In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Tribune reporter Sneha Dey and the Commit Partnership’s Bridget Worley about the changes to the state’s standardized test.
TribCast: Texas is replacing the STAAR test
Posted in
The 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Deb Haaland, Joan Huffman and Jake Tapper join this year’s TribFest lineup
The history-making former interior secretary, Houston’s longtime state senator and CNN’s lead DC anchor join us in Austin this November
Posted inPublic Education
Texas educators praise new school cellphone ban
The new state ban took effect on Sept. 1, and Texas’ more than 1,200 public school districts have adopted policies ranging from secure phone pouches to increased monitoring.
Posted inState Government
Texas lawmakers limit use of parent-child reunification therapy in custody battles
Opponents of reunification therapy say it can psychologically harm children, while supporters say it’s unnatural for children to reject parents.
Posted in
Investigations
Some of Texas’ highest-paid charter superintendents run some of its lowest-performing districts
Three Texas charter school districts underreported compensation paid to top leaders. They also recently had failing or near-failing performance ratings.
Posted in
Higher Education
Video of clash over gender-identity content in Texas A&M children’s lit class leads to firing, removals
After the video fueled outrage, a professor was fired and two college leaders removed from their administrative roles for approving content inconsistent with the course’s description.
Posted in
Politics
Texas voters have mixed views on redistricting and Trump’s megabill, poll finds
The statewide survey found that more voters disapprove of the mid-decade redraw than support it, fueled by overwhelming opposition from independent and Democratic voters.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Abbott expected to issue executive order setting age requirements for THC-products, other restrictions
The executive order comes after the Legislature ended a special session without the House, Senate and governor agreeing on restrictions.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
In U.S. Senate bid, Rep. James Talarico promises to take on GOP billionaires and bridge political divides
A former public school teacher, Talarico has emerged as one of Texas Democrats’ strongest communicators. He joins Colin Allred and Terry Virts in the primary.
Posted in
Texas Abortion Restrictions
NY attorney general will intervene in Texas abortion pill access lawsuit
Letitia James, New York’s attorney general, said Texas has no authority to “impose its cruel abortion ban here.”
