Patrick issues gag order ahead of trial

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick last week issued a sweeping gag order ahead of the impeachment trial of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Houston Chronicle reported, saying “out-of-court statements” by both sides threaten to jeopardize the trial. The trial is set to begin Sept. 5. The gag order prohibits members of the Senate and House, their staffs, witnesses and attorneys from making statements…