The Texas Education Agency has posted its plan for overhauling the way it educates students with disabilities — while highlighting the agency’s limitations on available funds.
March 2018
Posted in
Congress
In recovering Sutherland Springs, Cornyn touts gun background check bill
Five months after a gunman opened fire in a Sutherland Springs church, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn came to speak to the community about a new law he says might have averted the tragedy.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas woman sentenced to 5 years in prison for voting while on probation
Crystal Mason said she had no idea she wasn’t allowed to vote. “You think I would jeopardize my freedom?” she said according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “Who would — as a mother, as a provider — leave their kids over voting?”
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
As lawsuits over Texas chemical disaster add up, advocates blame Arkema and rules regulating it
Two counties, dozens of first responders and hundreds of neighbors claim in court documents that the Arkema chemical manufacturing plans committed negligence. Environmental advocates say lax industry regulations exacerbated the disaster.
Posted in
Split Decision for 2018 Election
Meet the Democrats still in the running to replace state Rep. Dawnna Dukes
Jose “Chito” Vela and Sheryl Cole are the Democrats still competing to represent Texas House District 46 in Central Texas. Find out what where they stand on legalizing marijuana, education spending and “media ninjas” and more in our latest Split Decision campaign debate series.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: Texas lawmakers asked for a study on open government. They’re still waiting.
Efforts to close loopholes in the state’s open information laws fell short at the end of last year’s legislative session. An interim committee intended to get a head start before the 2019 session hasn’t met. Its members haven’t even been named.
Posted in
Congress
Report: Susan Combs to be named to National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Susan Combs, a former Texas legislator and statewide official, will be named acting assistant secretary of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service, the Austin American-Statesman reported Thursday.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After bombings, uncomfortable truths emerge about racial divides in Austin
People often use a shorthand to describe Austin: It’s weird; it’s a progressive city; it’s a blueberry in a sea of tomato soup. But a sort of alternate reality exists for many residents of color. There have been moments over the past month that have highlighted this racial divide.
Posted in
Politics
Video: A conversation about Texas’ Public Information Act
Watch video of Texas Tribune Executive Editor Ross Ramsey moderating a panel discussion about Texas’ Public Information Act and transparency in government.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin is once again revenue king in Texas sports; basketball success gives Tech a boost
Ahead of this weekend’s Final Four in San Antonio, we crunched some numbers on how the state’s top athletics programs are faring financially.