1. And Housing for All: The Fight to End Homelessness in America
By Maria Foscarinis
Asserts the homelessness crisis in America will only be solved when housing is recognized as a fundamental human right, and reveals how the crisis has been guided by deliberate policy decisions and perpetuated by anti-homeless narratives. Explores why past efforts to end homelessness have failed and makes recommendations on what must change to achieve long-term solutions. Provides legislative and policy analysis interwoven with compelling stories of resilient individuals and families impacted by homelessness.
Prometheus Books, 2025, 378 pages
362 F747H 2025

 

2. Deadly Force: Police Shootings in Urban America
By Tom S. Clark, Adam N. Glynn, and Michael Leo Owens
Studies police shootings – fatal and nonfatal – in U.S. cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Discusses the challenges encountered when requesting and collecting records on officer-involved shootings from police departments. Analyzes the data compiled for transparency and patterns for where, when, who, and fatal versus nonfatal rates. Addresses 24 Texas cities including Abilene, Houston, Round Rock, and Wichita Falls.
Princeton University Press, 2025, 300 pages
363.20973 C592D 2025

 

3. See Jane Run: How Women Politicians Matter for Young People
By David E. Campbell and Christina Wolbrecht
Discusses the effect women politicians can have on the political beliefs of young people. Finds that across gender, race, and party, successful female politicians help convince young people that women can be leaders. Notes that for young women, this effect is even more profound; female role models enhance their faith in democracy and increases political engagement, including running for office themselves.
University of Chicago Press, 2025, 245 pages
320.082 C187SE 2025

 

4. Abortion Pills: US History and Politics
By Carrie N. Baker
Provides a chronological historical overview of medication abortion pills – Mifepristone and Misoprostol – from their development in 1980 to the present day, with a focus on U.S. events. Highlights important federal and state moments for and against the medications through political campaigns; court decisions; and laws and regulations. Includes details from interviews with over 80 people from activists, abortion providers, researchers, and people who have used abortion pills. Discusses SB 8, 87th Legislature, R.S. and SB 4, 87th Legislature, 2nd C.S.
Amherst College Press, 2024, 294 pages
363.46 B167AB 2024

 

5. 2024 State Flood Plan
By Texas Water Development Board
Presents Texas’ first state flood plan that resulted from the regional and state flood planning process created by SB 8, 86th Legislature, R.S. Provides a comprehensive analysis of flood risks and hazards with a focus on the people and property exposed to flooding, the flood risk reduction infrastructure, and existing flood plain management practices. Discusses administrative, legislative, and regulatory recommendations relating to flood risk reduction; funding; early warning systems; flood plain management; and a variety of other flooding issues.
Texas Water Development Board, 2024, 245 pages
W605.8 F631P 2024

 

6. Can Legal Weed Win?: The Blunt Realities of Cannabis Economics
By Robin Goldstein and Daniel Sumner
Explores the history of the cannabis industry, with emphasis on legal developments over the last quarter century. Posits that in many cases licensing requirements, regulations, and taxes have hampered plans to replace the black market for marijuana with legal channels. Suggests how cannabis-related businesses can thrive and discusses the possible futures of legal and illegal cannabis markets. Points out that the demand for cannabis in Texas, where medical use is limited and recreational use is prohibited, has increased sales across the state line in Oklahoma.
University of California Press, 2022, 211 pages
338.1 G624C 2022