From severe weather and a World Series win, to gun violence and an at-times contentious legislative session, 2023 featured plenty of major headlines. Over the last two weeks of the year, KRLD is looking back at the stories that defined the year.
The year 2023 has marked the eighth year that has come and gone without Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton standing criminal trial for securities fraud.
However, he was impeached and did stand trial in the Texas Senate. KRLD's L.P. Phillips covered the trial gavel to gavel.
Notably absent for most of the trial, Paxton's wife, State Senator Angela Paxton, sat in the chamber, barred from voting but counted as present. Her presence raised questions about partisan dynamics, as a two-thirds majority was required for conviction. Without Angela Paxton, 20 senators would suffice, but with her, a higher bar of 21 votes was needed.
The trial kicked off inauspiciously, with the defense labeling it a sham. Witnesses accused Paxton of using his office to favor campaign donor Nate Paul. However, when it came to salacious allegations, including Paxton's mistress potentially testifying, the proceedings took an unexpected turn.
Despite the controversy, Linda Olson refused to testify. In the end, all articles of impeachment were voted down one by one. Paxton returned to work, and the criminal case against him remains pending.
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