Kris Vera-Phillips (she/her)
@queenkv.bsky.social
Faculty associate at Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State. Ph.D. AAJA member
📖 Studying identity, representation, & power in media.
📺 Emmy-award-winning journalist
📝 Alum: Medill, Cal, KPBS, CapRadio
📖 Studying identity, representation, & power in media.
📺 Emmy-award-winning journalist
📝 Alum: Medill, Cal, KPBS, CapRadio
Pinned
Hi! I just wanted to introduce myself to new followers. I am a Ph.D. candidate and media scholar studying identity, representation, and power in news media & popular culture.
🍜 I also love food. I love how food connects me to communities, cultures and adventures. 🍽️
#academicsky #writingcommunity
🍜 I also love food. I love how food connects me to communities, cultures and adventures. 🍽️
#academicsky #writingcommunity
“Instead of admitting that he raped Cindy Clemishire when she was twelve years old, pastor Robert Morris concocted a story about engaging in an 'inappropriate' extramarital relationship with an adult woman," the court filing states.
#church #texas
www.keranews.org/news/2025-11...
#church #texas
www.keranews.org/news/2025-11...
Defamation suit against Gateway Church, Robert Morris over sexual abuse can continue, judge rules
A Dallas County judge on Tuesday denied efforts by Gateway Church and church elders to dismiss the lawsuit on grounds that it centers a religious issue that secular courts shouldn't be involved in.
www.keranews.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:35 AM
“Instead of admitting that he raped Cindy Clemishire when she was twelve years old, pastor Robert Morris concocted a story about engaging in an 'inappropriate' extramarital relationship with an adult woman," the court filing states.
#church #texas
www.keranews.org/news/2025-11...
#church #texas
www.keranews.org/news/2025-11...
Council Report on firing of Texas A&M English professor Melissa McCoul: “The content of the course was the reason for the dismissal and not the stated reason: failure of academic responsibility."
She was discussing gender identity in class.
#academicsky
www.texastribune.org/2025/11/10/t...
She was discussing gender identity in class.
#academicsky
www.texastribune.org/2025/11/10/t...
Texas A&M panel: Firing violated professor’s academic freedom
University officials dispute the faculty council’s conclusion. Melissa McCoul lost her job after a video of a classroom debate went viral.
www.texastribune.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Council Report on firing of Texas A&M English professor Melissa McCoul: “The content of the course was the reason for the dismissal and not the stated reason: failure of academic responsibility."
She was discussing gender identity in class.
#academicsky
www.texastribune.org/2025/11/10/t...
She was discussing gender identity in class.
#academicsky
www.texastribune.org/2025/11/10/t...
Public officials cannot “wield the authority of the state to violate the constitutional rights of citizens if the official believes she is ‘follow[ing] her conscience,’” wrote Judge Helene N. White.
#lgbtq+ #samesexmarriage
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
#lgbtq+ #samesexmarriage
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
Supreme Court Denies Request to Revisit Same-Sex Marriage Decision
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Public officials cannot “wield the authority of the state to violate the constitutional rights of citizens if the official believes she is ‘follow[ing] her conscience,’” wrote Judge Helene N. White.
#lgbtq+ #samesexmarriage
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
#lgbtq+ #samesexmarriage
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/u...
"Rosalind Franklin, a talented scientist, had to work in an atmosphere of constant sexism.
In an obit, a reminder of Watson's rise and fall with DNA - including his problematic treatment of women and communities of color.
#academicsky
www.npr.org/2025/11/07/n...
In an obit, a reminder of Watson's rise and fall with DNA - including his problematic treatment of women and communities of color.
#academicsky
www.npr.org/2025/11/07/n...
James Watson, who co-discovered the structure of DNA, has died at age 97
James Watson, who co-discovered the structure of DNA has died at age 97. He was a scientific superstar until he made racist remarks that made him an outcast.
www.npr.org
November 8, 2025 at 12:28 PM
"Rosalind Franklin, a talented scientist, had to work in an atmosphere of constant sexism.
In an obit, a reminder of Watson's rise and fall with DNA - including his problematic treatment of women and communities of color.
#academicsky
www.npr.org/2025/11/07/n...
In an obit, a reminder of Watson's rise and fall with DNA - including his problematic treatment of women and communities of color.
#academicsky
www.npr.org/2025/11/07/n...
🗳️Things I'm learning about Texas - I can't vote by mail like California and Arizona. So, I'm driving to a voting spot to take care of early voting.
Helpful voter's guide by Texas Tribune on 17 statewide propositions.
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/22/t...
Helpful voter's guide by Texas Tribune on 17 statewide propositions.
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/22/t...
What are the 17 Texas propositions on the November ballot?
A majority of the proposed constitutional amendments address tax cuts for homeowners and businesses.
www.texastribune.org
October 23, 2025 at 4:47 PM
🗳️Things I'm learning about Texas - I can't vote by mail like California and Arizona. So, I'm driving to a voting spot to take care of early voting.
Helpful voter's guide by Texas Tribune on 17 statewide propositions.
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/22/t...
Helpful voter's guide by Texas Tribune on 17 statewide propositions.
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/22/t...
"I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this," María Corina Machado.
www.bbc.com/news/live/c1...
www.bbc.com/news/live/c1...
Nobel Peace Prize 2025 live updates: Venezuelan democracy activist María Corina Machado wins
Nominations closed in January but US President Donald Trump had led a public campaign to win the award.
www.bbc.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:23 AM
"I am just one person. I certainly do not deserve this," María Corina Machado.
www.bbc.com/news/live/c1...
www.bbc.com/news/live/c1...
A UC Davis study found that while most Americans reject political violence, those who hold harmful beliefs — such as racism, hostile sexism — are also more likely than others to believe that political violence is justifiable.
📝 by Juliana Kim
www.npr.org/2025/09/17/n...
📝 by Juliana Kim
www.npr.org/2025/09/17/n...
After a wave of horrific shootings, gun violence trends put recent attacks in context
Mass shootings, political violence and school safety are front of mind for many Americans following a recent spate of high-profile attacks. Experts who study gun violence unpack the data and trends.
www.npr.org
September 29, 2025 at 11:21 AM
A UC Davis study found that while most Americans reject political violence, those who hold harmful beliefs — such as racism, hostile sexism — are also more likely than others to believe that political violence is justifiable.
📝 by Juliana Kim
www.npr.org/2025/09/17/n...
📝 by Juliana Kim
www.npr.org/2025/09/17/n...
"Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
📝 by Joe Hernandez & Chris Arnold
www.npr.org/2025/09/28/n...
📝 by Joe Hernandez & Chris Arnold
www.npr.org/2025/09/28/n...
Schools to close Monday in Michigan community that experienced deadly church attack
Multiple people were shot at a Mormon church in Michigan that was then set on fire, authorities said Sunday. The shooter was killed by police.
www.npr.org
September 29, 2025 at 10:58 AM
"Violence anywhere, especially in a place of worship, is unacceptable," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
📝 by Joe Hernandez & Chris Arnold
www.npr.org/2025/09/28/n...
📝 by Joe Hernandez & Chris Arnold
www.npr.org/2025/09/28/n...
Caleb, a boy waiting for a heart transplant, tells his mom: "It could be worse."
But his mom knows - it could also be better.
By Elissa Nadworny
#AcademicSky
www.npr.org/2025/09/21/n...
But his mom knows - it could also be better.
By Elissa Nadworny
#AcademicSky
www.npr.org/2025/09/21/n...
Casualties of Trump’s War on Higher Ed : Up First from NPR
President Trump has a long list of grievances against many U.S. colleges and universities. He’s complained about antisemitism on campuses, of gender- and race-based course offerings, even communist in...
www.npr.org
September 21, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Caleb, a boy waiting for a heart transplant, tells his mom: "It could be worse."
But his mom knows - it could also be better.
By Elissa Nadworny
#AcademicSky
www.npr.org/2025/09/21/n...
But his mom knows - it could also be better.
By Elissa Nadworny
#AcademicSky
www.npr.org/2025/09/21/n...
“Right now, we're going after the migrants that pose the largest threat to the communities. And there's a lot of them” - DPS Director Freeman Martin
📝 by Alejandro Serrano
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/12/t...
📝 by Alejandro Serrano
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/12/t...
“Operation Lone Star 2.0”: DPS arresting thousands of undocumented immigrants across Texas to aid Trump’s mass deportation
The Department of Public Safety has shifted from Biden-era border enforcement to helping expel people from the country, a job once exclusively done by federal authorities.
www.texastribune.org
September 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
“Right now, we're going after the migrants that pose the largest threat to the communities. And there's a lot of them” - DPS Director Freeman Martin
📝 by Alejandro Serrano
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/12/t...
📝 by Alejandro Serrano
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/12/t...
“When do people that look like me, Tiffany, Evelyn, Gustavo, Marisa, LJ, get to learn about themselves before the fifth grade?” asked Houston board member Staci Childs, referring to people of color on panel. “Just curious, if we adopt this."
📝 by Jaden Edison
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/12/t...
📝 by Jaden Edison
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/12/t...
State Board of Education OKs Texas-heavy social studies plan, setting stage for clash over history lessons
Educators worry the plan will deemphasize topics like world geography, history and cultures. The board aims to vote on what specific content social studies lessons will include by next summer.
www.texastribune.org
September 15, 2025 at 10:59 AM
“When do people that look like me, Tiffany, Evelyn, Gustavo, Marisa, LJ, get to learn about themselves before the fifth grade?” asked Houston board member Staci Childs, referring to people of color on panel. “Just curious, if we adopt this."
📝 by Jaden Edison
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/12/t...
📝 by Jaden Edison
www.texastribune.org/2025/09/12/t...
“By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive" - Gov. Lujan Grisham
19thnews.org/2025/09/new-...
19thnews.org/2025/09/new-...
New Mexico will be the first state to make child care free
The program, which is expected to save families $12,000 per child annually, is available to all residents regardless of income.
19thnews.org
September 11, 2025 at 10:53 AM
“By investing in universal child care, we are giving families financial relief, supporting our economy, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive" - Gov. Lujan Grisham
19thnews.org/2025/09/new-...
19thnews.org/2025/09/new-...
Go Bills! “It was unbelievable,” Joey Bosa said. “I’m still buzzing. But it’s the first game. We’ve got to get back to work tomorrow, unfortunately. Too bad that wasn’t the Super Bowl, but …it felt like it."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
Bills somehow find a way to stun Ravens: ‘I’m in a dream state right now’:
“It was special to watch,” a bewildered Joey Bosa said. “Every text I have is, ‘I’ve never seen anything like that.’"
www.nytimes.com
September 8, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Go Bills! “It was unbelievable,” Joey Bosa said. “I’m still buzzing. But it’s the first game. We’ve got to get back to work tomorrow, unfortunately. Too bad that wasn’t the Super Bowl, but …it felt like it."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
At Harvard: "Things have gotten to the point where some students feel guilty for focusing on schoolwork at the expense of extracurriculars."
📝 by Rose Horowitch #academicsky
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
📝 by Rose Horowitch #academicsky
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
The Perverse Consequences of the Easy A
In the era of grade inflation, students at top colleges are more stressed than ever.
www.theatlantic.com
September 5, 2025 at 11:25 AM
At Harvard: "Things have gotten to the point where some students feel guilty for focusing on schoolwork at the expense of extracurriculars."
📝 by Rose Horowitch #academicsky
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
📝 by Rose Horowitch #academicsky
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
“Friday morning, he was just a normal resident of Texas enjoying the beginning of the long holiday weekend, and now he's fighting to stay in the country that he loves.”
ICE Detains #SMU Grad
📝 by Priscilla Rice
www.keranews.org/news/2025-09...
ICE Detains #SMU Grad
📝 by Priscilla Rice
www.keranews.org/news/2025-09...
Dallas community leader, SMU grad detained by ICE
Omar Salazar's friends say he has a "history of leadership, service, and love for his community." He's being held in ICE detention after being pulled over for a traffic violation.
www.keranews.org
September 3, 2025 at 11:34 PM
“Friday morning, he was just a normal resident of Texas enjoying the beginning of the long holiday weekend, and now he's fighting to stay in the country that he loves.”
ICE Detains #SMU Grad
📝 by Priscilla Rice
www.keranews.org/news/2025-09...
ICE Detains #SMU Grad
📝 by Priscilla Rice
www.keranews.org/news/2025-09...
"They're trying to make an imperfect game, perfect. I resent that" - Joe Torre on analytics in major league baseball.
From new @ballgirl.bsky.social book.
Also - great author interview by @amartinezla.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2025/09/01/n...
From new @ballgirl.bsky.social book.
Also - great author interview by @amartinezla.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2025/09/01/n...
Sportswriter Jane Leavy discusses her new book on baseball, 'Make Me Commissioner'
Sportswriter Jane Leavy discusses her new book, "Make Me Commissioner: I Know What's Wrong with Baseball and How to Fix It," with Morning Edition host and baseball megafan A Martinez.
www.npr.org
September 2, 2025 at 10:51 AM
"They're trying to make an imperfect game, perfect. I resent that" - Joe Torre on analytics in major league baseball.
From new @ballgirl.bsky.social book.
Also - great author interview by @amartinezla.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2025/09/01/n...
From new @ballgirl.bsky.social book.
Also - great author interview by @amartinezla.bsky.social
www.npr.org/2025/09/01/n...
"Texans can expect a variety of noticeable impacts on their daily lives."
Senate Bill 12: Ban on student DEI & LGBTQ+ clubs
Senate Bill 412: limits teacher/librarian protections when providing educational content, including LGBTQ+, race & sex health materials.
www.keranews.org/texas-news/2...
Senate Bill 12: Ban on student DEI & LGBTQ+ clubs
Senate Bill 412: limits teacher/librarian protections when providing educational content, including LGBTQ+, race & sex health materials.
www.keranews.org/texas-news/2...
More than 830 new Texas laws take effect Sept. 1. Here’s what’s changing
These measures touch nearly every aspect of life, from education and healthcare to public safety, property rules and support for first responders. With so many changes coming at once, Texans can expec...
www.keranews.org
September 1, 2025 at 12:23 PM
"Texans can expect a variety of noticeable impacts on their daily lives."
Senate Bill 12: Ban on student DEI & LGBTQ+ clubs
Senate Bill 412: limits teacher/librarian protections when providing educational content, including LGBTQ+, race & sex health materials.
www.keranews.org/texas-news/2...
Senate Bill 12: Ban on student DEI & LGBTQ+ clubs
Senate Bill 412: limits teacher/librarian protections when providing educational content, including LGBTQ+, race & sex health materials.
www.keranews.org/texas-news/2...
Reposted by Kris Vera-Phillips (she/her)
A Labor Day reminder: today there isn't a single city, metro area, or state in the U.S. where a full-time minimum-wage worker can afford a modest 2-bedroom apartment.
Millions of people with jobs—even multiple jobs—aren't safe from homelessness in this country.
Millions of people with jobs—even multiple jobs—aren't safe from homelessness in this country.
Opinion | America Is Pushing Its Workers Into Homelessness
www.nytimes.com
September 1, 2025 at 11:54 AM
A Labor Day reminder: today there isn't a single city, metro area, or state in the U.S. where a full-time minimum-wage worker can afford a modest 2-bedroom apartment.
Millions of people with jobs—even multiple jobs—aren't safe from homelessness in this country.
Millions of people with jobs—even multiple jobs—aren't safe from homelessness in this country.
"Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.” - Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
A Traumatized Minneapolis Confronts Another Tragedy
www.nytimes.com
August 28, 2025 at 10:59 AM
"Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.” - Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u...
"We know that this administration doesn't honor the sanctity of any safe space. You know, they've entered hospitals. They've entered churches. And so the school entity is the only one that's left" - Ingrid Villeda
www.npr.org/2025/08/17/n...
📝 by @mbjamerson
www.npr.org/2025/08/17/n...
📝 by @mbjamerson
LAUSD is taking action to help immigrant students feel safe going to school
City officials in Los Angeles are taking new measures to try and ensure that families without legal status feel safe getting their kids to school, after a summer of federal immigration raids.
www.npr.org
August 20, 2025 at 10:49 AM
"We know that this administration doesn't honor the sanctity of any safe space. You know, they've entered hospitals. They've entered churches. And so the school entity is the only one that's left" - Ingrid Villeda
www.npr.org/2025/08/17/n...
📝 by @mbjamerson
www.npr.org/2025/08/17/n...
📝 by @mbjamerson
“Apparently, all of the equipment and video were taken by the Texas Rangers and DPS, and in fact, they were never returned back to the school and that’s school property" - Manuel Rizo
📝 by @texaspublicradio.bsky.social
www.tpr.org/government-p...
#texas #schools #shooting #uvalde
📝 by @texaspublicradio.bsky.social
www.tpr.org/government-p...
#texas #schools #shooting #uvalde
For Uvalde families, long-awaited records release leads to more questions
While Uvalde County and UCISD released records related to the Robb Elementary School massacre, the family of Jackie Cazares is still looking for more information and transparency from the Texas Depart...
www.tpr.org
August 18, 2025 at 11:06 AM
“Apparently, all of the equipment and video were taken by the Texas Rangers and DPS, and in fact, they were never returned back to the school and that’s school property" - Manuel Rizo
📝 by @texaspublicradio.bsky.social
www.tpr.org/government-p...
#texas #schools #shooting #uvalde
📝 by @texaspublicradio.bsky.social
www.tpr.org/government-p...
#texas #schools #shooting #uvalde
“It’s a very cruel and unjust place to put babies and families in.”
www.texastribune.org/2025/06/27/t...
www.texastribune.org/2025/06/27/t...
“It will affect all families”: Challenges await Texas parents if birthright citizenship ends
The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship to take effect in certain states in 30 days.
www.texastribune.org
June 28, 2025 at 12:46 PM
“It’s a very cruel and unjust place to put babies and families in.”
www.texastribune.org/2025/06/27/t...
www.texastribune.org/2025/06/27/t...
"This is another example of the federal administration doing everything in their power to strike fear and hurt hard-working families," the governor's deputy director of communications, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, said.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
June 19, 2025 at 11:53 PM
"This is another example of the federal administration doing everything in their power to strike fear and hurt hard-working families," the governor's deputy director of communications, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, said.
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Listen up newsrooms - @amejaglobal.bsky.social published this reporting guide on Iran for accurate and ethical coverage amid escalating conflict. Please use this valuable resource in your editorial conversations and news coverage.
ameja.org/IranGuide
ameja.org/IranGuide
June 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Listen up newsrooms - @amejaglobal.bsky.social published this reporting guide on Iran for accurate and ethical coverage amid escalating conflict. Please use this valuable resource in your editorial conversations and news coverage.
ameja.org/IranGuide
ameja.org/IranGuide
This is how Homeland Security treats an elected lawmaker, a Senator of the United States.
Sen. Alex Padilla was just removed from Kristi Noem's press conference in Los Angeles (video: Bill Melugin/Fox News)
June 12, 2025 at 10:51 PM
This is how Homeland Security treats an elected lawmaker, a Senator of the United States.