The Texas governor expects an action plan later this week, saying he doesn’t see “any reason” visa holders should be employed in schools.
Jessica Priest
Jessica Priest covers higher education, working in partnership with Open Campus. She joined the Tribune in 2022 as an engagement reporter in the ProPublica/Texas Tribune joint investigative unit, contributing to a series that was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist in the explanatory reporting category. Prior to the Tribune, Jessica worked for the Fort Worth Report, USA Today, the Victoria Advocate and the Temple Daily Telegram, reporting on topics that included criminal justice, the environment and local government. Her work has often made an impact. The state’s highest criminal court granted a death row inmate a new trial after she detailed a prosecutor’s conflicts of interest. After she exposed questionable hirings and payments at a port and later a water district in another part of the state, both public entities underwent reforms. Jessica was born in Houston and graduated from Sam Houston State University.
Posted in
State Government
Texas winter storm updates: Power grid holds up through its tightest condition on Monday, Gov. Abbott says
ERCOT officials expected to see power demand close in on power supply by Monday 8 a.m., but the grid held “flawlessly,” Abbott said.
Posted in
State Government
Ken Paxton: Comptroller can exclude schools from voucher program under anti-terror laws
A CAIR official blasted the Texas AG’s opinion, saying the law does not permit the comptroller to scrutinize Muslim schools because of their religious identity.
Posted in
Higher Education
Federal judge upholds West Texas A&M drag show ban, short-circuiting student group’s appeal
A final ruling in the case prompted a federal appeals court to cancel oral arguments, set for Friday, on an earlier ruling. Another appeal is expected.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M abruptly cancels ethics course over race, gender policy
The university said content of the graduate course, which was already underway, was not adequately disclosed, forcing the cancellation. The professor disagrees.
Posted in
Higher Education
University of North Texas to offer free tuition for some incoming freshmen
The program will cover tuition and fees for new freshmen from Texas families earning up to $100,000.
Posted in
Higher Education
Were your Texas college courses reviewed or changed this semester? Tell us.
Amid new policies restricting instruction on race, gender and sexuality, The Texas Tribune seeks examples of college course changes from students and instructors.
Posted in
Higher Education
About 200 Texas A&M courses could change due to new restrictions on teaching gender, race
With the semester set to begin next week, professors have been directed to alter courses, and some classes have been removed or reassigned from the core curriculum at the College Station campus.
Posted in
State Government
From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026
Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas A&M System declines to reinstate fired lecturer despite faculty panel’s findings
A vice chancellor upheld the firing of Melissa McCoul, seen in a viral video being confronted by a student on her gender identity teachings, saying the termination was done with “good cause.”