Texas Briefing
“Texas Briefing” brings expert insight to the policy challenges shaping life in the Lone Star State. Through topical miniseries, scholars from Rice University’s Baker Institute and their guests untangle issues in health, the economy, climate resilience, and more to understand how policy matters are impacting communities from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast.
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Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
How do students experience faith on campus, and how does religion shape their views on public policy?
In this student panel moderated by Baker Institute fellow Michael O. Emerson, Rice University students David Lee, Zaina Waheed, and Jacob Alemeshet discuss how faith influences their daily lives, identities, and civic perspectives. Representing Christian and Muslim student organizations, the panel explores religious pluralism, freedom of belief, and the challenges of balancing faith and inclusion in a diverse campus environment.
The conversation also examines the relationship between religion and voting behavior, the role of faith-based organizations in policymaking, and current debates in Texas, including legislation involving religion in public schools. This discussion offers insight into how younger generations are approaching faith, civic engagement, and leadership in an increasingly diverse society.
This bonus episode is part of the “Between Pulpit and Policy” series, which examines the role of religion in Texas politics. Produced in partnership with the Baker Institute Student Forum, the series explores how faith intersects with public life and policymaking.
Featured:
Michael O. Emerson, Ph.D.
Student Panelists:
David Lee, Rice University Class of 2026, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF)
Zaina Waheed, Rice University Class of 2026, Muslim Student Association (MSA)
Jacob Alemeshet, Rice University Class of 2028, Christian student organization
This conversation was recorded on Dec. 4, 2025, in front of a live audience.
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You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.
Monday Apr 13, 2026
Monday Apr 13, 2026
Texas has rolled out new hemp regulations that are reshaping the state’s cannabis landscape — restricting smokable products, tightening oversight, and raising new questions about public health, enforcement, and market impacts. Host Edward M. Emmett sits down with Katharine Neill Harris to examine what has changed, why it matters, and how the new rules fit into broader state and federal policy trends.
This conversation was recorded on April 1, 2026.
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You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.