Even Texans with the greenest of lawns are watering them too much, experts say. And if everyone would turn on the sprinklers only twice a week — still probably more than necessary — the water savings would be significant, according to a report released Tuesday.
Aamena Ahmed
Posted in
Public Education
State’s STAAR Calculator Directive Draws Concerns
Starting in the 2014-15 school year, eighth-graders in Texas public schools will be required to have graphing calculators or tablets for STAAR assessments. Some poorer school districts are concerned that the mandate ignores fiscal challenges they’re already facing.
Posted in
Politics
Davis Continues Attacks on Abbott’s Education Proposals
At an event in Austin on Monday, Democrat Wendy Davis accused Republican gubernatorial opponent Greg Abbott of proposing increased testing and denying equal access to pre-K education.
Posted in
Energy
Report: San Antonio, Austin Among Solar Power Leaders
San Antonio ranks sixth among U.S. cities in installed solar power capacity, and Austin ranks 16th, according to a new report.
Posted inState Government
Patrick Has Big Mo in Lite Guv Contest
And a trio of Tea Party House members ride to the help of T.J. Fabby.
Posted in
Economy
Property Tax Lending Under Review Again
Facing an interim charge to review a bill regulating property tax loans in Texas, lawmakers are taking a closer look at the controversial industry.
Posted in
Public Education
SBOE Opts for Compromise on Mexican-American Studies
UPDATED: Instead of making Mexican-American studies an official high school course, the Texas State Board of Education settled on a tentative compromise that would leave the decision whether to offer it to school districts.
Posted inState Government
Report: Texas Ranks Low in Election Performance
Despite national improvement in election performance between 2008 and 2012, Texas ranked among the lowest-performing states, according to new data released Tuesday.
Posted inState Government
Patrick Gains Smitherman’s Support
Barry Smitherman, who came in third in March in a three-way race for the Republican nomination for attorney general, has endorsed state Sen. Dan Patrick in his bid to unseat Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
After Rise in Foster Care Deaths, DFPS Approves New Regulations
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services approved a set of new regulations Friday that are meant to provide more protection for foster children.