Black MArch graduate (1952) and the South’s first licensed Black architect. Chase’s legacy as a trailblazer is now celebrated on campus. #ArchitectureAcademia
archinect.com/news/article...
archinect.com/news/article...
Consultant Dave Carney poll question: what do you think of the woke indoctrinating [insert whatever bullshit] First Amendment?
Previously: So swings the political pendulum of First Amendment rights, as this foundational protection is treated as a prop to be bear-hugged in one moment and conveniently tossed aside when an opportunistic moment demands.
For Greg Abbott, Free Speech Is Just Another Political Prop
Charlie Kirk defended the First Amendment. Texas betrays it in his defense.
www.texasobserver.org
October 26, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Consultant Dave Carney poll question: what do you think of the woke indoctrinating [insert whatever bullshit] First Amendment?
Reposted by JMR
The Texas Education Agency is taking over Fort Worth ISD. It's the second-biggest district takeover in the state's history.
www.star-telegram.com/news/local/e...
www.star-telegram.com/news/local/e...
State will take over Fort Worth ISD, replace school board, commissioner says
Education Commissioner Mike Morath announced the takeover Thursday morning, which comes after one school received five straight F ratings.
www.star-telegram.com
October 23, 2025 at 6:16 PM
The Texas Education Agency is taking over Fort Worth ISD. It's the second-biggest district takeover in the state's history.
www.star-telegram.com/news/local/e...
www.star-telegram.com/news/local/e...
Reposted by JMR
State institutions in Texas are being forced to retreat, but TCU, as a private university, isn’t. So it’s sad to see admins undoing years of faculty work that went into building a more inclusive academic community.
To say I’m disappointed would be a major understatement.
TCU to end stand-alone departments focused on women and gender, race and ethnic studies
Officials said a merger into the English department better uses resources. Faculty fear it was politically motivated, which TCU denies.
fortworthreport.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:19 AM
State institutions in Texas are being forced to retreat, but TCU, as a private university, isn’t. So it’s sad to see admins undoing years of faculty work that went into building a more inclusive academic community.
Saw someone post about how Dallas City Council should look top Fort Worth for advice given our new shiny one. My take from 2021 on the acquisition of the former Pier 1 building: www.fwweekly.com/2021/06/16/s...
Sky City
On the heels of a municipal election that brought in a slate of new faces to Fort Worth City Council, many of whom campaigned on a more open and responsive city government, one committed to addressing...
www.fwweekly.com
October 22, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Saw someone post about how Dallas City Council should look top Fort Worth for advice given our new shiny one. My take from 2021 on the acquisition of the former Pier 1 building: www.fwweekly.com/2021/06/16/s...
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art acquired nearly 50 works of art this year and most are by artists of color. You can thank the curators. www.star-telegram.com/entertainmen...
Amon Carter Museum announces diverse art acquisitions spanning 150 years
There’s something to please everyone in this collection of sculptures, paintings and photographs.
www.star-telegram.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:09 PM
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art acquired nearly 50 works of art this year and most are by artists of color. You can thank the curators. www.star-telegram.com/entertainmen...
Reposted by JMR
More scenes and photos from yesterday's No Kings protests that took place all over Texas
Thousands of Texans Take To No Kings Protests
Texans from every part of the state took part in peaceful No Kings protests to push back on many of the policies from the Trump administration
texassignal.com
October 19, 2025 at 1:50 PM
More scenes and photos from yesterday's No Kings protests that took place all over Texas
Reposted by JMR
We loved getting to showcase this revolutionary theater making the rounds in Texas:
Bread and Puppet Theatre is bringing its road show to Texas. They'll be at the Hip Pocket Theatre on Friday. I talked to people from both about the importance of puppetry and protest for @texassignal.bsky.social. texassignal.com/radical-poli...
Radical Political Puppeteers Come To Texas
The famed and revolutionary Bread and Puppet Theater, famous for their puppetry, is making stops in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth this week
texassignal.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:38 PM
We loved getting to showcase this revolutionary theater making the rounds in Texas: