Also, House members get an update on the Zika virus, and the Governor’s University Research Initiative gets an official launch.
Matthew Watkins
Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. He is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended Texas A&M University and has spent his entire professional career in Texas journalism, including stints at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined The Texas Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. He has helped guide the Tribune's award-winning journalism that has included coverage of six legislative sessions, multiple election cycles, natural disasters and political scandals. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
Posted in
Higher Education
A&M Investigating After Black High Schoolers Harassed on Campus
Texas A&M University is conducting an investigation after students visiting campus from a Dallas high school were harassed Tuesday with racial slurs.
Posted in
Higher Education
University of Houston Keeps GOP Debate
CNN announced Wednesday that the University of Houston will still get to host the Feb. 25 GOP primary presidential debate. The university’s status had been called into question after NBC News was removed as the organizer of the event.
Posted in
Higher Education
McRaven: UT System Schools Need Tuition Hikes
University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven said Wednesday that the eight universities under his authority need to raise tuition in order to stay competitive. If approved, the increase would cost students at UT-Austin $152 per semester.
Posted in
Politics
In Arlington Race, Challenger Says One Vote Speaks Volumes
Two years after knocking off an incumbent in the Republican primary, state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, is fighting off his own challenger who argues Tinderholt is out of the mainstream.
Posted in
Politics
In Fort Worth Race, Geren Faces Challenge From Family Friend
State Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, is once again a target of conservative activists frustrated with House leadership. Geren says he’s confident with his conservative credentials and will run on his record.
Posted in
Higher Education
Four Texas Colleges Reach Carnegie “Tier One” Status
Four Texas universities — Texas Tech University, the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas at Arlington — have reached a major milestone in their quests to join the top tier of universities in the nation.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Lawmakers: Don’t Single Out College Students Who Carry Guns
State senators on Tuesday urged Texas’ six university system chancellors not to single out students who carry guns on campus when the state’s new campus carry goes into effect this August.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers to Review Open Carry and Campus Carry Laws Tuesday
Supporters and opponents of two controversial new gun laws passed last year — open carry and campus carry — will update Texas lawmakers Tuesday on how the measures are working so far.
Posted in
Higher Education
Va. Tech Engineering Dean Richard Benson is Sole Finalist for UT-Dallas President
Richard Benson, the engineering dean at Virginia Tech University, will almost certainly become the next president of the University of Texas at Dallas after being named the sole finalist for the job Monday night.
