Educators argue the preliminary A-F grades contradict past distinctions they have received from the state. Proponents of the new rating system say it more accurately represents how schools are doing.
85th Legislative Session
Posted in
State Government
Texas lawmakers get legislative session going (video)
In the Roundup: Lawmakers gathered in Austin this week to begin the 85th Texas legislative session, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick fires back at criticism of the “bathroom bill.”
Posted in
Energy
Wind farm plans fuel military bases’ concerns over encroachment (video)
News of a possible wind farm development near a northwest Texas Air Force base has raised concerns about protecting military properties from outside development. Related legislation is poised to be a part of this legislative session.
Posted in
Higher Education
Renu Khator on higher ed funding, graduation rates and the bathroom bill (video)
Full video of Evan Smith’s 1/12 conversation with University of Houston Chancellor Renu Khator.
Posted in
Politics
Top House Republican says dark money debate won’t kill ethics reform
Rep. Charlie Geren, the powerful Fort Worth Republican pushing ethics reform in the Texas House this year, is determined not to let a fight over so-called “dark money” torpedo the effort as it did in 2015.
Posted in
Health care
Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott asks religious groups to help foster families
In a joint letter released Thursday, Abbott and the Department of Family and Protective Services urged congregations to rally a “network of nurture” to support foster families with donations and other activities.
Posted in
Politics
Bills would continue graduation committees for students who failed STAAR
State Sen. Kel Seliger and state Rep. Dan Huberty have filed bills that would keep individual graduation committees, which allow students to graduate even if they fail required exams. The law creating these committees will expire in September.
Posted in
Politics
Greg Abbott builds big war chest ahead of 2018
In his biggest six-month fundraising haul since he took office two years ago, Gov. Greg Abbott raised $9 million in the second half of last year, according to his team.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
$25 million proposal would fund bulletproof vests for patrol officers in Texas
A bill in the Texas Legislature would institute a $25 million grant program to pay for bulletproof vests for all patrol officers in Texas.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Attorney General Ken Paxton’s trial on fraud charges to begin May 1
Attorney General Ken Paxton is accused of misleading investors in a company from before his time as Texas’ top law enforcement official. His trial is scheduled to start on May 1, according to a recent court order.