Conservative lawmakers say DEI efforts are discriminatory and push liberal ideologies on children. Critics point to research showing a diverse teacher body helps students succeed academically.
Sofia Sorochinskaia
Sofia Sorochinskaia was an Austin-based reporting fellow and a junior at Northwestern University who is studying journalism and international studies. Born and raised in Russia, Sofia has worked as a news producer at TV Rain, contributed to the Russia.Post project at George Washington University, and interned as a reporter at The Moscow Times. She also covered national security in Washington, D.C., for Medill News Service. In 2025, she received the Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Award. Sofia speaks English, Russian and German.
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Environment
Texas attorney general wins $60 million judgment in pollution lawsuit
A Texas business illegally dumped industrial waste into Skull Creek in Colorado County six years ago, then residents complained to the attorney general’s office.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Texas strips protections for teachers, parents who share “obscene” material with children
A fiery debate on the House floor Friday gave way to the Senate Bill 412’s final vote. Supporters say it’s needed to protect children.
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Texas Legislature 2025
A now-discarded plan to split Keller ISD caused a stir. Lawmakers now want clear rules on how to divide districts.
A House bill would require school districts to hold an election before breaking into smaller entities.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
Texas students say K-12 DEI ban and other anti-LGBTQ+ bills threaten their safety, voice and mental health
Students are concerned the legislation could silence supportive teachers, dismantle safe spaces, lead to overenforcement and prevent honest conversations about identity.
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Economy
Tariffs creating uncertainty in Texas as report shows slower revenue growth since late 2024
Respondents to a Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas survey expressed concern about a reduction in consumer demand and a potential recession.