Multiple Texas universities are planning in-person graduation ceremonies this December, despite the fact that the state’s daily COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations are higher today than they were in May when most universities first scrambled to cancel the celebratory events.
Kate McGee
Kate McGee is an Austin-based enterprise and investigative reporter. She joined the Tribune in October 2020 as a higher education reporter. She was a three-time finalist for the Education Writers Association's Beat Reporter of the Year award, winning the title in 2024. She was also a Livingston Award finalist for her coverage of the University of Texas at Austin. Before the Tribune, she spent nearly a decade as a reporter at public radio stations nationwide, including in Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Austin; Reno, Nevada; and New York. Kate was born in New York City and primarily raised in New Jersey. She earned her bachelor's degree from Fordham University.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas A&M’s football game postponed after player, staffer test positive for COVID-19
Texas A&M confirmed the new cases as football programs across the country continue to face postponements and cancellations while trying to finish the season during a pandemic.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump for the presidency
After a tense four days of vote-counting in battleground states, all of the country’s major networks called the race Saturday after declaring that the two-term former vice president had won Pennsylvania.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Texas Republicans decline to condemn President Trump’s premature declaration of victory while votes are still being counted
Texas’ top Republican congressional leaders are mostly staying silent after President Donald Trump prematurely and falsely declared victory early Wednesday morning as votes continue to be counted in multiple battleground states, including Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Democrats say San Marcos officials didn’t respond to “Trump Train” that harassed Biden bus
San Marcos officials were alerted of the Biden campaign event in the city 24 hours in advance, but Democrats in Hays County say officials did not adequately prepare a response given the political climate.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Biden camp cancels multiple Texas events after a “Trump Train” surrounded a campaign bus
The highway skirmish came as Democrats close ground in a state that is polling competitively in the race for president. Recent polls indicate the presidential race in Texas between President Donald Trump and Joe Biden is tight, with some national prognosticators calling it a “toss-up.”
Posted in
Higher Education
University of Texas Longhorn band won’t play “The Eyes of Texas” this weekend after some members say they’re unwilling
The Longhorn Band will not play the “The Eyes of Texas” at this Saturday’s football game between the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University after a survey of members revealed several students are refusing to play the traditional alma mater song, according to The Daily Texan.
Posted in
Public Education
As Texas Schools Go Digital, Parents Say They Need to Be Educated Too
Texas schools are replacing hardcover textbooks with other resources: digital textbooks, printed worksheets and online tutorials. Some parents are finding it difficult to understand what their students are learning.
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Transportation
After Sex Assault Reports, Uber, Lyft May Face Tougher Rules
This year, Austin police have received at least seven reports of sexual assaults by drivers for ride-for-hire companies, and some members of the Austin City Council are pushing for tougher regulations.
Posted in
Public Education
Law Requiring Cameras in Special Ed Classes Draws Criticism
Under a law passed this year by the Legislature, some Texas school districts will be required to have cameras in special education classrooms. The cameras are meant to ensure safety, but some say it’s an unfunded mandate for districts.