Star-Telegram June 2025 opinion pieces: Sports, THC, policy

This collection of columns from the Star-Telegram's opinion team explores Texas policies, the New York mayoral election, debates over the state's nearly-implemented THC ban, immigration practices and more.

Ward Sakeik poses for her graduation photos. Sakeik graduated from the University of Texas-Arlington.

THIS ARLINGTON RESIDENT HAS NEVER BEEN TO ISRAEL. WHY IS ICE DEPORTING HER THERE?

A Palestinian refugee and UTA graduate is fighting for her release from ICE custody. | Published June 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bradford William Davis

Justin Hampton, 19, a student from Comanche, Oklahoma, rejoices during morning chapel services at Christ for the Nations in Oak Cliff, Texas, Tuesday, April 4, 2006. Christ for the Nations is a leading seminary for training Pentacostal ministers. By Smiley N. Pool

WERE THE MINNESOTA KILLINGS ‘SPIRITUAL WARFARE’? DALLAS SCHOOL TIED TO EXTREMISM

Christ For The Nations Institute’s friends have an outsized role in the surging charismatic/Pentecostal movement dominating the GOP in some states and and taking over governments. | Published June 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bud Kennedy

Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after suffering an injury during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

TYRESE HALIBURTON’S INJURY, AND SAME FOR SO MANY OTHERS, HAS EASY EXPLANATION

Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles in the NBA Finals is just a part of a growing trend in pro sports. | Published June 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mac Engel

Gummies have become a popular consumable hemp product since a 2019 Texas law legalized the cultivation of hemp. Under federal and Texas law, hemp is cannabis with a Delta-9 THC concentration below 0.3%. By Amanda McCoy

GOV. ABBOTT BETRAYS REPUBLICANS WITH NONSENSICAL THC-BAN VETO

Gov. Greg Abbott’s stated reasons for vetoing a bill to ban THC products, such as concern about lawsuits, don’t add up. | Published June 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Davis

President Donald Trump’s attack on Iranian nuclear sites was likely illegal under international law — but under U.S. law, the situation is less clear, legal experts said.

TRUMP DIDN’T VIEW IRAN STRIKE LIKE TYPICAL POLITICIAN — AND IT WORKED

The president’s business background gave him a different approach to dealing with Iran’s nuclear program. | Published June 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Roger Williams

Democratic mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo (L) shakes hands with Zohran Mamdani after participating in a Democratic mayoral primary debate on June 4 in New York City. On Tuesday, voters braved triple-digit temperatures to vote in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. Pool Photo by Yuki Iwamura/UPI

CHANGE CANDIDATES CAN LEARN FROM ZOHRAN MAMDANI’S NY MAYOR UPSET

He’s a democratic socialist, an immigrant and a Muslim — and those traits helped carry him to a resounding New York mayoral primary win. | Published June 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bradford William Davis

State Assemblyman and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks at a forum hosted by DC 37 at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center in Manhattan on Feb. 26, 2025, in New York. (Barry Williams/New York Daily News/TNS)

IF NEW YORK MAKES SOCIALIST MAMDANI MAYOR, RED STATES ARE TRUE WINNERS

There’s a reason population and economic growth have drifted to Texas and Florida for decades. | Published June 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ryan J. Rusak

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pressed lawmakers to pass a 1-year jail sentence for possession of a THC drink, gummy or chocolate.

A YEAR IN JAIL FOR A THC SNACK? TEXANS ARE UNHAPPY WITH REPUBLICANS

A poll of Texas voters — 47-42% Republicans — shows they don’t approve of Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick, Ted Cruz, John Cornyn or even Donald Trump. | Published June 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bud Kennedy

Bradford William Davis poses for a selfie with his friend, scholar and budding activist Job Garcia

DONALD TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION RAIDS PICK A FIGHT THAT HE WON’T WIN

Arresting people for using their free speech to protest ICE only create a new set of righteous loudmouths. | Published June 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bradford William Davis

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks during a press conference at the Texas Capitol Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Patrick and law enforcement from across the state gathered to express their support for legislation that would crack down on the sale of synthetic THC products. By Mikala Compton/American-Statesma

BEFORE YOU GO AFTER THC, CONSIDER THE DRUGS THAT ARE TRULY DEADLY

Our readers weigh in on the proposed Texas THC ban, illegal immigration, Tarrant County redistricting and more. | Published June 29, 2025 | Read Full Story

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.