“I don’t need to be the mayor,” he said. “The current mayor needs that job. I don’t need it. That’s why I’ll do it better than anyone.”
Shannon Najmabadi
Shannon Najmabadi was a reporter at the Tribune from 2017 to 2021, most recently covering women's health. Her stories — on higher education and other topics — have prompted lawmakers to change three state laws, including one involving a very narrow definition of the word “pickle.” She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and Columbia University.
Posted in
Higher Education
Lawyers for state Sen. Charles Schwertner say forensic review proves explicit texts didn’t come from his phone
The lawyers said the examiner, R3 Digital Forensics, of Austin, “determined that the photo and texts in question could not have come from the senator’s phone.”
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas higher education board approves medical schools for University of Houston and UNT Health Science Center
Texas currently has a dozen medical schools, nearly half of which are based in or near Houston.
Posted in
Higher Education
“Eliminate ‘top-down’ initiatives”: UT regents’ report sees curtailed role for system administration
The report forecasts a reduction of up to 110 full-time positions within the system administration and a shift to a “service provider” model.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT System Board of Regents Chair Sara Martinez Tucker to step down in January
The reason for the surprise decision wasn’t immediately disclosed.
Posted in
Higher Education
Leader of Texas Tech System board resigns as chairman; permanent chancellor tapped
Rick Francis, a 15-year member of Tech’s governing board, said Thursday he would step down from his position as chair. Tedd Mitchell, president of the system’s Health Sciences Center and its interim chancellor, was also named sole finalist for the permanent position.
Posted inState Government
UT-Austin hires former federal prosecutor to investigate sexual misconduct allegations against Sen. Charles Schwertner
Lawyers for state Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Republican from Georgetown, revealed the hire Wednesday and again denied allegations that their client sent lewd messages to a UT-Austin graduate student.
Posted in
Families Divided
Southwest Key CEO has financial stake in property leased by migrant shelter operator
Sanchez is part owner of a property leased by Southwest Key Programs, a spokesperson said. It wasn’t disclosed on the company’s tax return because it’s not required.
Posted in
Families Divided
Southwest Key hires child welfare organization to review processes
The Child Welfare League of America was hired in response to allegations that Southwest Key employees were improperly screened and because of “an inherent desire to make sure that we don’t have a systemic issue that needs to be corrected,” a spokesperson said.
Posted in
Higher Education
Report: UT investigating sexual misconduct allegation levied against state Sen. Charles Schwertner
A spokesperson said Schwertner “categorically denies any knowledge of the accusations leveled against him” and added that the senator “is eager to cooperate with the University of Texas and hopes to make clear he played no part in the behavior described.”
