Legislators Likely to End Top 10 Percent Scholarships
A state-funded college scholarship program designed to keep top students in Texas may soon be axed due to lawmaker concerns that it doesn't have enough money to accomplish its goal. Full Story
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Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. Matthew is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended public schools and graduated from Texas A&M University. He’s spent nearly two decades in Texas journalism, and previously worked at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined the Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. As a managing editor, Matthew has guided the Tribune’s award-winning journalism and other reporting of statewide significance, including coverage of elections and legislative sessions to major breaking news and ambitious storytelling about the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Texas-Mexico border, the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, the impeachment of Texas attorney general and battles over public education. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
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Senate OKs Tougher Rules for Hazlewood Tuition Program
In an effort to contain growing costs, the Texas Senate voted Tuesday to make it harder for veterans to pass free in-state tuition benefits onto their children. Universities have been pleading for help with those spiraling costs. Full Story
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![Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, speaks to reporters on May 5, 2015 after the passage of his bill seeking to tighten eligibility requirements for free tuition under the Hazlewood program.]()
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UT Regents Ask AG to Ignore Hall's Request for Information
In a letter, the UT System says Regent Wallace Hall shouldn't have "unfettered access" to confidential student information. The letter also argues that Hall didn't have the right to seek the attorney general's help in the request. Full Story
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![Regent Wallace L. Hall, Jr. of the University of Texas System at the regular meeting of the Board on May 15, 2014]()
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Without Stadium Home, Bats Invade Texas A&M University Buildings
A&M's football stadium, Kyle Field, has long doubled as one of the region's biggest bat habitats — or at least it did until recent renovations began. Now, the bats have spread across the rest of campus, showing up in swimming pools, offices and other campus buildings. Full Story
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A&M's New President Says No "Bloodletting"
On his first day, Texas A&M President Michael K. Young lauded the school's students and faculty, and said he is thrilled to be in College Station. And, of course, Young had to answer questions about football. Full Story
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![Michael K. Young, former president of the University of Washington, arrived Friday to take over as president of Texas A&M University.]()
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Outgoing President Powers Touts UT-Austin's Gains, Has No Regrets
Outgoing UT-Austin President Bill Powers said this week that he felt he always acted in the best interest of the school and is proud of the reforms he helped implement. He also defended his actions related to university admissions. Full Story
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Senate Passes Ethics Reform of a Generation?
Bill author Van Taylor said SB 19 was one for the history books. Others, including John Whitmire, disagreed. Full Story
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Running for Office? Urine for a Surprise
Any candidate seeking elected office in Texas would be required to take a drug test when he or she files to run, under a proposal that the state Senate approved Tuesday. Full Story
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To What Degree Should Regents Get Involved?
Texas law isn't specific about how public university system regents should do their jobs. So regents are largely left to interpret their roles themselves. With some taking a more hands-on approach, debate has grown about the role of regents. Full Story
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Senate Committee Backs Hazlewood Program Changes
Amid concerns raised about the rising costs of a college tuition program for military veterans, a Texas Senate panel on Wednesday backed a plan that would tighten eligibility rules. Full Story
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