1. Atomic Dreams: The New Nuclear Evangelists and the Fight for the Future of Energy
By Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow
Focuses on the resurgence of nuclear power and its role as an energy source and possible climate solution. Explores the pro-nuclear movement through the lens of a new generation of environmentalists, activists, and politicians who believe that nuclear energy offers a safe path to decarbonization. Focuses on the recent rescue of Diablo Canyon, California’s last nuclear power plant, which was slated to shut down in 2025.
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2025, 274 pages
363.17 T915 2025

 

2. Barbs, Bullets, and Blood: The 1880s Texas Barbed Wire Wars
By Harold D. Jobes
Discusses the invention of barbed wire and its dissemination throughout Texas in the 1870s, which set the stage for the Barbed Wire Wars in the 1880s. Profiles the various actors who fueled the violent conflicts: free-range cattle advocates and homesteaders; owners of fenced land; and law enforcement tasked with preventing unlawful fencing and fence cutting. Highlights the Texas Legislature's and Governor John Ireland's actions during the wars, including the passage of HB 528, 18th Legislature, R.S., known as the Land Act of April 12, 1883, and fence-related legislation in the 18th Legislature, 1st C.S. in 1884: HB 2, HB 8, HB 9, HB 50/HB 84, and SB 42.
University of North Texas Press, 2025, 396 pages
976.4 J62 2025

 

3. On Privacy and Technology
By Daniel J. Solove
Considers the question, “Is privacy dead?,” while analyzing how recent changes in technology, electronic surveillance, and artificial intelligence (AI) are impacting privacy. Addresses key concepts in the digital realm, including control; manipulation; harm; automation; consent; reputation; and others. Discusses flaws in current laws involving technology and privacy along with common myths about privacy which prevent regulatory progress. Provides recommendations on how AI and privacy law should develop.
Oxford University Press, 2025, 124 pages
342.0858 SO689P 2025

 

4. The Origins of Critical Race Theory: The People and Ideas That Created a Movement
By Aja Y. Martinez and Robert O. Smith
Examines the history of the creation and development of critical race theory (CRT). Presents a narrative description of the tenets of CRT, a timeline of milestone events, and seminal works, as well as criticisms of CRT. Explores the lives of individuals who founded or were influential in developing CRT, including Derrick Bell, Richard Delgado, Jean Stefancic, and Kimberlé Crenshaw.
New York University Press, 2025, 247 pages
305.800973 M385 2025

 

5. Reimagining Social Security: Global Lessons for Retirement Policy Changes
By Romina Boccia and Ivane Nachkebia
Analyzes problems with current Social Security policies and how retirement system reforms in Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and Sweden could work in the U.S. Provides a guide for modernizing and restructuring the U.S. Social Security system to restore fiscal stability.
Cato Institute, 2025, 262 pages
368.43 B664 2025

 

6. As If Human: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
By Nigel Shadbolt and Roger Hampson
Explores the ethical challenges surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). Argues that AI decisions, actions, and products should be evaluated as if they came from a human being. Offers a new framework for building a more ethical machine intelligence.
Yale University Press, 2024, 260 pages
006.31 SH524 2024

 

7. Flash Floods in Texas
By Jonathan Burnett
Provides historical accounts of major flash floods in Texas from 1900 to 2002. Notes that Texas’ location and landscape makes the entire state, and particularly the Balcones Escarpment and Edwards Plateau in Central and West Texas, prone to flooding. Presents each flood incident in its own chapter, with background on the causes and effects of the flooding and archival photography.
Texas A&M University Press, 2008, 330 pages
551.48 B964 2008

 

1. Politics of the Rio Grande Valley: An Insider's Perspective to Regional Politics
By Carlos D. Gutierrez-Mannix and Alexandre Couture Gagnon, editors
Offers a nuanced examination of regional politics in the Rio Grande Valley in a series of essays. Provides comprehensive analysis of the region and the social, political, and historical contexts in which it developed. Addresses a variety of issues, including immigration; border security; poverty and social economic conditions; environmental justice; social movements; Hispanic attitudes; and the power of local elected officials.
Lexington Books, 2025, 218 pages
320.9764 G984 2025

 

2. River Authority Uniformity Study: Staff Study With Final Results
By Texas Sunset Advisory Commission
Summarizes the 89th Legislature’s final actions on recommendations proposed in the Sunset Advisory Commission’s uniformity study on the operations and structures of river authorities. Reports that the Legislature acted on board terms but not on three proposed opportunities for improvement. Includes an appendix with summaries of the standards-based actions the Sunset Commission and Legislature applied to river authorities reviewed from 2015 through 2023.
Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, 2025, 16 pages
S1500.8 R621 2025

 

3. Birth in Times of Despair: Reproductive Violence on the US-Mexico Border
By Carina Heckert
Discusses the effects of the ongoing border crises and U.S. policies on the state of maternal health care in El Paso, Texas, and the US-Mexico border region. Examines how anti-immigrant policies, inadequate access to health services, and harmful sociocultural environments are a detriment to pregnant women and new mothers. Relies on interviews, surveys, and medical records to reflect the emotional experiences of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Suggests a series of policy modifications to mitigate the suffering of this group of at-risk women.
New York University Press, 2024, 247 pages
362.1982009721 H449B 2024

 

4. Infinite Hope: The Story of One Man’s Wrongful Conviction, Solitary Confinement, and Survival on Death Row
By Anthony Graves
Presents the memoir of Anthony Graves, a former wrongfully convicted death row inmate in Texas, who was incarcerated for nearly two decades. Details how he prevailed against a flawed criminal justice system to prove his innocence and to achieve exoneration and release. Addresses the failures of the Texas criminal justice system, the harm of solitary confinement, and Graves’ continued advocacy for criminal justice reform.
Beacon Press, 2018, 197 pages
345.764 G776IN 2018

 

5. Dolph Briscoe: My Life in Texas Ranching and Politics
By Dolph Briscoe
Reflects on the life and experiences of Governor Dolph Briscoe through transcribed oral history interviews. Details Briscoe’s personal life through his familial roots and his experience working and managing ranches. Discusses his political career in the Texas House of Representatives from 1949 to 1957 and his return to public service as Governor from 1973 to 1979. Highlights some of Briscoe’s legislative priorities including the Constitutional Convention of 1974.
Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin, 2008, 284 pages
923.2764 B774B 2008

 

6. Indomitable Sarah: The Life of Judge Sarah T. Hughes
By Darwin Payne
Explores the life and careers of Judge Sarah Tilghman Hughes. Chronicles her early life in Baltimore; her law school experience; and her move to Dallas to begin her law career. Details Hughes’ campaigns for the Texas legislature and her service in the House of Representatives from 1931 to 1935. Addresses her judicial gubernatorial appointment and the Senate confirmation conflicts that occurred while she was still a legislator. Presents Hughes' many accomplishments, including being the first woman to serve as both a state district judge and federal district judge in Texas.
Southern Methodist University Press, 2004, 467 pages
923.2764 H874P 2004