The contest coincides with the state’s November uniform election, when voters across Texas will already be at the polls to decide local offices and ballot measures.
Atirikta Kumar
Atirikta Kumar was a summer 2025 Austin-based reporting fellow. She graduated from the University of Houston in May with majors in journalism and political science and minors in English and history. Atirikta previously interned for Community Impact and at NPR’s Houston affiliate station. She also worked as the community assistant editor for her campus newspaper, The Cougar. Atirikta is fluent in Hindi and hails from Nacogdoches. She loves to read in her free time, find new coffee shops and cheer on her favorite sports teams: the NHL’s Boston Bruins and Formula One’s Ferrari.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Is THC as dangerous as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick makes it out to be?
Although Patrick and hemp industry leaders have quarreled over the risks and benefits of THC, cannabis researchers say it can be addictive but doesn’t usually cause widespread psychosis or brain damage.
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Higher Education
Texas A&M, university systems in other red states will create their own agency to review schools’ quality standards
The creation of the new accrediting agency comes as Republicans have criticized existing ones for reinforcing a liberal bias in the country’s higher ed institutions.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin student’s lawsuit over arrest during pro-Palestinian demonstrations may proceed, judge rules
Ammer Qaddumi alleges UT-Austin violated his First Amendment rights. He is also challenging his suspension from the university.
Posted in
Health care
San Antonio cannot fund trips for abortion, court rules
Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the city in April after it approved $100,000 to help residents travel out of the state for abortions.
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Politics
Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County government
If Hidalgo decides to seek another term, she and Parker would face off in the March 2026 Democratic primary.
Posted in
Graphics and data reporting
Texas high school students’ STAAR scores show gains in STEM fields, struggles in reading and literacy
Education policy experts say the results align with Texas’ workforce goals but note that students still need help.