Texas grades public schools largely on how well students perform on the STAAR tests.
August 2026
Posted in
Courts
Lawsuit seeks to stop Big Bend border wall construction
A tribal nonprofit and an outdoor recreation company filed the federal lawsuit, arguing the work threatens archeological sites and sacred grounds.
Posted in
Economy
Data center audit lacks specifics even as Gov. Abbott, industry leaders tout it
Without key details on the audits but the eagerness to support them, policy watchers question how impactful these audits will be in curbing data center growth.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT-Austin overhauling core classes but hasn’t detailed how new center relates to the courses
UT-Austin proposes big changes to how future students meet graduation requirements as questions persist about a new Center for Humanities.
Posted in
Immigration
Federal judge extends pause on border wall construction at South Texas wildlife refuge
An irrigation district claims border wall construction is damaging its property and canal.
Posted in
Immigration
Houston law firm with Trump ties declines $150 million contract to represent migrant children
The administration had offered the contract to the Burke Law Group, which has little experience in immigration.
Posted in
Public Education
Gov. Greg Abbott proposes further limiting screen time in K-12 classrooms
The proposal, which would have to be passed by the Legislature, follows a ban on cellphone use in K-12 schools approved by lawmakers last year.
Posted in
Public Education
Which families are using ESAs? Here’s what we know about Texas’ first school vouchers
The number of Texas students using taxpayer money for private school or home-school could increase as more families accept invites.
Posted in
Houston ICE Shooting
U.S. attorney confirms that FBI tests didn’t find meth in van driven by man fatally shot by ICE in Houston
Aaron Reitz did not reveal what FBI testing found in bags taken from Lorenzo Salgado Araujo’s van after his July 7 shooting death. Other men in the van said the bags contained salt.
Posted in
Public Education
Austin ISD moves closer to state takeover after 2 schools receive fifth failing ratings
Thursday’s announcement, which comes a day before TEA publicly releases accountability ratings statewide, moves Austin ISD one step closer to potential state intervention after months of district efforts to avoid it.
