I Got Arrested at the Fraternity Pledge Camping Trip Restitution and community service for a few minutes of idiocy

It was just weeks after I became a pledge when I saw a sign at the frat house about a pledge camping trip. I’d never gone camping before, so I was pretty excited. Each pledge had to bring a case of beer for the weekend.

James Talarico: From Near-Death to Insulin Reform At 28 years old, when James Talarico was running for his first seat in the Texas House, he nearly died from an undiagnosed medical emergency. During a 25-mile walk across the district to host town halls, he began experiencing severe nausea and fatigue. Despite vomiting several times, Talarico attributed the symptoms to simple dehydration and pushed through to the finish.

James Talarico: From Near-Death to Insulin Reform

At 28 years old, when James Talarico was running for his first seat in the Texas House, he nearly died from an undiagnosed medical emergency. During a 25-mile walk across the district to host town halls, he began experiencing severe nausea and…

Shawn Collins (@shawncollins512) Before I ever heard about the physical “face books" or "freshman red books” at Harvard, I was in the University of Maryland New Student Record, sponsored by the Interfraternity Council (IFC), in fall ...

Before I ever heard about the physical “face books" or "freshman red books” at Harvard, I was in the University of Maryland New Student Record, sponsored by the Interfraternity Council (IFC), in fall 1988.

Coming Soon: Empowered Cafe Empowered Café is more than just a for-profit coffee shop; it’s a place where purpose meets every pour. By providing adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to build meaningful careers, they’re fostering independence through dignified, skill-based roles that empower their team and enrich our community. Their vision is to foster an inclusive environment that showcases the professional talents of adults with disabilities.

Coming Soon: Empowered Cafe

Empowered Café is more than just a for-profit coffee shop; it’s a place where purpose meets every pour. By providing adults with Down syndrome the opportunity to build meaningful careers, they’re fostering independence through dignified, skill-based roles that empower…

James Talarico Delivers Easter Sermon (Divine Losers: Resistance and Resurrection) On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Texas State Representative (and U.S. Senate candidate) James Talarico delivered a sermon titled “Divine Losers: Resistance and Resurrection.” Talarico, who is a student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, used the platform to blend his progressive political worldview with traditional Easter themes of rebirth and hope. Key Themes and Highlights The Paradox of "Winning": Talarico challenged the modern obsession with power and dominance.

James Talarico Delivers Easter Sermon (Divine Losers: Resistance and Resurrection)

On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, Texas State Representative (and U.S. Senate candidate) James Talarico delivered a sermon titled “Divine Losers: Resistance and Resurrection.” Talarico, who is a student at Austin…

Jessie Andrews Park in Mueller Recently, the parks in Mueller that are named after local luminaries had plaques installed to share information about each park's namesake. The Jessie Andrews Park was named after the first female graduate and first female professor at the University of Texas at Austin. This park features an outdoor dining area with space for occasional food trucks, as well as a nature-inspired playscape, shaded strolling paths, tables for games such as chess and backgammon, restrooms, bike racks, a live performance space, and more.

Jessie Andrews Park in Mueller

Recently, the parks in Mueller that are named after local luminaries had plaques installed to share information about each park's namesake. The Jessie Andrews Park was named after the first female graduate and first female professor at the University of Texas at…

Pastor of Pete Hegseth Prays for Death of James Talarico In a political climate increasingly defined by hostility—where even spiritual leaders invoke threats against their opponents—James Talarico is offering a different path. The latest offensive comments towards James Talarico came from Pete Hegseth's spiritual advisor and Pastor, Brooks Potteiger of the Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship in Goodlettsville, TN. Potteiger said, speaking of Talarico, "I hope that God kills him." While some rely on the rhetoric of division and "stopping" their rivals by any means necessary, James is focused on building a movement rooted in the radical love of our neighbors.

Pastor of Pete Hegseth Prays for Death of James Talarico

In a political climate increasingly defined by hostility—where even spiritual leaders invoke threats against their opponents—James Talarico is offering a different path. The latest offensive comments towards James Talarico came from Pete…

Cajoling to Keep the Fraternity House Open How buttering up the city manager made our house inspections go easier

Cajoling to Keep the Fraternity House Open open.substack.com/pub/shawncol...

James Talarico on The Bulwark Podcast: I Know EXACTLY Why Voters Stopped Trusting Democrats James Talarico was recently on The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller, where he discussed why voters stopped trusting Democrats. Talarico doesn't care which Republican—Cornyn or Paxton—emerges from the runoff; his real opponent is the "corrupt system" fueled by billionaire mega-donors. To flip the seat, the Texas Democrat is bypassing traditional media echo chambers to speak directly to voters’ hearts with a platform that balances pro-immigrant values with border security.

James Talarico on The Bulwark Podcast: I Know EXACTLY Why Voters Stopped Trusting Democrats

James Talarico was recently on The Bulwark Podcast with Tim Miller, where he discussed why voters stopped trusting Democrats. Talarico doesn't care which Republican—Cornyn or Paxton—emerges from the runoff;…

New A/C and Heat System for the Apartment We just had a Mitsubishi MSZ‑JX12WL & MUZ‑JX12WL system installed and it delivers efficient 12,000 BTU cooling and up to 15,500 BTU heating. This high-efficiency Trane 18 SEER 1-ton MiniSplit Heatpump provides reliable heating and cooling that is perfect for this apartment size (approximately 500 square feet). There is a remote control on the wall to the left of the TV, so you can make adjustments to the temperature from the comfort of the bed or couch. Have a comfortable stay at the Moontower Loft. Book your visit today.

New A/C and Heat System for the Apartment

We just had a Mitsubishi MSZ‑JX12WL & MUZ‑JX12WL system installed and it delivers efficient 12,000 BTU cooling and up to 15,500 BTU heating. This high-efficiency Trane 18 SEER 1-ton MiniSplit Heatpump provides reliable heating and cooling that is perfect…

James Talarico Leads John Cornyn and Ken Paxton in the Polls James Talarico continues to defy the "red state" narrative. Fresh polling data marks the second consecutive survey where Talarico leads against both John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. Starting the general election cycle in the strongest position of any statewide Democrat in a generation, Talarico’s narrow but consistent lead highlights the growing influence of grassroots organizing in Texas. Matchup Talarico Republican vs. Cornyn 43% 41% vs. Paxton 44% 43% Donate to Talarico for Texas at JamesTalarico.com.

James Talarico Leads John Cornyn and Ken Paxton in the Polls

James Talarico continues to defy the "red state" narrative. Fresh polling data marks the second consecutive survey where Talarico leads against both John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. Starting the general election cycle in the strongest…

James Talarico Responds to President Trump Calling Him an “Insult to Jesus” President Trump recently called into Fox News host Brian Kilmeade’s radio show, and Trump went on a rant about James Talarico calling him "whacked out" and an "insult to Jesus." Here is James Talarico's response to President Trump's incendiary comment. The President of the United States just said that I insulted Jesus. You want to know what insults Jesus? Kicking the sick off their healthcare while cutting taxes for billionaires. 

James Talarico Responds to President Trump Calling Him an “Insult to Jesus”

President Trump recently called into Fox News host Brian Kilmeade’s radio show, and Trump went on a rant about James Talarico calling him "whacked out" and an "insult to Jesus." Here is James Talarico's response to…

I Actually Expected to Get a Job from Fraternity Connections I was psyched about networking for a job, but it didn't work out

I Actually Expected to Get a Job from Fraternity Connections
open.substack.com/pub/shawncol...

Another Republican Nothing Burger on the Campaign Trail: Talarico’s Old Vegan Remarks Spark GOP Firestorm The race for Texas’s U.S. Senate seat is heating up, and the latest battleground isn't policy—it’s the dinner plate. Following his primary victory over Jasmine Crockett, Democrat James Talarico is facing a wave of "anti-Texas" accusations from Republicans who have unearthed a 2021 clip of the representative championing a meat-free lifestyle during a fundraiser for laws against animal abuse. The Clip That Started the Sizzle…

Another Republican Nothing Burger on the Campaign Trail: Talarico’s Old Vegan Remarks Spark GOP Firestorm

The race for Texas’s U.S. Senate seat is heating up, and the latest battleground isn't policy—it’s the dinner plate. Following his primary victory over Jasmine Crockett, Democrat James…

Texas Vouchers: A Billion-Dollar Gamble with Public Funds Last year, Governor Greg Abbott touted a new voucher scheme as "education freedom" for every family in Texas. But as the program prepares to open applications on February 4, the reality on the ground looks less like freedom and more like a taxpayer-funded giveaway to exclusive private institutions. The Math Doesn't Add Up for Families While the state offers $10,474 per student ($30,000 for special needs and $2,000 for homeschoolers), the financial math rarely favors the average family.

Texas Vouchers: A Billion-Dollar Gamble with Public Funds

Last year, Governor Greg Abbott touted a new voucher scheme as "education freedom" for every family in Texas. But as the program prepares to open applications on February 4, the reality on the ground looks less like freedom and more like a…

Senate Candidate James Talarico Slams “Forever War” in Iran, Calls for Domestic Investment Texas U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico is taking President Trump to task over the "unconscionable" deployment of U.S. troops to Iran. In a televised interview with Jen Psaki, the Austin Democrat argued that the administration has lost sight of its 2024 mandate to lower costs for American families. "We should be taking this money that’s being wasted on bombs... and bring it back home to invest in our communities," Talarico stated, citing his background as a former San Antonio middle school teacher.

Senate Candidate James Talarico Slams “Forever War” in Iran, Calls for Domestic Investment

Texas U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico is taking President Trump to task over the "unconscionable" deployment of U.S. troops to Iran. In a televised interview with Jen Psaki, the Austin Democrat argued…

Midterm Election Integrity Questioned as GOP Releases Talarico Deepfake Video The 2026 midterm cycle has reached a new technological frontier with the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) releasing a hyper-realistic deepfake of Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico. While AI has been used in political messaging for over a year, this 85-second digital ad marks a significant escalation: it is the first to feature a synthetic candidate speaking directly to the camera for an extended duration.

Midterm Election Integrity Questioned as GOP Releases Talarico Deepfake Video

The 2026 midterm cycle has reached a new technological frontier with the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) releasing a hyper-realistic deepfake of Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico. While AI…

I Started Wearing Fraternity Letters in High School I was over high school long before high school was over

I Started Wearing Fraternity Letters in High School
open.substack.com/pub/shawncol...

POLL: James Talarico Leads Cornyn, Paxton in US Senate Race A recent survey by Public Policy Polling (PPP) indicates a surprising shift in the Texas political landscape, placing Democratic nominee James Talarico ahead of both potential Republican opponents in the race for the U.S. Senate. The poll, conducted March 4–5, highlights a primary season that has left the Republican side in flux, while the Democrats have already solidified their ticket.

POLL: James Talarico Leads Cornyn, Paxton in US Senate Race

A recent survey by Public Policy Polling (PPP) indicates a surprising shift in the Texas political landscape, placing Democratic nominee James Talarico ahead of both potential Republican opponents in the race for the U.S. Senate. The…

If John Cornyn or Ken Paxton Win the General Election for U.S. Senator, Texas Loses As Texas approaches the May 26 runoff for the U.S. Senate, the Republican primary has devolved into a high-stakes "knife fight" between four-term incumbent John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. While both men represent the heavyweight class of Texas GOP politics, their battle has exposed significant vulnerabilities. For many voters—particularly those looking for a fresh direction in November—there are compelling reasons why neither candidate may be the right fit for the next six years in Washington.

If John Cornyn or Ken Paxton Win the General Election for U.S. Senator, Texas Loses

As Texas approaches the May 26 runoff for the U.S. Senate, the Republican primary has devolved into a high-stakes "knife fight" between four-term incumbent John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. While both…

It is clear to me that these national pundits do not fully understand the state politics in Texas. The Democratic slate of candidates are all well known inside the state for their work in the State Legislature. Just because they don't have a national spotlight doesn't mean they aren't well known

Austin’s Favorite Duo: Austin FC Renews Mascot Partnership with Austin Pets Alive! ⋆ 512 Soccer As Austin FC kicks off its sixth season, the club has announced a five-year extension of its partnership with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!).

Austin’s Favorite Duo: Austin FC Renews Mascot Partnership with Austin Pets Alive!

James Talarico’s Senate Primary Win Sets Him Up as the New Face of Texas Democrats In a primary defined by a clash of styles rather than a rift in policy, James Talarico has emerged as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Texas. His victory over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett sets the stage for a high-stakes general election that will test whether a message of moral unity can dismantle decades of Republican dominance in the Lone Star State.

James Talarico’s Senate Primary Win Sets Him Up as the New Face of Texas Democrats

In a primary defined by a clash of styles rather than a rift in policy, James Talarico has emerged as the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Texas. His victory over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett sets the stage…

Gina Hinojosa Sets Sights on Governor’s Mansion After Primary Victory In a landslide victory that sets the stage for a high-stakes general election, State Representative Gina Hinojosa has officially secured the Democratic nomination for Texas Governor. Hinojosa dominated the primary field with 61% of the vote, soundly defeating former Congressman Chris Bell (10%) and retired firefighter Bobby Cole (5%). The decisive win solidifies her position as the party’s standard-bearer in the mission to unseat incumbent Greg Abbott this November.

Gina Hinojosa Sets Sights on Governor’s Mansion After Primary Victory

In a landslide victory that sets the stage for a high-stakes general election, State Representative Gina Hinojosa has officially secured the Democratic nomination for Texas Governor. Hinojosa dominated the primary field with 61%…

It's time! Polls are open today from 7am to 7pm.

Every hard thing we've done we've done together, but we need everyone to be all in. Grab a friend and go vote today!

Vote James Talarico on Tuesday, March 3 in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Texas

Vote James Talarico on Tuesday, March 3 in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Texas

Primary Showdown: Talarico and Paxton Face Tight Races in Final Push for Texas Senate The 2026 Texas Primary is shaping up to be a photo finish. According to the final pre-election survey from Emerson College/Nexstar Media, narrow margins and sharp demographic divides define the battle for the U.S. Senate on both sides of the aisle. Here is a breakdown of the numbers as voters head to the polls. Democratic Primary: Talarico vs. Crockett State Rep.

Primary Showdown: Talarico and Paxton Face Tight Races in Final Push for Texas Senate

The 2026 Texas Primary is shaping up to be a photo finish. According to the final pre-election survey from Emerson College/Nexstar Media, narrow margins and sharp demographic divides define the battle for the…

Austin FC Signs MLS Veteran and Cup Winner Christian Ramirez ⋆ 512 Soccer Austin FC has officially bolstered its attacking lineup, announcing the acquisition of veteran forward Christian Ramirez via MLS Waivers. The decorated striker, who boasts a trophy cabinet featuring a...

Austin FC Signs MLS Veteran and Cup Winner Christian Ramirez

Bridging the Gap: James Talarico Joins the Fight for Sand Branch Sand Branch, Texas, is a community defined by both its deep history and its systemic neglect. Established by freed slaves, this unincorporated pocket of Dallas County sits just miles from the heart of a major metropolis, yet it has spent decades without the most basic human necessities: running water, sewage systems, and emergency services. From Social Media Trend to Legislative Action…

Bridging the Gap: James Talarico Joins the Fight for Sand Branch

Sand Branch, Texas, is a community defined by both its deep history and its systemic neglect. Established by freed slaves, this unincorporated pocket of Dallas County sits just miles from the heart of a major metropolis, yet it has…

ThoroughFare Opening Soon on Aldrich Street - Moontower Loft - an Austin, TX Airbnb Coming to Aldrich Street this spring, ThoroughFare is the newest concept from the team behind South Austin’s beloved ThoroughBread bakery.

ThoroughFare Opening Soon on Aldrich Street in Mueller (Austin, TX)