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Nov. 25, 2025
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues a second state agency over rules he says discriminate on religious grounds
(Texas Tribune) Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the Texas Department of Housing and Community Development, his second lawsuit in as many weeks that targets a state agency for practices he says discriminate against religious groups.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign against Muslim group faces challenges under Texas and federal law
(KERA) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has launched a campaign against the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), declaring the Muslim civil rights organization a foreign terrorist organization. What’s unclear is whether that will hold up under a legal challenge from CAIR, either with respect to federal law or even Texas’ own statutes.
Texas Ag Commissioner says Congress should ‘treat adults like adults’ over THC
(Houston Chronicle) Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller is calling on Congress to repeal its looming federal ban on THC. “The federal ban takes our country backwards, destroys jobs and hurts those who find relief in these products,” Miller said in an X post on Wednesday.
Texas lawmaker proposes eliminating school property taxes
(KGNS) State Representative Richard Pena Raymond announced new legislation that would eliminate school property taxes for all Texas homeowners. The proposed legislation would allow local school property taxes to be cut by shifting the funding burden to the state level.
Email from Harris Co. DA’s Office to HISD parents shows movement in investigation into district’s spending practices
(KPRC) The investigation into the Houston Independent School District by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office is ongoing, according to an email sent last Thursday by Sean Kozar-King, an Assistant District Attorney in the Public Integrity Division, to parents who filed criminal complaints last winter and spring.
- Houston ISD is losing more students than previously projected, internal document shows (Houston Public Media)
Fort Worth ISD parents get first glimpse of standards-based grading model
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Parents at three elementary schools in the Fort Worth Independent School District got their first look at a new grading system earlier this month – one that doesn’t use the letter grades parents and students are used to seeing on report cards. Fort Worth ISD is piloting a new standards-based grading system this year at three elementary schools: Christene C. Moss, Luella Merrett and Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center. Eventually, district leaders hope to roll the new model out across all elementary schools.
City of Hutto terminates interlocal agreement with Hutto ISD
(Community Impact) Hutto City Council members voted 4-3 to terminate an interlocal agreement between the city and school district Nov. 20, with some city officials saying that the vote came as the partnership was “not working.” The agreement outlined a process of communication between the city and school district about school site selection, a process for the development of future campus sites and dispute resolution.
Eagle Pass ISD Seeks Attorney General Approval to Withhold Records in Armando Cerna Elementary Threat Case
(Maverick Times) Eagle Pass ISD has requested the Texas Attorney General’s permission to withhold nearly all records related to the reported threat incident at Armando Cerna Elementary, according to filings made between October 10 and November 20. Only a small portion of documents, three categories in total, were released, while all remaining materials were either withheld or labeled as nonexistent.
Records: Former Holy Cross Catholic School coach accused of invasive visual recording allowed to contact his children after bond conditions are amended
(KENS) A Bexar County judge on Monday amended bond conditions for Armando Flores, the former Holy Cross coach accused of multiple instances of invasive visual recording, allowing him to have contact with his children. Flores, 34, has been released on bond since Oct. 29. But according to online court records, a judge agreed to a motion to amend his conditions of release so that he is allowed to have contact with his daughter; he still must be supervised while meeting with minors.
Central Heights ISD Middle School teacher on leave after sexual assault arrest
(KETK) According to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office, Landon Christopher Odom, 26 of Gary, was apprehended on Thursday and taken into custody following a sexual assault investigation involving a minor. “It is the District’s understanding that the investigation does not relate to school-based conduct or students of CHISD,” the district said in a statement issued on Friday.
New Braunfels ISD Teacher Jailed for Indecent Exposure
(Texas Scorecard) Jacob Peters taught 4th grade math and science at Voss Farms Elementary. Parents were notified that the alleged crimes did not occur on campus or involve NBISD students, and that the district intended to terminate Peters’ employment. Online records show Peters worked for three other Texas school districts in the past four years: San Marcos, Navarro, and Bastrop.
Elgin ISD teacher accused of inappropriately touching, filming student during sleepovers
(KVUE) According to court documents, 34-year-old Turran Fennix was arrested on Nov. 16.
Blinn College Title IX administrator exits days after KBTX asks about criminal past
(KBTX) Blinn College’s top human resources administrator has left her position, days after KBTX asked the college about her past criminal charges, including the sexual assault of a child while she worked as a teacher in College Station ISD. Marie Kirby, who oversaw Title IX investigations, departed following the KBTX inquiry into sexual assault charges from 1990s.
Mother alleges Wylie ISD secretly recorded her disabled child amid residency dispute
(KTXS) A Wylie ISD parent alleges that two of her children were wrongfully unenrolled from school on two separate occasions.
Texas Christian University to close race, gender studies departments next year
(Dallas Morning News) Some professors see the decision as a response to state and federal pressures against race and gender teachings in higher education. TCU says the change is driven by low student demand.
Results-driven University of North Texas Health chief has institutional goals — and isn’t afraid to pursue them
(Fort Worth Report) Dr. Kirk Calhoun initially started his role as UNT Health Fort Worth president in an interim capacity back in February.
Nov. 24, 2025
Texas school vouchers coming 2026. Here’s what we know and what we don’t
(Corpus Christi Caller-Times) Texas lawmakers approved the school voucher program in the spring with the expectation that funds will be made available to families for the 2026-27 school year. The state has taken steps to start designing the Texas Education Freedom Account program, but there’s still a lot of unknowns.
U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocks ruling that found Texas congressional map is likely racially biased
(Houston Public Media) Friday’s order signed by Justice Samuel Alito will remain in place at least for the next few days while the court considers whether to allow the new map favorable to Republicans to be used in the 2026 midterm elections.
Texas is getting far less in federal money for broadband expansion than expected
(Texas Tribune) Rural leaders who have worked years to improve broadband access said they were disappointed by the sharp decrease in federal dollars.
Greg Abbott Did Everything to Ensure You Could Still Get High. Then Trump Smoked Him
(Texas Monthly) We thought the Texas Weed Wars of 2025 ended when Greg Abbott passed regulations by executive order. Then Congress banned most hemp-THC products.
Special educators, disability advocates form united front to protect IDEA
(K-12 Dive) The 850-member coalition supports keeping special education programming within the Education Department, saying moving it would put the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at risk.
‘Broken promise’: Houston ISD bus drivers’ union denied six-hour workday guarantee
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s board of managers refused to reinstate a guaranteed six-hour workday for HISD bus drivers and attendants, something transportation employees said was a long-standing practice and crucial for them to qualify for family medical leave.
Corpus Christi ISD enrollment drops by nearly 10% over five years, data shows
(KRIS) As Corpus Christi Independent School District considers closing seven schools to address a budget crisis, data from the Texas Education Agency and district reports reveal the district lost more than 3,500 students between 2019 and 2023 — though the most recent district data suggests enrollment may be stabilizing.
Ysleta ISD trustee proposes academic calendar adjustments to combat low attendance
(KFOX) Ysleta Independent School District Trustee Chris Hernandez is proposing moving days in the academic calendar to address low student and teacher attendance following major holidays.
La Joya ISD plans to close five campuses, citing 27% enrollment drop
(ValleyCentral) La Joya Independent School District is proposing the closure of five campuses beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, citing steep drops in enrollment and a need to better allocate taxpayer dollars.
Lake Worth ISD focuses on turnaround plans, math as district awaits intervention decision
(Fort Worth Report) An hour after trustees elected her board president, Tammy Thomas turned to the audience inside Lake Worth ISD’s Administration Building and made a promise for her district’s 3,200 students. Thomas, who was recently reelected to the board, centered her new role around improving Lake Worth ISD academics as it faces intervention — including a possible takeover — by the state.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD superintendent resigns amid school closures, accepts new role as ESC 11 executive director
(KERA) Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s superintendent has resigned and accepted another job, the district said Friday. Brad Schnautz will now be executive director of the Fort Worth area headquartered Region 11 Education Service Center. His resignation comes as the school district considers closing two elementary schools amid budget issues.
Waco ISD teachers embrace AI technology to enhance classroom efficiency
(KXXV) Educators learn to harness Google’s Gemini AI for lesson planning and grading while maintaining academic integrity standards.
Spring ISD is hiring more foreign teachers to help with shortages, following a Houston-area trend
(Houston Chronicle) The district’s international teacher program comes as the federal government tightens immigration rules for visa holders.
New Caney ISD high schools to add 15 minutes to each school day
(Community Impact) Starting in the 2026-27 school year, 15 minutes will be added to each school day at New Caney ISD’s three main high schools to help with student learning, district officials said. Beginning in August, the school day will begin five minutes sooner—at 7:40 a.m.—while class will be dismissed 10 minutes later —at 3:20 p.m.— daily for NCISD high schoolers.
United ISD launches veterinary science program at United High School
(KGNS) United ISD held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new veterinary science program at United High School that will certify students as veterinary assistants. Board Member Michelle Molina brought the idea to the district after students approached her two years ago, requesting veterinary classes so they could pursue careers helping animals and stay in UISD.
School bus driver arrested for assaulting officer on way to school, police say
(KTRK) A school bus driver was pulled over and arrested Friday morning with children on board, according to police. Police say the driver, whom Eyewitness News isn’t naming until charges are filed, assaulted a police officer and failed to provide identification when asked. The arrest happened just before 7 a.m. on Glenmont at Renwick as the driver, who works for Flores Bus Services, was taking students to YES Prep Gulfton.
Fort Bend ISD bus driver says he was brutally attacked by parents
(KTRK) A Fort Bend ISD bus driver says he was violently assaulted by two parents along his afternoon route, leaving him bloodied and hospitalized.
Faculty panel: Texas A&M wrongly fired professor after gender lesson
(Texas Tribune) Texas A&M University did not have good cause to fire Melissa McCoul, an English professor thrust into the spotlight after a video of her discussing gender identity circulated online and drew political backlash, a faculty committee unanimously found in a new report. The university fired McCoul after a student secretly recorded her in a summer class teaching that there are more than two genders. The video was posted to X by state Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, an Aggie who has used his social media to pressure universities to remove course content he finds offensive.
A Tarrant County College vice president on leave as college navigates overpayment of some faculty
(Fort Worth Report) Zena Jackson, vice president for academic affairs at Tarrant County College’s virtual campus, is on administrative leave as of Thursday night, according to an email sent to Connect Campus faculty by interim campus President Kelly Willing and shared with the Report. This comes weeks after faculty who taught virtual courses through the Connect Campus were told they must repay a portion of their summer salaries because of overpayment. Shelley Pearson, the college’s provost, told the Report Nov. 20 that she was terminated for reasons related to “faculty salary issues at TCC Connect.”
UT Austin orders fraternity to cease activities after wrongful death lawsuit
(Daily Texan) UT Austin ordered Texas Alpha Nu to “cease all organizational activities” until it finishes investigating recent hazing allegations, according to a University statement. This comes after UT parents sued the frat for wrongful death involving hazing on Thursday. Related:
- UT Austin still silent on Trump compact after deadline to sign passes (Texas Tribune)
- Former UT Austin police chief sues university over alleged gender-based firing (KVUE)
- UT system expands free tuition promise to Texas students at health institutions (KVUE)
- UT regents considering new site for MD Anderson hospital campus (KUT)
Anonymous donor establishes endowment for West Texas A&M University softball program with $1.5M donation
(KVII) An anonymous donor is donating $1.5 million to the West Texas A&M University softball program to establish an endowment in the name of an alumna of the program. The anonymous donation, made by a resident of the region who has formed close ties with the team over many years, will support recruiting and player development.
Rice University turns to free beer to get students to this season’s final home football game
(KTRK) The incentive Rice University gave its students to go to the final home game of the season had some buzzing. Students got free ice cream, food, and t-shirts. But there was something else that required students to prove they were 21. An incentive that had students and their parents talking. To get more students to the game, Rice gave away free beer. Not just one either.
Man charged with indecency with a child after sexual video circulates at Lake Belton High School
(KXXV) Yagya Bhandari has been charged with indecency with a child-sexual contact after a video showing him inappropriately touching a minor circulated at Lake Belton High School, police records say. The victim (“K.T.”) told investigators the incident happened at a Valero Quick Stop in Temple. She said it was “well known at the school that high school girls could go to the Valero, and exchange kisses for alcohol and tobacco products,” according to the affidavit.
‘I’m gonna shoot this b****’: Waco woman threatened judge during truancy hearing, affidavit states
(KWTX) A Waco woman was arrested Thursday after authorities say she threatened to shoot a judge during a truancy hearing in South Waco. Daisy Hernandez, 19, remained jailed under $5,000 bond Friday after her arrest on a state jail felony charge of terroristic threat against a public servant.
Accused burglar visiting United ISD elementary school arrested on drug possession charge
(Laredo Morning Times) A visitor to a United Independent School District elementary school who has an active court case for burglary charges is now facing felony charges after allegedly bringing a controlled substance to campus. The incident was first reported by a student on campus.
Tarrant residents get fewer chances to speak at local government meetings. What does that mean?
(KERA) Fort Worth and Tarrant County officials reduced how often they meet to prioritize efficiency, they said. Some residents say their voices are being stifled.
Tarrant band only Texas high school marching in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
(KERA) For Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD’s L.D. Bell Blue Raider Band, the trip marks a milestone that has been decades in the making.
Nov. 21, 2025
Galveston ISD stands by decision not to display Ten Commandments despite state lawsuit
(Houston Public Media) Galveston ISD leaders said Wednesday night they won’t change their stance on choosing not to display the Ten Commandments inside of school classrooms as required by a new state law, which is being challenged in multiple lawsuits filed in federal court. “The Galveston ISD board heard community input and finds state law currently conflicts with long-standing federal law and existing interpretations of the Constitution regarding the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms,” GISD Superintendent Matthew Neighbors said in a statement at the meeting.
Dan Patrick-led religious liberty commission is solidly rooted in Texas
(Dallas Morning News) President Donald Trump created the committee to probe ‘assault on people of faith,’ Patrick said. Critics say its focus is on only one faith tradition.
U.S. Department of Education says nursing is no longer a professional degree. See how it affects student loans
(Austin American-Statesman) Going to nursing school can be harder for incoming students after the results of The Department of Education and President Turmp’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The education department no longer considers nursing as a professional degree program, which can weaken funding for students wanting to enter the healthcare field.
Federal Government Approves Texas Broadband Development Office’s $1.3 Billion Proposal to Provide High-Speed Internet Access Statewide
(Texas Comptroller) Texas’ final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, a roadmap for investing approximately $1.3 billion to close the state’s digital divide, has been approved by the federal government. The Comptroller’s Broadband Development office is awaiting further guidance from the federal government, including specific award conditions tied to the funds, and plans to finalize grant awards early in 2026.
Q&A: Texas does not track why its youngest learners are leaving school
(KXAN) State data shows tens of thousands of Texas students withdrawing or dropping out of public schools each year — many under a broad category known as Code 98. This week on Inside the Investigation, Senior Investigative Producer David Barer and Investigative Reporter Kelly Wiley discuss the blinds spots in state data giving an unclear picture of why many of the state’s youngest and most vulnerable students are not in school.
Austin ISD board votes to close 10 schools, intervene at failing campuses
(Community Impact) The Austin ISD Board of Trustees has approved school closure and turnaround plans, marking the end of weeks of back and forth between the district’s leadership and families.
Corpus Christi ISD weighs closing 7 campuses amid $27.5M deficit
(KIII) Corpus Christi ISD is reviewing options to close several aging campuses as it faces a $27.5M deficit. Public meetings will be held in December and January.
Leander ISD considers school consolidations to address budget shortfall
(Fox 7 Austin) Leander ISD is facing an $18 million budget deficit. They have come up with three different options to help make-up for the shortfall. Parents are pushing back against possible school closures.
Fort Bend ISD approves out-of-district course policy to protect student credits
(Community Impact) Fort Bend ISD board members approved policy revisions at the Nov. 17 board meeting to prevent students from losing credit for out-of-district distance learning courses, while ensuring unapproved credits are not included in a student’s grade point average.
La Joya ISD Approves Special Education Stipends
(Progress Times) The new stipends will provide financial incentives to critical special education staff, including educational diagnosticians, psychologists, special education teachers, and related service providers. Stipend amounts range from $2,000 to $7,500 depending on caseload size and service assignments. The district also introduced an additional case-management add-on for educators who manage individualized education program (IEP) records beyond standard workloads.
Here’s how Houston-area’s top ten most improved elementary schools boosted growth
(Houston Chronicle) Schools from four Houston-area districts used different strategies to land among the most improved elementary schools, according to education research and advocacy group Children At Risk.
Houston ISD board unanimously fires Mandarin Immersion teacher after heated contract dispute
(Fox 26 Houston) HISD’s Board of Managers voted unanimously to terminate Mandarin Immersion teacher Jamie Russo, rejecting a hearing examiner’s recommendation to renew her contract. Attorneys for the district argued Russo violated policy by emailing parents criticisms of district leadership and failed to use the required instructional strategies. Russo’s attorney said she was targeted for speaking out and that all her students showed academic growth.
Mount Pleasant player injured during playoff game against South Oak Cliff
(KENS) A Mount Pleasant football player is receiving treatment after an injury during the team’s second round playoff game against South Oak Cliff Thursday night. The player, Jordan Tarrant, went down during the game and an ambulance arrived soon after. Tarrant received treatment from crews on the football field. The game ended prematurely with 1:20 left on the clock. Mount Pleasant was ultimately defeated in the game by South Oak Cliff with a score of 46-7.
UT Austin President Jim Davis to get $1.25 million salary, tenure in employment deal
(Austin American-Statesman) University of Texas System Regents approved a $1.25 million annual salary – plus opportunities for bonuses – for UT Austin President Jim Davis at a board meeting this week. The salary makes Davis one of the highest-paid academic leaders nationally, although he will make slightly less than his predecessor, Jay Hartzell, who made $1.45 million total in 2024. Related:
- UT System Regents move forward with ‘ultimate’ power to oversee hiring, curriculum (Austin American-Statesman)
Tarrant County College provost terminated after some faculty told to return portions of summer pay
(Fort Worth Report) Former Vice Chancellor and Provost Shelley Pearson was terminated by Tarrant County College, she confirmed in a statement to the Fort Worth Report Thursday. This comes weeks after faculty who taught virtual courses through the TCC Connect Campus were told they must repay a portion of their summer salaries because of overpayment.
Texas State University System’s Board of Regents affirms university’s decision to fire professor accused of inciting violence
(KVUE) Thomas Alter was fired after facing accusations that he incited violence after comments he made during a socialist conference made the rounds online. Alter has since sued the university, claiming administrators violated his free speech rights and failed to follow proper termination procedures. The Texas State Employees Union has called the decision unjustified.
University of Houston’s auto admit process is about to become less confusing — but more competitive
(Houston Chronicle) University of Houston will raise its automatic admissions standards starting in the summer and fall semesters of 2027 after years of growth and record numbers of freshmen applications and enrollment. Related:
Tyler Junior college to remove 7 STEM lab specialist positions, looking to hire professors
(KLTV) Some Tyler Junior College educators are losing their positions by the end of the semester, with students and staff members voicing their concerns.
Killeen ISD confirms resignation of employees involved in alleged sexual misconduct
(KCEN) Two former Killeen ISD employees resigned Thursday after admitting to sexual misconduct allegations involving their adult daughter, the district confirmed. The district said the adult daughter, who never attended Killeen ISD schools, alleged her biological mother, Sebrenia Rangel, and stepfather, Josh Rangel, engaged in sexual misconduct between 2011 and 2013. The district said the conduct involved only family members and did not occur on school property or at school events.
Texas AG drops lawsuit against El Paso doctor, but ‘collateral damage’ from trans health care ban remains
(El Paso Matters) More than two years after Texas Senate Bill 14 took effect, some El Paso health care advocates say the political climate is making it difficult to practice in the state – adding pressure to a region that already suffers from a shortage of medical specialists.
Brownsville daycare worker sentenced to 5 years for hot van death of child
(ValleyCentral) One of two daycare workers accused of leaving a 4 year old in a hot van after a field trip, resulting in his death, was sentenced to five years in prison on Thursday. Karen Silva, 37, pleaded guilty to the second-degree felony charge – injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual with reckless serious bodily injury and mental impairment – earlier this month.
Nov. 20, 2025
After blocking redistricting map, Judge Jeffrey Brown draws fire from Texas Republicans who once praised him
(Texas Tribune) Until being labeled as the “radical left,” Brown was widely supported by Texas Republicans, including Gov. Greg Abbott, who previously hired him as his clerk. Abbott called the ruling “clearly erroneous.” Related:
If North Texas population is increasing, why are schools closing? Curious Texas explains
(Dallas Morning News) Enrollment is declining, as parents now have more choices of where to send their kids.
Conroe ISD school board passes resolution to ‘honor Charlie Kirk’
(Fox 26 Houston) Conroe ISD had a school board meeting Tuesday afternoon to partly discuss a “Resolution Honoring the Life of Charlie Kirk.” Many parents spoke out at the meeting, expressing their concern for the resolution. The board passed the resolution.
TEA extends Fort Worth ISD board of managers application deadline after surge of applicants
(Fort Worth Report) An influx of interest for the soon-to-be appointed board of managers for Fort Worth ISD pushed the Texas Education Agency to extend its application deadline. The agency has received more than 180 applications with another 800 in progress. Of the completed applications, 140 candidates live within the district. The new application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Dec. 1.
Houston ISD takes first big step into AI with secure ChatGPT platform
(KHOU) Houston ISD is launching a secure, private version of ChatGPT designed to help teachers streamline administrative work. Related:
- Houston ISD will use OpenAI’s new ChatGPT tool for special education compliance, official says (Houston Chronicle)
- Houston ISD no longer plans to close schools in 2026-27 school year (Houston Chronicle)
- Houston ISD files in court after ex-principal’s father sent ‘threatening and harassing’ emails (Houston Chronicle)
At least 5 Austin school district employees detained by ICE, sparking alarm
(Austin American-Statesman) At least five Austin school district employees have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, sparking alarm among co-workers and administrators who say they’ve been left in the dark about their colleagues’ fate, the American-Statesman has learned.
Corsicana ISD officer injured after firearm accidentally discharged
(NBC DFW) A Corsicana ISD officer was injured after accidentally discharging a firearm on campus on Wednesday morning, according to the district. The incident happened at Bowie Elementary at about 9:20 a.m. A district police officer was injured, and emergency medical personnel responded to provide care. Corsicana ISD confirmed the officer was authorized to carry a firearm on school property, and no students or campus staff were present in the room with the officer when the discharge occurred.
Former Austin ISD middle school teacher arrested, accused of child porn possession
(KXAN) Former Austin Independent School District teacher Jonathan Joseph Marks, 36, was arrested by Austin ISD police and charged with possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony, and improper relationship between an educator and student, a second-degree felony, court records state.
Bosqueville ISD notifies law enforcement after student reports possible staff misconduct
(KXXV) The reported misconduct occurred during the 2022-2023 school year. The staff member named in the allegation has not been employed with the district since May 2024.
Midland police arrest person ‘responsible’ for false H2S gas calls near Midland schools
(KOSA) Midland police have arrested the person responsible for a false 911 call reporting H2S gas plumes near multiple Midland ISD schools and other locations in Midland. The Midland Police Department responded immediately to the call and is investigating what led to the false report, according to a city release.
Judson ISD teacher arrested in connection with 2024 stalking incidents
(KENS) A man identified by Judson ISD officials as a teacher with the San Antonio-area school district was arrested last week, five months after being indicted for felony stalking. The district says the alleged crimes were “unrelated” to his position at Judson High School.
Suspect arrested after illegal substance was found at a United ISD elementary school
(KGNS) The person who allegedly brought an illegal substance onto Colonel Santos Benavides Elementary School is behind bars. The individual arrested was a visitor attending a campus event, not a district employee. The suspect faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and endangering a child with criminal negligence, a state jail felony.
Cedar Hill ISD football coach placed on leave; offensive coordinator resigns
(Dallas Morning News) Cedar Hill head football coach Nick Ward was placed on leave and offensive coordinator Marcus Richardson has resigned, and documents were sent to the UIL and the 11-6A district executive committee to review for a possible investigation, two people with knowledge of the situation told The Dallas Morning News on Wednesday. A document posted on Facebook alleges that three individuals were coaching during Cedar Hill practices and games who didn’t meet the eligibility requirements outlined by UIL rules, Texas Education Code and state law.
Marshall ISD terminates strength and conditioning coach following investigation
(KETK) Marshall ISD strength and conditioning coach has been terminated following an incident that occurred earlier this month. The district stated it cannot provide information about the employee due to confidentiality policies but noted the incident occurred on Nov. 5 after a practice. Following the incident, the employee was subsequently placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The school board Monday voted to terminate the coach’s employment with the district.
Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy charter facing crippling academic issues, could close at end of school year
(Dallas Morning News) Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy in Dallas has built girls and boys basketball programs that rank among the best in the nation. After leaving the UIL, the basketball teams played a national schedule. But this season could be Faith Family’s last. The school is facing crippling academic problems and could close at the end of the school year under the state’s “three strikes” law, which says the TEA will automatically shut down a charter school district that receives three straight F ratings, either for academic or financial reasons.
‘Trust and vision’: How Dallas-area prep schools attract Texas’ elite basketball talent
(Dallas Morning News) Tucked away in an isolated strip of West Camp Wisdom Road in Dallas sits a burgeoning basketball powerhouse that is relatively unknown. But walk inside Kingdom Collegiate Academy, and you’ll see plenty of signs showing why the Christian private school has been able to attract high-profile girls basketball recruits as transfers in its first year with a team.
Class 1A Gordon, with an enrollment of 75, stuns 6A Plano West in girls basketball
(Dallas Morning News) There was a stunner in girls basketball Tuesday. Gordon, a Class 1A school that has an enrollment of 75, went on the road and beat Class 6A Plano West 49-42 in overtime. Plano West is the state’s third-largest school, with an enrollment of 5,337.
Muleshoe superintendent leads district in data-driven effort to reward, retain educators
(Plainview Herald) Muleshoe Independent School District (MISD) is moving decisively to strengthen its teacher workforce through participation in the Texas Education Agency’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program — a statewide initiative created to reward excellent teaching and support educator retention in rural and urban districts alike.
Bangs ISD leads Texas in adopting new emergency communication system with AT&T FirstNet
(KTXS) Bangs Independent School District has become the first in Texas to implement a new emergency communication system, partnering with FirstNet by AT&T. The system, designed specifically for public safety, ensures that calls and messages get through even when regular cell networks are congested. “We won’t need walkie-talkies anymore. FirstNet keeps everyone connected, all the time,” said David Garcia, director of operations.
A&M carves out space for academic coffee certificate, research center
(Battalion) Texas A&M launched the first academic coffee certificate in the nation in 2024 to equip Aggies with the skills necessary to step foot into the rapidly growing coffee industry.
Amarillo College financial investigation continues amid VP of Business Affairs resignation
(KVII) Amarillo College is in the midst of a financial investigation following the resignation of Chris Sharp, the vice president of business affairs.
Texas Department of Agriculture alerts equine industry of EHV-1 outbreak
(KFDA) The Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller have issued an alert regarding the outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1). The outbreak was first reported by Texas veterinarians after the recent World Championship Barrel Racing Finals in the Waco area on Nov. 5-9.
Dallas College roofer ‘bootcamp’ offers new opportunities in high-demand field
(KERA) Dozens of students have spent the past week hard at work on practice roofs throughout the city learning skills that could land them high-demand jobs. Dallas College’s free, week-long roofing bootcamp ends Friday with companies interviewing and possibly hiring new graduates. Across several of the school’s campuses, nearly 60 students attended classroom and hands-on courses in roof installation, sales and marketing, and office administration.
Disgruntled IT employee causes Houston company $862K cyber chaos
(Houston Chronicle) Waste Management found itself in a tech nightmare after a former contractor, upset about being fired, broke back into the Houston company’s network and reset roughly 2,500 passwords-knocking employees offline across the country. Maxwell Schultz, 35, of Ohio, admitted he hacked into his old employer’s network after being fired in May 2021.
The Dallas County DA won its first fentanyl dealing conviction. A juror may have been missing
(KERA) The Fifth Court of Appeals ruled Dallas County prosecutors were unsuccessful in proving there was ever a 12th juror in a 2024 fentanyl dealing trial and reversed the suspect’s conviction.
Nov. 19, 2025
Federal court blocks Texas from using new congressional gerrymander in 2026 midterms
(Texas Tribune) The decision is a major blow for Republicans, in Texas and nationally, who pushed through the mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump. Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal. Related:
Federal judge orders Texas School Districts to remove Ten Commandments displays in response to second lawsuit filed by ACLU Texas
(KRLD) A federal judge has ordered multiple Texas school districts to remove Ten Commandments displays from classrooms after a second lawsuit was filed by the ACLU of Texas, partner organizations and several families. The judge’s order comes as legal challenges mount against efforts to post the biblical text in public schools, which critics argue violates the First Amendment’s ban on government endorsement of religion. Related:
Education Department takes a major step forward in the Trump administration’s plans to dismantle it
(AP) The U.S. Education Department is handing off some of its biggest grant programs to other federal agencies as the Trump administration accelerates its plan to shut down the department. Six new agreements signed by the Education Department will effectively move billions of dollars in grant programs to other agencies. Most notable is one that will put the Department of Labor over some of the largest federal funding streams for K-12 schools, including Title I money for schools serving low-income communities.
Ex-Celina ISD teacher, coach arrest: Investigation identifies 38 victims, officials say
(WFAA) Former Celina ISD coach Caleb Elliott is facing multiple state and federal charges, including sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography. The police investigation concluded its active phase after identifying a total of 38 victims from digital evidence found on Elliott’s devices. Investigators found no evidence to substantiate claims of cameras in the locker room during the 2024-2025 school year, or criminal activity by Elliott’s father, who is a state championship-winning high school football coach and the school district’s athletic director.
Fort Worth ISD board to appeal state takeover decision after 7-1 vote
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) At a meeting Tuesday evening, the board voted 7-1 to ask the State Office of Administrative Hearings to review Commissioner Mike Morath’s plan to remove the elected board and replace it with a state-appointed board of managers. The review represents the last step in the appeal process available to the board. Related:
Here’s how a failing Denton ISD elementary school became one of the state’s biggest success stories
(WFAA) In 2024, 163 North Texas Schools were labeled as failing by the Texas Education Agency. One Denton ISD school turned that failure into a remarkable achievement.
‘I’m so sad, so disappointed’: Southwest ISD votes to close Sky Harbour Elementary amid budget concerns
(KENS) Southwest ISD trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to close Sky Harbour Elementary at the end of the school year, a move district leaders say was necessary to address budget deficits and declining enrollment. The decision came despite emotional pushback from parents.
Austin ISD confirms cases of whooping cough at several schools
(KXAN) Austin Independent School District (AISD) confirmed Monday that cases of pertussis, better known as whooping cough, were reported at “several” school campuses. The uptick in whooping cough cases within AISD is consistent with a spike across the state. Texas’ Department of State Health Services confirmed more than 3,500 cases statewide, four times more cases compared to last year.
After Cleveland ISD crashes, Houston-area data shows most districts short on bus drivers
(KTRK) After two Cleveland ISD bus crashes, ABC13 investigated driver training and the shortage stretching across multiple school districts. 13 Investigates found through data most of the largest school districts in our region are suffering from school bus driver shortages. Related:
The High Cost of Targeting International Students in Texas
(Texas Observer) The Trump administration’s bans and airport detentions are derailing the academic dreams of students who carry out important research—and sometimes pay hefty tuition—to attend Texas institutions.
UT Austin takes disciplinary action against students after Tower sit-in
(Daily Texan) The University sent notices of disciplinary action to two students on Monday after they conducted a sit-in at the Tower on Nov. 7, according to documents obtained by The Daily Texan. In the notices, the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity said they may have violated University policy by engaging in disruptive conduct and unauthorized entry. They are now under investigation.
UT San Antonio president Eighmy’s salary breaks $1 million mark following merger
(San Antonio Express-News) UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy is joining the ranks of university leaders in Texas earning a seven-figure salary. The University of Texas System Board of Regents is expected to approve an increase in his annual pay from $735,316 to $1,014,875 – a 37% raise – as part of a consent agenda at a board meeting Thursday. Eighmy, hired as university president in 2017, also has a guaranteed tenured professorship after his appointment as president ends.
What to know about the billion-dollar bond funding Dallas College’s transformation
(Dallas Morning News) Six years after Dallas County voters approved a massive education bond, residents could soon see a major payoff: an expanded El Centro Campus.
Suspect arrested for DWI crash that killed Keller ISD coach’s wife
(Fox 4 KDFW) Eduardo Partida is charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault with a vehicle in connection with the Sept. 14 crash that killed Brytni Elliott and seriously injured her husband, Spencer Elliott, a Keller ISD teacher and coach, and their 12-year-old daughter, Allie. The arrest follows the return of blood test results, which allegedly showed Partida’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.
Man, who was only wearing underwear, attempted to board New Caney ISD school bus
(KPRC) A routine bus pickup turned into a safety response Tuesday morning after a man wearing only underwear attempted to board a New Caney ISD bus. According to the district, a Department of Public Safety officer in the area saw what was happening and stepped in immediately, preventing the man from getting on the bus. No students were harmed, and the district emphasized that student and staff safety remains its top priority.
How a Dan Patrick Political Operative Is Literally Rewriting the Story of the Alamo
(Texas Monthly) According to a memo obtained by Texas Monthly, the lieutenant governor is behind changes to the new museum’s narration of slavery, Native Americans, and colonialism.
Texas High School Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2026
(Dave Campbell’s Texas Football) The Board of Directors of the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the nine individuals selected for induction into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. The Class of 2026 will be officially honored and inducted on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Waco, Texas.
Sugar Land 95 Memorial Cemetery project moves forward with $1.5M county investment
(Community Impact) Fort Bend ISD trustees unanimously approved an agreement with Fort Bend County to support the development and preservation of the Sugar Land 95 Memorial Cemetery, a newly-recognized historical burial site where 95 African American individuals were discovered during construction at the James Reese Career and Technical Center in 2018.
Bedford plans to remove student artwork from crosswalks to comply with Abbott’s roadway directive
(KERA) Two crosswalks painted by students in Bedford will be removed this month, in line with a new Texas state policy banning “non-standard surface markings, signage, and signals that do not directly support traffic control or safety.” While the artworks in front of Bedford Junior High and Harwood Junior High are not political in nature, the city was unable to secure exemptions for them to remain in place.
Former Killeen Housing Authority Executive gets 37 months for embezzling federal funds
(KXXV) A former executive director of the Killeen Housing Authority was sentenced on Monday to more than three years in federal prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funds for personal use. Deadra Johnson received a 37-month prison sentence from U.S. District Judge David Counts in Waco. The judge also ordered Johnson to pay $297,473.30 in restitution.
Nov. 18, 2025
Why some Texas teachers are being forced to “deadname” trans students under a new state law
(Texas Tribune) Several transgender students at Texas schools that enforce birth names told the Tribune the new policies have transformed school from a place of support to one that rejects who they are. Considered a derogatory practice in the LGBTQ+ community, dead-naming undermines the wishes of trans people and in some cases, forcibly reveals their trans identity, which can cause or worsen mental health problems among these children, studies have found.
LGBTQ+ Texans fought to be recognized. That work is eroding under a conservative pressure campaign
(Texas Tribune) Conservative activists argue they’re protecting women and rebalancing the law that Democrats tilted in favor of LGBTQ+ people.
International student enrollment dip in the U.S. could lead to $1 billion drop in spending
(KERA) International student spending in the U.S. this fall could drop by $1.1 billion because of declining enrollment, according to a new report by the Association of International Educators. Related:
Lessons learned from Arizona’s universal school choice program
(K-12 Dive) Education Savings Account (ESA) users in Arizona tend to come from school districts that, on average, have higher achievement levels, serve students from more affluent backgrounds and have larger White populations, according to a Rand Corp analysis. Arizona’s education savings account program is the oldest in the country and represents 10% of the state’s Department of Education budget in 2025.
McAllen ISD directs staff to remove Ten Commandments postings from classrooms amid legal battle
(ValleyCentral) In a memo sent to district staff on Sunday, McAllen Independent School District Superintendent Rene Gutierrez instructed teachers to remove postings of the Ten Commandments from all classrooms as the district awaits a ruling from a federal court in an ongoing legal dispute.
Fort Worth ISD’s new guidelines ask teachers to work from rigid scripts
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) In the weeks leading up to the announcement that the Texas Education Agency is taking over the Fort Worth Independent School District, parents and community members worried the district would roll out the same kinds of tightly scripted lessons leaders in Houston ISD implemented during a similar takeover there. But Fort Worth ISD is already using scripted lessons in many subject areas, district officials told the Star-Telegram. District leaders developed a series of lessons over the summer and rolled them out at the beginning of the current school year. Related:
- Opinion: As state education leaders run FWISD, who holds them accountable? (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Email shows Harris County DA’s office probing Houston ISD over alleged misuse of bond funds
(KPRC) The investigation into the Houston Independent School District by the Harris County district attorney’s office is ongoing, according to an email sent last Thursday by Sean Kozar-King, an assistant district attorney in the public integrity division, to parents who filed criminal complaints last winter and spring. Related:
Former Abilene ISD bus driver charged with Injury to Child
(KTAB/KRBC) A former Abilene ISD bus driver accused of hitting a student while on a route has been charged with injury to a child. Emilio Arredondo was booked into the Taylor County Jail Wednesday on an Injury to a Child warrant in connection to the allegations.
Zapata ISD police officer arrested on Laredo stalking charge
(KGNS) Zapata ISD police officer Jorge Luis Dovalina Jr., 45, was arrested Saturday on a third-degree felony stalking charge after allegedly following a woman in his marked patrol vehicle.
Student arrested at LEE High School after gun found in backpack, North East ISD says
(KENS) A student at Legacy of Educational Excellence (LEE) High School was arrested Monday morning after campus officials and district police found a gun in the student’s backpack, according to North East ISD.
Professors consider leaving UT Austin over academic freedom concerns
(Daily Texan) Some UT professors say they’re seriously considering leaving because they feel recent legislation — especially Texas SB 37 — is undermining academic freedom. In a survey, about 60% of responding faculty said they’d thought about leaving, citing increased administrative oversight and a chilling effect on teaching controversial topics. Related:
University of Houston’s Pi Kappa Phi chapter shut down after alleged hazing
(Fox 26 Houston) The alleged hazing involved physical abuse, forced consumption, and public humiliation, leading to one non-UH student being hospitalized on Nov. 3. The university will pursue disciplinary action against any responsible students, which could include expulsion and potential criminal charges. According to the university, the national headquarters of Pi Kappa Phi closed the Beta Nu chapter after finding violations of its risk-management policy and standards of conduct.
Arrest made in 1991 Arlington murder cold case following partnership with UT Arlington students
(Fox 4 KDFW) On Monday, Arlington Police announced they solved the 1991 murder of Cynthia Gonzalez AND they did it with the help of students from UT Arlington. Police Chief Al Jones said detectives solved the 1991 murder of Cynthia Gonzalez with the help of criminology students at UT Arlington’s Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice.
Former Alamo Trust executive battles to win back former post
(Texas Public Radio) Former Alamo Trust Executive Director Kate Rogers has filed a lawsuit to win back her old job. She is also seeking financial damages for economic suffering and mental anguish. The San Antonio Express News reported on Monday afternoon that Rogers filed the lawsuit that named as defendants Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, the Alamo Trust and Alamo Trust President/CEO Hope Andrade.
‘Our kids are not able to form a community’: Fort Bend ISD parents share frustrations amid plan to rezone schools
(KPRC) While rezoning was not on the agenda for Monday’s Fort Bend ISD board meeting, parents spoke during the public comment section of the meeting to share their frustrations amid plan to rezone schools.
Texas gets ‘D’ rating for maternal and infant health from March of Dimes
(KUT) The national nonprofit’s annual report card showed that Texas had higher pre-term birth rates than the country overall.
Corpus Christi city planning commissioner resigns after alleged threats to college football coach
(KIII) Corpus Christi officials have begun the process of filling a vacancy on the city’s Planning Commission after Vice Chair Brian Mandel resigned Thursday amid felony charges in Louisville. His resignation came after a Jefferson County grand jury indicted him last week on allegations that he sent threatening text messages to University of Louisville head football coach Jeff Brohm, Brohm’s family and quarterback Miller Moss.
Nov. 17, 2025
Faculty, advocates react to Texas A&M University’s new race and gender approval system
(NPR) The new Texas A&M University System, which requires professors to obtain approval from the school president to discuss certain race and gender topics, has been met with opposition from faculty and freedom of speech advocates.
Texas superintendents say school takeovers aren’t a sustainable way to boost student learning
(Texas Tribune) Texas superintendents during the Texas Tribune Festival on Saturday said state takeovers of school districts — where democratically elected school boards are ousted and replaced with a state-appointed board of managers — is not a sustainable means to improve student learning.
Google to build three new data centers in Texas in $40 billion investment
(Texas Tribune) The announcement by Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai is the latest multi-billion dollar investment in Texas by tech companies racing to build infrastructure that can support advanced artificial intelligence.
Celina ISD coach Caleb Elliott now facing federal charges
(Fox 4 KDFW) Former Celina ISD coach and teacher, Caleb Elliott, is now facing eight federal counts of sexually exploiting children by producing child pornography. The federal charges come after his previous arrests for invading visual recording, possession of child pornography, and sexual performance of a child. Lawsuits allege Elliott recorded over 30 boys in the Moore Middle School locker room.
Whooping cough cases rise in Midland, 10x increase reported
(KOSA) Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is on the rise across the country… and Midland is no exception. This time last year, the City of Midland reported two cases. This year, that number has jumped to 21 confirmed cases so far.
From ‘F’ to a ‘B’ in just 1 year: Here’s how a school in fast-growing East Central ISD did it
(San Antonio Report) Tradition Elementary in East Central ISD jumped its state accountability grade from an F (57) in 2023–24 to a B (85) in 2024–25 by leaning into data-driven instruction, on-the-spot coaching, and more leadership development. The school also built a stronger culture of recognition and support for students and teachers. Despite growth pressures and budget constraints, staff say they’re just getting started and aim for an A-rating next.
Texas School Zones 40% Below National Crash Rate
(Dallas Express) New data shows Texas ranks 22nd for school zone safety, with five pedestrian fatalities reported between 2014 and 2023. According to a study performed by Bader Law and provided to The Dallas Express, Texas’s school zone crash rate is 40% lower than the national average.
Why Kamala Harris congratulated a Cy-Fair ISD school board winner for breaking a conservative majority
(Houston Public Media) Recent election wins by a slate of candidates backed by Democrats have reverberated across the Houston area, the state of Texas and beyond.
Austin ISD releases updated school consolidation plan, includes 10 school closures
(CBS Austin) Ten Austin ISD schools are under threat of closing as the district releases an updated version of its Recommended School Closures & Programmatic Reassignments Plan on Friday afternoon.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD recommends closing 2 campuses; parents say fight isn’t over
(Fox 4 KDFW) A Grapevine-Colleyville ISD committee has recommended closing Dove and Bransford Elementary Schools as part of efforts to address a major budget deficit. Parents say the news feels premature and are rallying to fight the proposal, arguing the process lacked transparency and long-term planning. The district will also consider selling properties and adding new revenue programs, but families insist the fight to save their schools “is not over.”
North East ISD consolidates 3 schools, saving $6.6M on staffing
(San Antonio Report) In February, North East Independent School District decided to consolidate three school campuses by the end of the 2024-25 school year to reduce a looming budget deficit and languishing enrollment. During a Nov. 10 school board meeting, NEISD financial analyst Susie Lackorn said the district saved more than $6.6 million in staffing costs by consolidating. This is about the amount it costs to pay nearly 100 full-time employees.
Houston ISD Students and Parents Challenge Mike Miles on Data Versus Anecdotes
(Houston Press) Houston ISD parents and students chastised Superintendent Mike Miles during a Thursday board meeting for championing “data over anecdotes” as justification for his sweeping reforms.
Texas Team Takes Home Roadeo Award at Transporting Students with Disabilities (TSD) Conference
(School Transportation News) A team from Mansfield ISD (Jennifer Fugate and Pinkie Roland) won the roadeo competition at the TSD Conference in Frisco, TX, scoring 947 out of 1,000 across stations like wheelchair securement and emergency evacuation. This marked the fifth straight win at the event for a Texas team.
Cuts could be coming to Manor ISD after A $385 million bond proposal fails
(Fox 7 Austin) The money from that multi-million dollar proposal would have gone to fund projects across Manor ISD for the next 6-8 years, but without that funding, the district will now have to look to other sources of revenue, including making cuts to fix the issues they’re facing.
Court hearings, lawsuit proceed for former Edinburg football player accused of tackling ref
(ValleyCentral) A former Edinburg football player accused of tackling a referee in 2020 continues to face both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit.
11-year-old arrested after threatening to ‘shoot up’ IDEA Yukon School in Odessa
(KMID/KPEJ) Odessa Police have arrested an 11-year-old student on a misdemeanor terrorist charge after investigators say he threatened to “shoot up” IDEA Yukon School on Thursday. Officials said that the 11-year-old had sent a picture of a gun to a friend and threatened to carry out a shooting at the school.
1 arrested in connection with shooting threat at Gilmer ISD school
(KLTV) The Gilmer Police Department has arrested a man accused of making a social media post saying he wanted to fire a gun in the pick-up line at Gilmer Intermediate School. Adolfo Lopez is charged with terroristic threat. Gilmer attorney Joe Newsom, who said he is representing Lopez, said Gilmer police’s statement took Lopez’s Facebook post in which he expressed frustration over the pick-up line out of context.
MacKenzie Scott donates $63M to Prairie View A&M, continuing her HBCU gifts
(Houston Chronicle) Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $63 million to Prairie View A&M University – the largest single gift in the historically Black university’s 149-year history. University officials announced the gift on Friday, calling it “transformational.” Scott’s overall contributions to Prairie View now stand at $113 million, with the latest gift adding to a $50 million donation that broke records for Prairie View at the time in 2020.
Texas A&M doctoral student, green card holder released after months in detention
(Houston Chronicle) A Texas A&M University doctoral student and green card holder detained by immigration officials in late July has been released, an advocacy group announced Sunday morning. Tae Heung “Will” Kim was detained following a two-week trip to South Korea to attend his brother’s wedding last summer and was placed in removal proceedings.
Amarillo College VP of Business Affairs resigns after being placed on administrative leave
(KFDA) Amarillo College has released a statement on the resignation of the Vice President of Business Affairs. On October 3, Amarillo College placed its Vice President of Business Affairs on administrative leave pending an investigation related to financial procedures. AC says the College immediately initiated an independent audit. This week, the employee submitted his resignation. According to the Amarillo College website, the Vice President of Business Affairs is Chris Sharp.
‘We really need you’: Higher education experts, leaders speak about future at Texas Tribune Festival
(Daily Texan) On Friday at the Texas Tribune Festival, education leaders and advocates spoke about how to navigate higher education in the future as they say trust has deteriorated over the years.
‘I don’t love being a politician’: former UT Austin president Jay Hartzell discusses his past role
(Daily Texan) Former University President Jay Hartzell said leaving UT was the right decision at the right time when discussing his past role and his new role as the president of Southern Methodist University at a Thursday Texas Tribune Festival panel. “I enjoy being a college president,” Hartzell said. “I don’t love being a politician. … (At SMU), it feels like I’m back to my academic roots.”
Ahead of retirement, Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip reflects on 44-year career
(Dallas Morning News) The administrator led Frisco schools through a pandemic, declining enrollment and an attack that rocked the district.
ACT and Texas Instruments Collaborate to Enhance Student Success in Mathematics
(eSchool News) ACT, a leader in college and career readiness assessment, and Texas Instruments Education Technology (TI), a division of the global semiconductor company, announced a comprehensive partnership aimed at empowering students to achieve their best performance on the ACT mathematics test.
Ector County ISD High School seamstress retires after 50+ years…For real this time
(KOSA) Ms. Faught stitched player names on jerseys for decades of Mojo football. “I hate giving it up, but I know that the fingers are getting stiff and old,” she said.
Study shows Texas abortion ban had greatest effect on minors seeking care
(KUT) Texans under the age of 18 faced more barriers to getting an abortion than any other age group in the months after the state enacted its six-week abortion ban in 2021, a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health finds.
Nov. 14, 2025
Texas State Board of Education advisers signal push to the right in social studies overhaul
(Texas Tribune) Some advisers have criticized diversity efforts, questioned the historical contributions of people of color, and promoted debunked beliefs.
Texas A&M system approves policy to restrict faculty from advocating “race and gender ideology”
(Texas Tribune) Faculty are also prohibited from teaching material inconsistent with approved syllabi. The changes come in response to a recent controversy over gender identity classroom discussions.
Texas lawmakers say colleges have to balance free speech with duty to keep discourse civil
(Texas Tribune) Texas lawmakers on Thursday opened a sweeping review of campus speech with a call to restore civil discourse, saying student reactions to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk exposed deeper problems with intimidation, hostility and uneven responses from universities. Lawmakers heard from 11 invited witnesses, including University of Texas at Austin leaders, state higher education officials, law enforcement representatives and the student body presidents from UT-Austin and Texas A&M.
Texas’ Top Voucher Vendor Taps Abbott Allies in Contract Bid, Program Rollout
(Texas Observer) The New York firm Odyssey is now running the state’s lucrative voucher scheme with a little help from the governor’s friends.
Public education advocates push for new increased funding for schools
(Houston Chronicle) Education advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas is proposing legislators adopt a new funding model to increase financial resources for public schools as districts statewide struggle with budget deficits.
KPRC 2 Investigates finds truancy data not proactively monitored
(KPRC) Truancy prevention data reported to the Texas Education Agency is not proactively monitored, 2 Investigates discovered. State law requires school districts to engage in truancy prevention efforts and then report those efforts to the TEA. Our investigation in February prompted the TEA to launch a compliance review of all truancy data. TEA officials said that the review is ongoing but conceded the agency does not have the staff to proactively monitor truancy.
THC ban is ‘an extinction-level event’ for Texas hemp industry, economist says
(Houston Public Media) Beau Whitney, a consultant to the hemp and cannabis industries, said, at a minimum, the new federal ban on THC-containing hemp products will displace more than 40,000 Texas workers and shutter more than 6,300 Texas businesses.
Education Department resumes operations after prolonged shutdown
(K-12 Dive) The continuing resolution signed into law Wednesday funds schools at fiscal year 2025 levels. This temporary spending plan expires Jan. 30, unless Congress agrees to a more permanent budget before that deadline. The deal nullifies the reduction-in-force (RIF) notices sent to 465 agency employees on Oct. 10. The Education Department is also prohibited from issuing additional RIFs through the end of January and must provide back pay to all employees who did not receive compensation during the shutdown.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supporters gathered in Austin to decide what’s next for anti-vaccination movement
(Spectrum News) As policy director for Texans for Vaccine Choice, Michelle Evans sees Texas as a beacon for people searching for medical freedom. “I think that the concern is whether or not we can continue to be that beacon for these people,” said Evans.
Concern grows as TEA outlines Fort Worth ISD takeover
(WFAA) Parents and teachers pressed the Texas Education Agency for answers Thursday night as the state moves toward a full takeover of Fort Worth ISD. Parents questioned transparency, charter risks and who will be appointed to lead the district.
Milano ISD superintendent killed in Waco accident was getting divorced; father seeking to intervene in wrongful death lawsuit
(KWTX) The Central Texas superintendent killed last month in a traffic incident was getting divorced, and her father is seeking to intervene in the wrongful death lawsuit filed this week by her estranged husband. KWTX reported Wednesday that Jose Antonio Luevanos, husband of Elisabeth Avila Luevanos, is seeking more than $1 million in damages in his lawsuit against On Roadside Assistance Austin Inc. At the time of her death, the 46-year-old Elisabeth Luevanos was superintendent of the Milano Independent School District in Milam County. She was struck Oct. 6 by a driver for the roadside assistance company in a parking lot while leaving Gold’s Gym, 250 N. New Road in Waco. She died Oct. 27 at an Austin hospital.
Denton ISD approves plans to improve underperforming elementary schools
(KERA) During a public hearing Tuesday, Denton ISD presented its targeted improvement and turnaround plans for six underperforming elementary schools. The school board approved the plans, putting the affected campuses on track for improved student outcomes.
Fort Bend ISD considers $1M contract for special education staff de-escalation training
(Community Impact) Fort Bend ISD trustees are set to vote Nov. 17 on a $1 million, five-year training program designed to equip special education staff with the skills to safely manage and de-escalate student behavioral crises. Six vendors responded to the district’s call for proposal submissions for de-escalation training, according to district documents — and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) was selected through the “best value” method in accordance with district and state policy. CPI had previously been awarded a similar contract for de-escalation services in June 2020.
Humble ISD approves school marshal pilot program that will allow some employees to carry guns on campus
(KPRC) The Humble Independent School District has officially approved a new pilot program that will allow select district employees to carry firearms on campus as part of a school marshal initiative.
Panhandle educators discuss future of dual credit program
(KVII) Tanya Larkin, executive director of Region 16 Education Service Center, emphasized the importance of creating “real, doable, achievable pathways for our students in our school districts in the Panhandle.” Becky Burton, associate vice president of academic learning and services at Amarillo College, highlighted the need to change the narrative for students who do not pursue further education after high school.
Preserving Native American culture in Dallas ISD
(Dallas ISD News Hub) Tana Takes Horse is shaping the future of the American Indian Education Program in Dallas ISD. In a role deeply rooted in her experience as a professional, a Native woman, and a mother, she is guiding students on a journey to understand and embrace their Native identity.
Willis ISD approves one-time retention payment of $1,000 for staff
(Community Impact) The Willis ISD board of trustees approved a one-time retention payment of $1,000 to each employee. WISD Chief Financial Officer Garrett Matej said the funds will be from the district’s general fund and will have a total cost of approximately $1.35 million. The payments will be made Dec. 15, officials said.
1 student sent to hospital after crash involving school bus in Elgin
(KVUE) One student was taken to a hospital for evaluation after a crash involving an Elgin ISD school bus near Elgin Thursday night. The crash happened at around 8 p.m. Thursday on Highway 290, near State Highway 95. Several students and staff members were reportedly onboard the bus when the crash happened, but it’s currently uncertain what caused the crash to occur.
Is AI replacing teachers? At 2 North Texas private schools, it is
(CBS Texas) It’s called Alpha School for grades K-8, and it’s the most expensive private school in Texas. One campus is in Plano and the other is in Fort Worth.
Parents speak up at school board meeting in support of Hillsboro ISD band director
(KXXV) Parents showed up to the Hillsboro Independent School District school board meeting to express their feelings about band director Chris Moix. A handful of band students and parents attended the Hillsboro ISD school board meeting after Moix was removed as band director with no reason given to students and parents. Students said they aren’t receiving the guidance they need in class.
Former Vidor ISD police officer sentenced to 30 years for kidnapping, sexual assault of child
(KFDM) A judge has sentenced Ethan Majors, a former Vidor ISD police officer, to 30 years in prison on two charges of aggravated sexual assault, and 10 years on two charges of aggravated kidnapping linked to cases involving a 12-year-old girl he picked up and took to Lake Charles, LA.
Prison time for man who ‘flashed gun’ at Amarillo ISD’s Palo Duro High School
(KFDA) Shyrius Donquale Matthews, 30, appeared in 181st District Court in Potter County on Thursday to plead guilty to two felony offenses and was sentenced to five years in prison. Court documents say that in September, police officers at Palo Duro High School got a report of a man “flashing a gun on campus”. When they went to investigate, they saw Matthews standing outside school doors with a gun in his possession.
‘Ugly’ case: Former Alvin gymnastics and martial arts coach sentenced to 14 years for child sex crimes
(KPRC) A former gymnastics and martial arts instructor in Alvin has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for receiving and possessing child pornography. Franklin Joseph Perkins, 42, pleaded guilty on Feb. 3 to both charges. On Thursday, he was sentenced to 168 months for receiving and 120 months for possessing child pornography, with the sentences to run concurrently. Perkins had previously worked at Kuk Sool Won Martial Arts Studio and Gulf Coast Gymnastics, both located in Alvin.
UT San Antonio eyes housing, retail, more academic space for downtown campus
(San Antonio Express-News) The University of Texas at San Antonio’s leaders are trying to persuade 10,000 students to come downtown by 2028, more than doubling its current enrollment in the urban core. To pull off such a big shift, they’re eyeing a bevy of construction projects and new course offerings.
Nov. 13, 2025
Trump signs funding bill to end historic government shutdown
(The Hill) President Trump on Wednesday signed a government funding bill to officially end the longest shutdown in history after 43 days. Related:
- Donald Trump signs THC ban, dealing blow to Texas hemp industry (Houston Chronicle)
Many Texas parents don’t know about the $1B school voucher program, data shows
(Houston Chronicle) A new survey shows that many Texas families still do not know about the $1 billion school voucher program coming online for next school year. The survey, performed by the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Center at Texas Southern University, also found that 40% of parents said they would apply for a voucher, with most of them saying their main motivation was to seek a better education. Of the 60% of parents who said they would not apply, the majority said it was because they were happy with their child’s current public school.
Supporters fear for Texas Southern University’s independence after audit, state scrutiny
(Houston Chronicle) Supporters of Texas Southern University say they’re frustrated and worried after a state audit accused the historically Black university of mishandling funds – leaving many to wonder if Republican state leaders will use the allegations to strip the school of its independence. TSU is the state’s only independent public university, operating outside of any Texas university system. Alumni have defended its independence, opposing efforts to absorb the institution for decades.
Husband of Milano ISD superintendent killed in Waco accident files wrongful death lawsuit against roadside assistance company
(KWTX) Jose Antonio Luevanos, husband of Elisabeth Avila Luevanos, is seeking more than $1 million in damages in his suit. Waco attorney Michael Zimmerman, who represents the Luevanos family, declined comment on the lawsuit Wednesday.
Amid investigation, Austin schools superintendent stands by consolidation plan
(Austin American-Statesman) Austin school district leadership launched an internal investigation into key staff in part over concerns about noncompliance with a directive to evaluate all community feedback on a comprehensive plan to close schools and redraw attendance boundaries, Superintendent Matias Segura told the American-Statesman’s Editorial Board on Tuesday. About one week out from a consequential vote on the closure of 10 campuses and relocation of “wall-to-wall” dual language and Montessori programming, Segura said he needed to make sure staff was following his directive to incorporate community voice.
How Harlingen, Texas, Schools Are Evolving With AI
(Government Technology) A south Texas school district developed digital responsibility guidelines and a vetting process for AI tools. Its teachers now use several AI apps like Snorkl and Eureka Math to engage students and give instant feedback.
Truck hits Conroe ISD bus with students on board
(KBTX) A truck hit a Conroe ISD school bus that had students on board Tuesday evening. It happened near College Park High School, according to Conroe ISD officials. They say all students on the bus were uninjured. The driver of the truck didn’t have any injuries either. The parents of students on the bus were all notified, and all students were released to their families.
Canutillo ISD debuts new electric school buses
(KVIA) Canutillo Independent School District unveiled eight new electric school buses and new charging stations on Wednesday. This is part of a $3 million investment from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a $1.5 million investment from Canutillo Independent School District to replace the older model school buses over the next 10 years.
Tomball ISD raises bus driver pay to $25 per hour, citing challenges with shortages
(Community Impact) Full-time bus drivers working for Tomball ISD will now be paid at least $25 per hour, after trustees approved a compensation increase. Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora said during trustees’ Nov. 10 workshop meeting that the district has had challenges with bus driver shortages and filling driver positions. “I think that this [increase] will not only help us keep the people; it’s a retention, but also a recruitment tool,” Salazar-Zamora said.
Eanes ISD urges DA to charge former teacher to ‘fullest extent’
(KXAN) Eanes ISD sent a letter to the Travis County District Attorney urging to charge a former EISD music teacher Zachary Barnett, 26 “to the fullest extent allowed by the law” regarding Barnett’s arrest on allegations of online crimes against children. A DPS affidavit said that investigators seized 13 digital devices allegedly containing more than 8,000 depictions of female students and that the the alleged depictions “zoomed into the female students’ skirts, their underwear, and their crotch area.” Barnett faces six third-degree felony charges of possession of child pornography, 10 state jail felony charges of possession of lewd visual material depicting a child and one first-degree felony charge of sexual performance by a child.
New research shows positive effect of Texas high school coaches
(KBTX) New findings released in conjunction with Texas High School Coaches Day, show the broad effect coaches in the state can have on their high school student-athletes. Joshua Childs, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, worked with research firm EverRise and the Texas High School Coaches Association to collect and analyze survey data. Childs and his team surveyed more than 18,000 high school student-athletes in Texas. One of the key findings was how well coaches communicated with their athletes.
Long-awaited new sport planned for Wichita Falls ISD
(Times Record News) Wichita Falls ISD is taking steps toward a major addition to its athletic programs with a plan in place to add wrestling to sporting opportunities for students. Wrestling would be added as a UIL sport for Legacy and Memorial high schools starting in the 2026-27 school year. The WFISD School Board’s plan includes over $180,000 in startup funding for the program.
Authorities investigating allegations involving Godley ISD staff member, district says
(WFAA) The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office confirmed it’s investigating allegations involving a Godley ISD staff member. A spokesperson for the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office said they were made aware of the allegations last week and are “in the early stages of the investigation.”
CNN: Parents of Texas A&M student say ChatGPT encouraged son to kill himself
(KBTX) According to CNN, 23-year-old Texas A&M graduate Zane Shamblin died from suicide on July 25. His parents are now suing OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, for “goading” Shamblin into taking his own life.
Former East Texas daycare worker sentenced to 10 years for pushing, kicking toddlers
(CBS 19) A former East Texas daycare worker was sentenced to 10 years in prison for kicking and pushing several young children over a three-month period last year. Catherine Guziejka, 45, entered a guilty plea in September to injury to a child with the intent to cause bodily injury. On Wednesday, she was sentenced to 10 years for each charge, but her sentences will be served at the same time.
UT Arlington’s plans for the future include a boutique hotel and creating ‘gateways’ to campus
(KERA) UT Arlington’s master plan hopes to prepare the university for continued growth in both the university and the city.
Nov. 12, 2025
At least 44K school-aged children in North Texas may be at risk of deportation, according to report
(WFAA) A report from the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, estimates that 44,000 school-aged children between the ages of 5 and 18 in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin and Denton Counties don’t have legal status, as well as around 218,000 more people who live with children under 18, according to 2023 data.
Phone Bans Improved Focus in Texas Schools. Will Academic Gains Follow?
(Government Technology) Three months into Texas’ statewide ban on cellphones in school, officials are observing noticeable differences on campuses, but some say students need opportunities to learn what appropriate use of technology looks like.
Texas Southern University board responds after state launches investigation into Houston HBCU
(KCEN) Houston lawmakers defend TSU as state investigation threatens university funding.
Educators play crucial role in child abuse reporting as cases rise each school year, CPS says
(KSAT) Texas Department of Family and Protective Services says that educators are acting as the first line of defense against child abuse, with reports to the agency’s hotline rising each school year when students return to class.
Texas Rangers Join Investigation of Collinsville ISD Coach
(Texas Scorecard) Baseball coach Derrick Jenkins has been on leave since October 20 over alleged grooming of students. The Collinsville Police Department announced last week that the Texas Rangers and Grayson County District Attorney’s Office had joined its investigation into Jenkins.
Runge ISD employee confesses to inappropriate relationship with middle school student
(News4SA) Runge ISD employee Andrea Melba Rodriguez (Pena) was arrested after digital evidence confirmed an intimate relationship between the school employee and a student. The Karnes County Sheriff’s Office found Rodriguez had attempted to destroy evidence related to the investigation. She was charged with Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence. Additional criminal charges are expected.
McKinney ISD employee arrested after drugs found in vehicle
(Fox 4 KDFW) McKinney ISD employee Christopher Hawkins, 27, was arrested on Monday after police found narcotics in the vehicle during a routine safety sweep at McKinney Boyd High School. A drug-detection dog alerted officers to the vehicle, leading to the search and subsequent arrest of the first-year employee.
Loaded rifle magazine found in Medina Valley ISD elementary school bathroom
(News4SA) In a letter to parents, Medina Valley ISD Ladera Elementary Principal Laura Davila said, “Our school marshal discovered a 22-caliber rifle magazine containing bullets in a school restroom.” An investigation quickly identified the student responsible for leaving the magazine in the restroom. The student then admitted to bringing it to school and is facing disciplinary action.
Cy-Fair ISD has new fall break on the 2026-27 school calendar
(Houston Chronicle) The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD board approved the district calendar for the 2026-27 school year with a week-long break in October, a new addition to the schedule.
La Joya mayor sues school district
(Progress Times) In a federal court filing last Friday, La Joya Mayor Isidro Casanova alleged that he had been improperly fired from his job as an attendance and truancy supervisor at La Joya ISD in 2024. Related:
- La Joya ISD to overhaul bus routing system after 20 years (Progress Times)
Texas Head Start closures during government shutdown add to state’s child care woes
(Texas Tribune) Hundreds of families lost child care when certain programs weren’t funded earlier this month, and scores more may be affected if Congress doesn’t fund the government by Dec. 1.
Another billion-dollar company expanding in Texas, paying less property taxes
(Center Square) Despite the Palacios ISD losing tax revenue due to the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) designation for Formosa Plastics Corp’s $150 million investment to open a new facility to produce a feedstock organic compound used at their existing complex in Jackson County, Superintendent Dr. Jared Duncum praised the expansion.
Dallas bans vaping in public spaces beginning December 10
(KRLD) Dallas will soon make it illegal to vape in public spaces under a new city ordinance set to take effect December 10. The change expands the city’s existing smoking ban to include e-cigarettes and other vaping devices in all areas where smoking is already prohibited.
Mansfield ISD high schoolers intern at this unique preschool, study teaching careers
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Throughout Tarrant County and Texas, high schoolers are weighing possible careers as educators through pathway programs that give them hands-on experience. In the Mansfield Independent School District, a handful of high school students have chosen to intern at a pre-K campus with a unique curriculum.
H-E-B donates $100,000 to UT Austin Outpost Food Pantry
(Daily Texan) The $100,000 donation will cover one semester’s worth of food for the pantry. Around 80% of funding for the Outpost comes from University funds, and the rest comes from donations and grants. Graduate and undergraduate students can shop for up to 20 pounds of food per month at the Outpost, which serves around 450 to 500 students per week, providing them with shelf-stable foods such as pasta, rice, canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Texas Christian University parents, students to see another tuition hike. What’s the damage?
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The TCU board voted Nov. 7 to increase tuition by 4.75% for the 2026-27 school year, increasing from $63,500, to $66,520. TCU is not among the nation’s most expensive universities overall, but for the 2025-26 school year, tuition was roughly $4,000 more expensive than Harvard’s.
Gov. Abbott streamlines process to foster kids
(KENS) Governor Abbott and the Health and Human Services Commission streamlined requirements for relatives to foster kids in their family this week.
San Antonio needs more residency slots to combat doctor shortage and ‘brain drain’
(San Antonio Report) San Antonio’s largest hospital system — Methodist Healthcare — is “stepping into the fray” of turning medical school graduates into licensed doctors amid physician shortages and concerns about medical “brain drain,” when highly trained professionals leave for better prospects.
Despite axing ‘woke’ leader, Texas Land Commissioner says Alamo plans remain the same
(San Antonio Report) Weeks after the Alamo Trust’s top leader was ousted for writings deemed “incompatible” with state leaders’ vision, Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham told reporters she doesn’t foresee revisiting the way the landmark is represented in its ongoing redevelopment. “This museum has always had the plan to discuss the battle in the context of time, from the early Native Americans, all the way through how it affects pop culture today,” Buckingham said Tuesday. “Those plans have not changed.”
Texans have started to receive partial SNAP payments
(Texas Tribune) Some Texans started receiving SNAP benefits on Monday after food assistance payments for November were delayed for more than a week as a result of the federal government shutdown. “SNAP clients who usually get their benefits between the 1st and 10th of the month will see partial benefits on their Lone Star Cards Nov. 10,” Tiffany Young of Texas Health and Human Services Commission said in an email. “For SNAP clients who receive benefits on or after the 11th of the month, partial benefits will be issued on their normal issuance date.”
Greg Abbott kicks off reelection campaign with aggressive property tax relief plan
(Community Impact) Gov. Greg Abbott announced his bid for a fourth gubernatorial term Nov. 9, laying out a sweeping plan to make “out-of-control property taxes finished in Texas.” Related:
- What to know about Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s property tax relief plan (Dallas Morning News)
Texas A&M System to vote on requiring prior approval for lessons on “race and gender ideology”
(Texas Tribune) The proposal appears to mark the first time a Texas university system offers definitions of what kind of instruction related to race and gender should not be permitted. Related:
Greg Abbott, Dan Patrick call for DPS to investigate Texas Southern University over financial mismanagement findings
(Texas Tribune) State Auditor Lisa Collier said university staff vacancies for “critical” financial responsibilities have contributed to delays in financial reporting, as well as poor asset oversight and weak contracting processes.
Texas candidate filings open with a big question: Will Republicans’ new map stick?
(Austin American-Statesman) Filing for the 2026 Texas primaries is underway, even as it’s still unclear whether the GOP’s redrawn congressional districts will withstand a court challenge brought by several Democratic and civil rights organizations.
The number of whooping cough cases in Texas is the highest it’s been in 11 years
(Texas Tribune) The state has recorded more than 3,500 cases of whooping cough so far this year, 10 times the number in 2023.
$20 million of Austin ISD bond program has been spent on schools set to close, records show
(CBS Austin) After voters approved a $2.4 billion Austin ISD bond program in 2022, a number of communities are now preparing to lose their schools even after millions of dollars in improvements have been made.
Laneville ISD cancels week of classes due to illness surge
(KETK) Due to an increase in illnesses across campus, Laneville ISD announced it will be canceling classes for the remainder of the week. Superintendent William Paul said the decision was made after the district saw an uptick in sicknesses and ailments among students and staff over the past week. Due to the increase, the district decided on Monday to cancel classes for the week.
Cy-Fair ISD to launch virtual learning programs starting fall 2026
(Community Impact) Cy-Fair ISD will offer three virtual learning options to students in fourth and fifth grade and ninth through 12th grade for the 2026-27 academic year, according to a Nov. 6 presentation to the board of trustees. According to the presentation, students interested in enrolling in the new Virtual Pathways Program can choose between three online options:
Houston ISD spent $1.3 million on public affairs consultants
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD’s public affairs and communications department spent $1.3 million on consulting services from the businesses Kitamba MGT, MGT Impact Solutions and Outreach Strategists in the fiscal year ending June 30, records show.
Dallas ISD Oak Cliff high school principal leaves after parents called for his ouster
(Dallas Morning News) Community members alleged David W. Carter High School Principal Troy Tyson did not engage with parents and had unprofessional conduct.
Celina High School wrestling coach resigns amid misconduct allegations
(Celina Record) Celina High School teacher and wrestling coach Neil Phillips has resigned from the district, according to Celina ISD. Phillips was placed on leave Nov. 3 after Celina ISD announced it was investigating allegations of prior misconduct during his time with Melissa ISD, prior to joining Celina.
Austin ISD student arrested for bringing gun to campus
(Fox 7 Austin) According to a letter to Crockett Early College High School families, principal Shana King said someone had reported that a student who got in a fight had a weapon. Officers found the student had a gun and immediately arrested them.
Lessons from a Failed Texas Tutoring Program
(The74) According to a Stanford University study, a Covid era virtual tutoring program in the 2021-22 school year produced no gains for students in an unnamed Texas suburban school district. Experts view the findings as a cautionary tale of how tutoring can go wrong.
Crosby ISD school bus shortage pushes change in school start time, district says
(KTRK) School district leaders are pushing back school start times, citing a bus driver shortage across Crosby ISD. Beginning in January, school district leaders say high school students will start and end five minutes earlier. Elementary school will start and end 15 minutes earlier. And middle school will start and end an hour and 20 minutes later.
How Fort Worth-area school districts are looking to boost student military recruitment
(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth school districts partner with recruiters to dispel military misconceptions and educate students on noncombat military careers.
Tyler ISD trustee reassures families of school safety amid concerns over immigration detainments
(CBS 19) A Tyler ISD trustee is reminding families that the school district is a safe place for all students to learn amid recent immigration detainments. Eleno Licea, who represents Tyler ISD’s District 1 on the board of trustees, said on his Facebook page that he wanted to give reassurance, clarity and facts to those concerned about “recent events within the community.” He confirmed the recent events have to do with immigration-related arrests locally. Related:
Crane ISD cancels community Thanksgiving feast due to budget deficit
(KOSA) Crane Independent School District released a statement Monday addressing its decision to cancel the community Thanksgiving feast at Crane Elementary School. Superintendent Roy Garcia said the administration has been working to address the budget deficit the district is facing. The money from ticket sales to the feast would have helped, but would not have offset the expenses for the feast. Garcia said all students will still receive their Thanksgiving meals.
Police say a fake, AI-generated photo started hoax of fire at Houston ISD’s Bellaire High School
(Houston Public Media) Bellaire firefighters did find “a small amount” of smoke related to the school’s HVAC unit. The city of Bellaire also blamed a “fake social media post” for causing a stir.
Ferris ISD Teacher charged with child pornography, affidavit links him to downloads via personal email
(Fox 4 KDFW) A Ferris ISD teacher, George Russell McAllister, was arrested following an investigation into the possession of child pornography. The charges stem from digital evidence found in McAllister’s Yahoo email account, which was linked through a national cyber tip.
Clyde ISD Elementary School parents speak up about alleged bullying, ‘I want repercussions’
(KTXS) Another Clyde parent is alleging that a second-grade teacher at Clyde Elementary School has bullied her niece.
Canton ISD students safe following bus crash
(KLTV) Canton ISD students and staff are safe after a school bus was involved in a crash Monday. The school said the bus was “involved in an accident” on FM 16 after school, according to a Canton ISD release. They said authorities responded quickly, students were evaluated, and no serious injuries were reported.
Ken Paxton softens tone in UNT speech weeks after launching university investigation
(KERA) The Ken Paxton who took to the stage at the Lyceum Theatre at the University of North Texas on Monday sounded somehow softer than the Ken Paxton who announced last month that his office was investigating the university. Related:
West Texas A&M University breaks ground on $15M feedlot, aiming to revolutionize agricultural education
(KVII) Preparing the next wave of students at West Texas A&M University to work in an important sector of agriculture, one of the main focuses of a soon-to-be-built $15 million feedlot and educational complex near the Nance Ranch in Randall County.
Lawsuit says Texas Tech rape case ended with essay on consent after pressured resolution
(EverythingLubbock) A young woman who says she was the victim of a sexual assault at a Texas Tech University residence hall has filed a federal lawsuit against the Board of Regents, accusing the school of mishandling her case and pressuring her into a quiet resolution that let the accused avoid suspension or expulsion. Instead, he was required to donate $500 to a nonprofit and write an essay about consent.
Retired Judge Reprimanded for Telling Juveniles She Hopes ‘Big Black Men’ Use Them as ‘Sex Toys’
(Texas Scorecard) Jennifer Eggen, a retired Hereford Municipal Court judge in Deaf Smith County, has been publicly reprimanded for berating and demeaning juveniles and their parents in her courtroom. According to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct (SCJC), which is responsible for investigating such matters, Eggen made multiple comments encouraging jail-cell rape and domestic violence.
A Fort Worth church’s online class trains Christians to run for office. Now it may go national
(Texas Tribune) At the core of the program is the idea that there is no separation between what happens within the church and what happens in the government.
Nov. 10, 2025
Dan Patrick pledges $1 million in campaign funds to install Turning Point USA at every Texas college and high school
(Texas Tribune) Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Friday he is committing $1 million from his campaign coffers to put chapters of Turning Point USA, the group founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, on every Texas college and high school campus.
Socorro ISD employees face skyrocketing health insurance costs after failed tax proposal
(El Paso Matters) Some Socorro Independent School District employees will see their health insurance premiums skyrocket, reducing their take-home pay, after voters this week rejected a tax ratification proposal that would have generated up to $49.2 million for the district. On Wednesday, the SISD school board voted unanimously to adopt a health plan that will raise some employee premiums by $45 to $650 a month, depending on the plan in which they enroll.
Spring ISD considers closing two schools amid budget deficit and declining enrollment
(Houston Chronicle) Spring ISD is considering closing two campuses due to declining enrollment and budget deficits, which could save about $2.5 million. But before the board of trustees makes a final decision, the north Harris County district will hold community meetings in November.
51 drivers blow past stopped school bus, get tickets during Pct. 4 Constable sting in Klein
(KPRC) During a predawn undercover sting in Klein, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable deputies stopped 51 drivers who sped past a stopped school bus. They didn’t just write tickets, they found drugs and a gun along the way. At one point, deputies pulled over five cars that simultaneously passed the same stopped bus. The excuses flowed as freely as the citations.
What Fort Worth ISD’s new conservator can — and can’t — do during state takeover
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) In a statement on Thursday, Christopher Ruszkowski said he views his appointment as “another opportunity to engage in public service of the highest calling.” He currently serves as a conservator of IDEA Public Schools and previously served as New Mexico’s secretary of education, among other jobs in the education landscape. FWISD Superintndent Karen Molinar said in a Thursday statement she still intends to apply for the superintendent position as TEA’s process moves forward, and she will continue to serve students in Fort Worth ISD in the meantime.
Houston ISD special education plans weren’t implemented according to federal rule
(Houston Chronicle) The Texas Education Agency found that Houston ISD did not implement Benbrook Elementary School students’ special education plans correctly under a federal regulation. The state agency’s director of special education complaints, Keith Swink, emailed the results of the investigation to a union leader and former HISD teacher, Michelle Williams, who filed the complaint on Aug. 23.
Spike in North Texas teacher arrests sparks concern among education leaders over who’s getting hired in schools
(CBS Texas) In just the last month, eight North Texas educators or coaches have been arrested or placed on leave, half of them from Celina ISD alone. These educators are a fraction of the thousands across North Texas. But is it alarming to see so many cases at once? Texas’ largest teachers union believes so.
Celina ISD coach Caleb Elliott arrested again, facing 3rd criminal charge
(Fox 4 KDFW) Former Celina ISD coach Caleb Elliott faces a new felony charge for the sexual performance of a child. He’s already charged with invasive recording and child porn; police say the probe is ongoing. A related lawsuit alleges Celina ISD covered up prior misconduct before moving him to a middle school. He is just one of several Celina ISD employees currently on leave.
Melissa ISD launches third‑party probe into misconduct allegations, pledges transparency
(CBS Texas) Melissa Independent School District has initiated a third-party investigation into its handling of misconduct allegations involving former teacher and coach Neil Phillips, according to a recent communication sent to parents and staff. Phillips was later employed by Celina ISD, where he was recently suspended, raising concerns about transparency between school districts and the safeguarding of students.
Mount Pleasant ISD special education aide arrested for sexual assault of a child
(KETK) Jaquaven Rogers was allegedly working at P.E. Wallace Middle School and is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student from a different Mount Pleasant ISD campus, according to Mount Pleasant PD.
‘I dropped to my knees and cried’ — Brazoria County mother demanding justice after young son with autism slammed to ground by teacher
(KHOU) Columbia-Brazoria ISD told KHOU 11 that the teacher, as well as another teacher involved in a separate incident on the same day, were both fired.
Mesquite ISD teacher arrested on child pornography possession charges
(WFAA) Mesquite ISD confirmed this week that Chad Beery, a teacher at Mesquite Academy was arrested at his home by the Rockwall Police Department on two counts related to child pornography.
Ferris ISD employee arrested for alleged possession of child pornography, district says
(WFAA) A Ferris ISD employee was fired after they were arrested for alleged possession of child pornography, the school district said. Ferris ISD did not provide any additional information about the employee or the alleged arrest.
Killeen ISD says Associate Band Director ‘no longer employed’ after investigation finds evidence of inappropriate photos
(KWTX) Harker Heights High School says the Associate Director of Bands, Mr. Tyler Claycomb, is “no longer employed by Killeen ISD” after an investigation of allegations regarding inappropriate communication with a student. Related:
UIL suspends Little Cypress-Mauriceville ISD High School coach for season after pocketing rival team’s communication watch
(KBMT) The UIL State Executive Committee on Friday unanimously voted to suspend Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School special teams coordinator/wide receivers coach Hunter Gonzales for the remainder of the football season and place him on two years’ probation after he admitted pocketing a communication device belonging to Bridge City High School during an Oct. 24 game that determined playoff positioning. The UIL did not find that he used the watch to gain an advantage in the game.
Texas High School Football Team Has Season Saved By Midnight Coin Flip At Gas Station
(BroBible) A 3-way tie led three Texas high school football coaches to meet at a gas station in Plainview Friday night to decide playoff fate.
Fort Bend County superintendents talk district growth, student success
(Community Impact) Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD and Stafford MSD superintendents came together at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Schools event Nov. 6 to highlight how collaboration and innovation are driving student success across the county, pointing to approaches to enrollment changes and teacher wellness. “We may lead different districts, but we share the same mission—to serve kids and give them every opportunity to succeed,” LCISD Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens said. “At the end of the day, every student in Fort Bend County matters.”
Calvin Walker signs over properties to Beaumont ISD, ordered to pay $1,000 monthly
(KBMT) District Judge John Stevens said during a Friday hearing that Calvin Walker’s total court-ordered restitution to Beaumont ISD amounts to $1,171,828, but that Walker has only paid a little more than $10,000 in restitution. To keep Walker’s appeal bond in place for now, Judge Stevens ordered Walker to immediately transfer ownership of three properties he owns (with a total appraised value of around $164,000) and to pay BISD at least $1,000 per month toward restitution.
Harlingen CISD schools implement AI apps for classroom instruction
(myRGV) AI has also found all manner of applications in public schools. The Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District is using several AI apps like Snorkl to improve education.
Vidor ISD addresses students feeling overheated during choir practice
(KFDM) Vidor ISD has released a statement addressing several students complaining of feeling overheated, and others experiencing dizziness, headaches, and nausea during choir practice for the upcoming Veterans Day program.
Tarrant County College faculty members told to repay portion of salaries after contracts ‘adjusted’
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) According to a statement from Chancellor Elva LeBlanc, contracts for 65 full-time faculty members “were adjusted to address concerns raised by faculty members about clear documentation of contract dates.”
AI use at Texas colleges has become a ‘minefield’ of rules, cheating and confusion
(Houston Chronicle) From the University of Houston to Rice, professors are writing their own rules for artificial intelligence in the classroom. Some embrace it as a learning tool; others ban it outright.
Baylor University dedicates the ‘Memorial to Enslaved Persons’
(KWTX) Dirt from the original site of Baylor in Independence, Texas is buried underneath the memorial site in Waco.
‘Administration has an obligation’: UT Austin students sit in at Tower, protest against compact, consolidation
(Daily Texan) Around 100 students protested on campus against the Trump administration’s compact and the University’s consolidation plans on Friday, culminating in a short sit-in in the UT Tower. UT is the only school not to announce a decision on the compact, but it has a Nov. 21 deadline.
Texas Southmost College, National University expand online learning options for transfers
(ValleyCentral) Texas Southmost College and National University signed an agreement to create new pathways for bachelor’s and graduate degrees for TSC students, employees, and alumni on Thursday. The new partnership is aiming for more affordability and student success in their degree programs. An official with National University said they signed in more transfer opportunities with TSC, and that students busy with work and families will have a more flexible online and hybrid learning experience.
Nov. 7, 2025
Texas appoints Fort Worth ISD conservator to oversee transition to state control
(KERA) A former middle school teacher who served as New Mexico’s secretary of education will oversee Fort Worth ISD as Texas takes control. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath on Thursday appointed Christopher Ruszkowski as FWISD’s conservator, marking the first step in the state taking over the 67,500-student district.
How a band of progressive candidates ousted Cypress-Fairbanks ISD’s conservative slate
(Houston Chronicle) An unlikely slate of candidates with progressive backing, although they refer to themselves as non-partisan, won their bids for the Cy-Fair ISD board by wide margins Tuesday, bucking a trend of conservative leaders winning in Cypress.
Texas ban on sexually explicit drag shows can be enforced, federal appeals court rules
(Texas Tribune) Texas can enforce a 2023 law that restricts some public drag shows, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday. As part of the ruling, the panel found that most of the plaintiffs — a drag performer, a drag production company and pride groups — failed to show that they intended to conduct a “sexually oriented performance,” and therefore, could not be harmed by the law. The ruling suggests that the federal judges don’t believe all drag shows are sexually explicit.
Celina ISD under investigation by TEA after recent arrests
(NBC DFW) The Texas Education Agency has launched an investigation into the Celina Independent School District after multiple recent arrests. Since October, multiple Celina ISD employees have been placed on leave, arrested, or resigned from their positions due to various incidents. This includes Moore Middle School’s former football coach Caleb Elliott, who was arrested for invasive visual recording and possession of child pornography on October 3. Related:
State teachers union criticizes Houston ISD’s plan to recruit teachers in South Texas
(Houston Chronicle) A state teachers union and its local chapter criticized Houston ISD’s plan to recruit teachers in Edinburg on Saturday, after the state’s largest district cut 160 teachers this fall. The Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers and its local union — the Houston Federation of Teachers – questioned “the necessity of the layoffs,” given this hiring effort. The union also said that the promotion suggests “certification is not required, leaving educators hired at this event — who would presumably need to relocate from South Texas to Houston — without meaningful job protections the next time the district decides to make staffing cuts.”
Arlington ISD agrees not to post Ten Commandments amid lawsuit
(Arlington Report) Ten Commandments posters will not appear in Arlington ISD classrooms after the district agreed to not display the biblical text in order to be dismissed from a lawsuit debating the constitutionality of a new Texas law.
‘This work is continuing’ — Austin ISD superintendent postpones some boundary change plans until next fall
(KVUE) On Thursday night, AISD board members met to discuss the updated consolidation and boundary change plan for the first time since announcing changes to it.
Humble ISD pushes new programs to improve college, career and military readiness scores
(Community Impact) Humble ISD officials are putting new systems and support programs in place to raise the district’s college, career and military readiness scores in future Texas Education Agency accountability ratings.
Dallas Schools’ AI Shift: Saving Time While Sacrificing Critical Thinking, Connection, Creativity?
(Dallas Express) While the Dallas ISD’s expansion of AI tools for real-time writing feedback and grading offers promising efficiencies — like instant revisions for students and more time for teachers to focus on personalized instruction — it also raises significant concerns about the broader implications for education.
2 Cedar Hill High School band directors depart after investigation involving former students
(Fox 4 KDFW) Two Cedar Hill High School band directors who were placed on administrative leave last month amid allegations involving former students are no longer employed by Cedar Hill ISD, the district confirmed this week. The directors were placed on administrative leave last month as police opened an investigation into the claims. The nature of the specific allegations has not been released, and the Cedar Hill Police Department’s investigation is still ongoing.
Teen charged with terroristic threats against a Laredo ISD middle school
(KGNS) Laredo ISD police received a call late Wednesday night, November 5, from a concerned guardian who saw the threatening message against Lamar Middle School in a chat group. Laredo police immediately began an investigation to identify the person who made the threat. Police say a 16-year-old was identified and detained for further investigation.
Teens indicted on lesser charges in killing of San Antonio ISD student Simon Cuevas III
(San Antonio Express-News) Two teens charged in the ambush killing of 14-year-old San Antonio Independent School District student Simon Cuevas III earlier this year have been indicted on a lesser charge, Bexar County court records show. When asked why the original capital murder charge was reduced to injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said it “cannot comment on pending cases.”
6 teens arrested in escalating Spring Branch ISD Memorial-Stratford high school rivalry involving paintball attacks and fireworks
(KPRC) A high school rivalry — between Spring Branch ISD’s Memorial and Stratford high schools — has taken a dangerous turn, with six students arrested for allegedly shooting paintball guns at homes and setting off fireworks in front yards. KPRC 2 News obtained surveillance footage showing the teens firing paintball guns in the street, targeting homes, and launching fireworks in yards. Another video captured a student seriously injured after colliding with an SUV during the chaos. Related:
Panhandle ISD approves key agreements for Fermi data center in Carson County
(KFDA) Panhandle ISD is moving forward with support for Fermi’s proposed data center project in Carson County. These approvals clear the path for Fermi to pursue federal foreign trade zone (FTZ) benefits, which can include certain tax exemptions and duty reductions.
Amarillo High to forfeit 6 games due to ineligible player
(KFDA) In a story that NewsChannel 10 broke Thursday, Amarillo ISD and UIL confirmed Friday morning that the Amarillo High varsity football team has been playing with an ineligible player most of the season.
Carroll ISD trustees sell Old Dragon Stadium to the city of Southlake in $8.75M sale
(Community Impact) Old Dragon Stadium, located just north of the Carroll ISD administrative building, now belongs to the city of Southlake following the school board’s decision to sell the property to the city at a Nov. 3 work session. The revenue from the land sale will go into CISD’s general fund. Southlake Mayor Shawn McCaskill said that the city will preserve the football field, and possibly add new bleachers, a practice field, a playground and walking trail.
Texas A&M System Chancellor addresses academic tensions at leadership dinner
(KBTX) When asked about his plans to address tension in academics, Hegar emphasized the importance of factual education. “I have talked some about indoctrination, and that is something that shouldn’t happen on either political spectrum. It’s about common sense, it’s about education and education of facts,” Hegar said. The chancellor said the system might discuss clearer education expectations at next week’s board meeting.
Texas A&M Galveston students will soon fight cyberattacks at sea
(Houston Chronicle) Texas A&M University is introducing a pair of new courses at its Galveston campus that will focus on using artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies in areas such as simulator training, performance analytics, and protecting ships from hacking attempts. To develop this so-called SEA-AI project, Texas A&M has partnered with universities in Norway, South Korea, India and Japan.
Rice University unveils $120 million project for pedestrian gateway, stadium modernization
(Houston Public Media) The seating capacity at Rice Stadium will be decreased from 47,000 to approximately 30,000 in order to “foster a vibrant, packed atmosphere,” according to the university.
Opinion: Wanted: Tarrant appraisers who can read charts, not botch elections
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) The skills required for many jobs at the Tarrant County Appraisal District apparently need to specify a few that should be obvious: simple math, how to use spreadsheets and the commitment to double-check your work.
New Abilene daycare: Old school finds new purpose
(KTAB/KRBC) The need for daycare within the Abilene area is a growing concern for parents across the city. Now, a new solution is available with the help of Abilene ISD, which has partnered with a company in Lubbock to repurpose the old Ortiz Elementary School into a daycare.
North Texas mom who collapsed at high school now mapping AEDs across the country
(WFAA) What started as one rescue in Plano is now a nationwide mission — Cardiac Crusade, a nonprofit mapping AEDs to close the gap between life and death.
Former Houston ISD assistant principal launches Mandarin immersion private school as demand in Houston soars
(Houston Chronicle) Former Houston ISD assistant principal and parent Jade Rush has helped launch a new parent-led Mandarin immersion school in Houston’s Chinatown.
Trading textbooks for toolboxes: Tractor technician competition ignites student interest in agricultural industry
(KWTX) Thirty teams of high school students competed in United Ag and Turf’s Central Texas tractor technician competition, highlighting the younger generation’s interest in combating the technician deficiency in the agriculture industry.
Nov. 6, 2025
Texas voters said no to property tax hikes this week, as Republican leaders signal more cuts ahead
(Texas Tribune) Voters across the state shot down bids by school districts and cities to increase funds to hire teachers and police officers, pave roads and keep schools humming. More than half of those measures failed in Tuesday’s elections, according to a Texas Tribune analysis. At the same time, Texas voters handed homeowners and business owners significant property tax breaks by wide margins.
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD voters flip school board, ending conservative majority
(KPRC) After years under a conservative-led board, election results show a decisive shift toward a more moderate direction, with three new trustees defeating incumbent conservatives backed by right-leaning political groups. Cy-Fair ISD, the third-largest independent school district in the state, has drawn attention for its school board battles over the past two years, from book bans and gender identity policies to the controversial firing of dozens of librarians. Tuesday’s election ousted the board’s president and vice president, ending what had been a 6-1 conservative majority.
Texas’ AG commissioner talks funding food banks and school meal programs during government shutdown
(KXXV) Texas’ top AG official said one of his biggest worries during the federal government shutdown is for families and school children, adding his office has a plan in place to make sure school children are fed if the shutdown lingers beyond the first of the year. “I don’t think this shut down will go to the first of the year. I hope not. We could get in trouble then,” Texas AG Commissioner Sid Miller said. Related:
- Texas ‘awaiting guidance’ from feds on release of November SNAP benefits (Houston Chronicle)
- Fort Worth schools scramble to ensure students are fed during SNAP disruption (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Key Austin ISD staff on leave as district launches investigation related to closure plan
(Austin American-Statesman) A Tuesday night email to parents from Superintendent Matias Segura delaying boundary changes and carving three schools out of a comprehensive closure plan felt like whiplash to Austin school communities. Some questioned how the district considered public feedback in its controversial process to shutter campuses as the district launched an internal investigation into similar concerns. The district placed two administrators involved in the closures on leave the same day that officials announced the investigation. Spokeswoman Cristina Nguyen declined to confirm if the leaves were related to the investigations or the closures process.
McKinney ISD approves closure of three elementary schools
(WFAA) McKinney ISD has approved plans to repurpose three elementary schools by the 2026-2027 school year to address enrollment projections and costs.
‘Preventable gap.’ How Texas misses the mark in tracking kids withdrawn for absences
(KXAN) Despite decades of efforts to improve school attendance and truancy, a KXAN investigation found Texas doesn’t track student withdrawals due to unexcused absences. On top of that, schools are only required to report dropouts over 7th grade. Education experts and a state lawmaker have called for the state to address this blind spot that could be missing the reason tens of thousands of students leave school.
Houston ISD principal evaluations include new ‘campus leadership’ rubric
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD principals and assistant principals will now be evaluated on their leadership skills, including self-awareness, according to the 2025-26 evaluation guidebook.
Eagle Pass ISD Employee’s Pay and Yearly Election Stipend Increase Under Deputy Superintendent
(Maverick Times) A review of payroll and personnel records from the Eagle Pass Independent School District reveals that longtime employee Gabriela Van Der Maal has received consistent salary increases in recent years, including a five-thousand-dollar yearly payment labeled as an “election stipend,” which continues to be paid even when no elections occur.
Jacksonville ISD prioritizes safety with return to class
(KETK) On Wednesday — following a two-day shutdown — Jacksonville ISD students were given the ‘all clear’ to return to class after two days off for safety due to the ongoing manhunt for Bobby Dennis.
Two Beaumont ISD West Brook students indicted on felony stalking charges after yearlong harassment of another student
(KBMT) Two female Beaumont ISD West Brook High School students have been indicted on felony stalking charges after allegedly threatening and harassing another female student for nearly a year, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Police: Houston ISD Worthing HS student charged, accused of assaulting teen with chair after fight in cafeteria
(KTRK) The 18-year-old student was arrested by Houston ISD police on Tuesday and she faces a felony charge for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Ector County ISD: Bowie Middle School student arrested over social media threat toward teacher
(KMID/KPEJ) A Bowie Middle School student was arrested this week after police said he posted a threatening message on social media involving a teacher, according to a statement from the Ector County Independent School District. According to the district, the student told officers the message was intended as a joke; however, he was arrested and charged with threat/exhibition of a weapon.
Sealy ISD teacher arrested for child grooming charge, posts $50k bond
(Fox 26 Houston) Sealy Police Department confirms a Sealy ISD teacher, 63-year-old Juan Gerardo Perez, was arrested on a Child Grooming Charge for having inappropriate conversations with a student. Sealy PD confirm the minor was a teenager.
Lawsuit filed against Edinburg CISD employees over nude exercise incident
(ValleyCentral) A lawsuit has been filed against three Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District employees following allegations that a student was threatened and ordered to exercise while nude.
San Antonio’s Central Catholic High School faces new lawsuit alleging student was groped, bullied at school
(KSAT) A prestigious Catholic high school in San Antonio at the center of a sexual misconduct investigation is facing a second lawsuit alleging a former student was groped at the school, according to court documents obtained by KSAT Investigates.
‘I Was Terrified’: Kingsville ISD mother speaks out after nonverbal son had transportation mixup
(KRIS) A Kingsville mother experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when her nonverbal 5-year-old son was mistakenly placed on the wrong school bus and went missing for hours. In a statement, Kingsville ISD Superintendent Dr. Luz Martinez acknowledged that this is not the first transportation-related incident involving a student this school year. Martinez said that the staff had a discussion following the incident, and said the district plans to implement several changes.
Parents allege abuse, lack of transparency in Sinton ISD special education classroom
(KRIS) Parents of non-verbal, autistic children in the Sinton Independent School District are raising concerns about alleged abuse in a special education classroom and what they describe as a lack of transparency from the district. In a statement, Sinton ISD confirmed it received a report of alleged employee misconduct on September 17 and immediately suspended the employees involved. The district stated that while law enforcement and CPS have closed their cases, the employees remain on suspension pending an ongoing internal investigation.
Opinion: My sons played tackle football. I wish I’d steered them to flag
(Austin American-Statesman) Let’s set a new standard: Play flag until high school, and when tackle begins, manage contact with the same seriousness we bring to grades, nutrition and sleep. Our children’s minds are too precious to gamble with, no matter how much we love Friday night lights.
Dallas ISD Students Check Out Record Number Of Books After New Cellphone Policy
(Dallas Express) Dallas ISD libraries are seeing a sharp rise in book checkouts this fall as students rediscover the joy of reading — part of a district-wide push to get kids off their phones and back into books. Related:
With $100M from Jeff Yass, University of Austin vows to never charge tuition, accept government money
(Austin American-Statesman) Jeff Yass, a Pennsylvania billionaire who advocated for school vouchers in Texas, donated $100 million to UATX as his latest investment in reforming education.
Texas Christian University receives $40 million gift to bolster science, engineering research
(Dallas Morning News) Texas Christian University’s College of Science & Engineering has received a $40 million gift, the largest investment in the college’s 25-year history, the university announced Wednesday. The philanthropic investment came from Louise Dilworth Davis, an alumna and TCU parent. As TCU looks to grow its research operations, the money will go toward bolstering the College of Science and Engineering in the next decade.
University of North Texas President Harrison Keller unveils strategic plan: ‘We’re just getting started’
(Dallas Morning News) As Texas faces a workforce shortage, the University of North Texas will measure its success by how well it meets the state’s talent demand, President Harrison Keller said Wednesday in his State of the University address.
Fort Worth suburb will permit alcohol sales at youth ball fields, with limits
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Despite protests from parents and reservations among council members, the Burleson City Council voted on Nov. 3 to allow alcohol sales at Chisenhall Fields Sports Complex, a popular venue for youth baseball and softball games and tournaments on Hidden Creek Parkway.
Nov. 5, 2025
All 17 Texas Constitutional amendments pass
(Texas Tribune) The propositions include restrictions on the creation of certain taxes, new tax exemptions, investments on water infrastructure and dementia research.
Fired Lake Dallas ISD aide regrets heated social media posts after Charlie Kirk’s death
(KERA) Linda Grubbs doesn’t recommend any educator do what she did. After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a college event in September, Grubbs hit the “post” button on a social media message about him and didn’t soften her opinion. “Every time I tell the story, it seems more stupid,” Grubbs said. “I was unprofessional, but educators are human. We make mistakes.” At a recent local fundraiser hosted to support her, Grubbs said she regrets being unprofessional.
North Texas School Librarians Don’t Have 23,000 New Books They Want
(Dallas Observer) The average school district in Dallas and Collin Counties are waiting on 2,900 books.
Texas public schools are facing tight budgets. Could a new endowment be a solution?
(Dallas Morning News) As Texas public schools grapple with stretched finances, an advocacy group is calling on state lawmakers to create an education endowment to establish a long-term funding strategy for schools. The idea would send additional state dollars to public schools and establish a new long-term revenue source. Making it a political reality could be difficult.
What is Fort Worth doing to prepare students for future workforce? Texas educators explain
(Dallas Morning News) In the competition for workers, Texas’ workforce talent is under siege. And the state’s top students are the prize. Retaining homegrown talent was a focus point Monday during a Tarrant County higher education panel hosted by Texas Christian University.
Harlandale ISD returns to complete local control
(Texas Public Radio) The Texas Education Agency has returned the Harlandale Independent School District to complete local control. The San Antonio school district had been under the oversight of a state-appointed conservator since February 2020. In a statement, Harlandale officials said Tuesday they had received notification from TEA Deputy Commissioner Steve Lecholop that he was removing their conservator.
Socorro ISD eyes end of TEA conservatorship, makes progress on exit criteria
(KFOX) TEA conservators Andrew Kim and Michael Hinojosa said they expect to leave Socorro ISD next year, once the district completes the “exit criteria” set by the conservators and prepares its budget for the next school year.
Superintendent gets high marks from Fort Worth ISD trustees as they wait to respond to takeover
(Fort Worth Report) Fort Worth ISD school trustees are staying the course with Superintendent Karen Molinar as Texas takes control of the 67,500-student district. Following a nearly three-hour closed door session Tuesday, FWISD trustees took no action on responding to the takeover and unanimously approved Molinar’s first superintendent evaluation.
Austin ISD removes three schools from closures list, delays districtwide rezoning
(KUT) Austin ISD announced the changes in an email to parents Tuesday evening, days after saying its original plan to close 13 schools would move forward. Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura said the school board will move forward with its plan to relocate dual language programs, close 10 other schools and change boundary lines that are part of the district’s continued turnaround plans at more than a dozen schools.
Killeen ISD to close three schools to cut costs amid declining enrollment
(KXXV) Killeen ISD will close three schools — Peebles Elementary, Eastern Hills Middle School, and Palo Alto Middle School — at the end of the school year to save $60 million over five years amid declining enrollment and reduced federal funding.
Houston ISD’s Mike Miles responds to concerns over reading curriculum and reform
(Houston Public Media) Miles responded to a recent Houston Chronicle report about books not being available in some district elementary schools and answered questions from listeners and viewers across Houston.
McAllen ISD schools in fair condition but in need of future improvements
(myRGV) McAllen ISD held a town hall meeting on Oct. 28 and presented information on the state of its school buildings, which are in need of repairs or expansions, in preparation for a possible $335 million bond that officials say won’t increase a tax rate.
6th Celina school employee under investigation
(KXII) A special education aide at Celina High School has been arrested and charged with endangering a disabled individual. Celina police reportedly responded to the high school Tuesday afternoon for a report of a staff member who seemed to be under the influence. 46-year-old Micheale Clark was arrested and taken to the Collin County jail after a police investigation. This arrest follows a series of arrests and allegations of misconduct at the district.
Former Kilgore ISD employee gets deferred adjudication for improper relationship with student
(KLTV) Kayla Nicole O’Dell, 34, of Gladewater, pleaded guilty in Judge Novy’s courtroom Tuesday morning. O’Dell was given 10 years of deferred adjucation with the possibility of a two to 20 year prison sentence if she violates her parole. O’Dell will not have to register as a sex offender due to the student being 17 years old or older and her clean criminal record prior to the offense.
Police: Mansfield ISD teacher met former student in parking lot for sex
(Fox 4 KDFW) Authorities in Johnson County say a former teacher met up with a teenage girl and had sex with her in the back of a car next to the school administration building. That teacher, 33-year-old Jared Young, is charged with multiple crimes, including the sexual assault of a child.
Two Lovejoy ISD Teachers on Leave Over Alleged Misconduct
(Texas Scorecard) Two Lovejoy High School teachers are on leave over separate allegations of misconduct involving students.
Center ISD employee accused of having inappropriate relationship with student
(CBS 19) Christopher Lemoine, 40, was booked into Shelby County Jail on a charge of inappropriate relationship with a student. He remains jailed on a $250,000 bond. Center Police Department Lt. Andrew Williams confirmed Lemoine, an employee of Center ISD, was arrested and the investigation is ongoing.
Student threat ended on campus with Killeen ISD police taser
(KXXV) A Killeen Independent School District police officer ended a threatening situation at Ellison High School on Friday by deploying a taser. In a message shared with district families, Principal David Dominguez says on Friday morning a student threatened harm against other students in a classroom using a pair of scissors. KISD police evacuated the classroom. At that point, officers say the student with the scissors lunged toward an officer. A second officer then deployed a taser, ending the incident. Police took the student into custody. Charges are pending.
Turning Point speakers call UT Austin a ‘battleground’ as Paxton urges students to fight the left
(Austin American-Statesman) Attorney General Ken Paxton spoke at a UT Turning Point USA event on Monday. In his speech, Paxton urged students to ‘take on evil.’
UT Austin Invited Conservative To Help Draft Academic Integrity Statement
(Texas Scorecard) Professor Mark Regnerus was previously subjected to a far-left cancellation campaign.
Rice University rewrites cultural club descriptions to fit Trump administration suggestions
(Tresher) Rice administration changed the descriptions of approximately 80 student organizations in response to a July 29 memorandum from the Office of the Texas Attorney General that recommended schools make clubs open to all students, rather than any one cultural or affinity group. The organizations with revised descriptions included many racial, ethnic or gender-focused clubs.
New Alamo Colleges online school to enhance virtual learning, compete with universities
(San Antonio Express-News) The new School for Online Learning, approved by the Alamo College Distrct’s board last week, will unify over 160 online programs under a “single, coordinated framework” to ensure consistency, connection and quality across the district’s five primary campuses. It builds on several years of growth in online education, the district said. The move will help meet the needs of working adults, student parents and others seeking a more flexible path to a college degree or credential, Alamo Colleges Chancellor Mike Flores said.
High school marching band secures bronze at UIL Texas competition, despite equipment trailer being hit by train
(KHOU) Despite their tractor-trailer carrying their instruments getting hit by a train just hours before prelim competition Monday, the Leander ISD Vandegrift High School marching band was still able to bring home some hardware at the Alamodome.
Nov. 4, 2025
Trump administration will partially fund SNAP in November, but it’s unclear when Texans will receive benefits
(Texas Tribune) Two judges ruled that the food program must receive some funding during the government shutdown. Texans have already missed benefits that would have gone out at the start of the month. Related:
- Texas SNAP recipients barred from retail food discounts, USDA warns (Houston Chronicle)
- Here’s how Houston ISD, other local schools are distributing student meals during the government shutdown (Houston Public Media)
Fort Worth ISD to hold special meeting, discuss future with superintendent Karen Molinar
(CBS Texas) The Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees will be in a special meeting Tuesday night to talk about the future of their superintendent, Dr. Karen Molinar. This comes in the aftermath of the Texas Education Agency announcing a takeover of the district last month.
383% More Jesus: Texas’ New School Curriculum Triples Down on Christianity
(Dallas Observer) Nearly 1 in 4 Texas school districts opted to introduce a new, state-sponsored curriculum to kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms this fall, despite critics saying the lesson plans overly focus on the teachings of Christianity while reducing the importance of other world religions. One Bluebonnet lesson instructs students to memorize the order in which the Bible says God created the universe.
Heightened AI use in special education brings elevated risks
(K-12 Dive) Nearly 60% of special education teachers reported using AI to develop an IEP or Section 504 plan during the 2024-25 school year, according to the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT). The CDT however, warns of risks in using AI to craft individualized education programs, including potential violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and privacy laws, as well as possible introduction of inaccuracies and biases. In addition, teachers should be cautious about entering identifiable information of students into AI tools, especially when using ones not vetted and approved by their school system, the center said.
Fifth Celina ISD employee placed on leave amid new misconduct allegations
(KERA) Another Celina ISD employee has been placed on leave following new allegations of misconduct involving a high school wrestling coach, adding to a string of investigations within the district. Related:
- What we know about the 3 Celina teachers facing criminal charges, misconduct allegations (Dallas Morning News)
Former Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo requests trial to be moved out of Uvalde County
(KSAT) Former Uvalde CISD Police Chief Pete Arredondo, who is charged in connection with the Robb Elementary shooting, is asking a judge to move his trial out of Uvalde County, according to court records obtained by KSAT Investigates. The trial of Adrian Gonzales, a former UCISD police officer who worked under Arredondo, who is also charged in relation to his response to the shooting, is scheduled for January 2026 in Corpus Christi, records reflect.
Years after Don Haskins PK-8 opened, subcontractors claim unpaid work from El Paso ISD project
(El Paso Matters) More than four years after Don Haskins PK-8 School opened in El Paso’s Upper Valley, a group of subcontractors say the El Paso Independent School District still owes them tens of thousands of dollars for work done years ago. EPISD officials acknowledge withholding more than $370,000 as leverage for obtaining a warranty for the roof on the school, and said the subcontractors’ dispute is with the general contractor on the project, which appears to have gone out of business.
Frisco ISD announces new virtual Frisco Flex learning program
(Frisco Enterprise) Frisco ISD announced Frisco Flex, a new virtual learning opportunity for high school students starting in fall 2026. According to the district, with Frisco Flex, families can choose from several options that include fully online enrollment and a hybrid in-person/virtual experience. Registration opens in December for current students and in January for new students and those outside the district.
Texas students choose hands-on career training over traditional college path
(KWTX) Career technical education enrollment surges as state invests millions in trade programs.
4 hurt when Iola ISD school bus crashes and overturns in Grimes County, northwest of Houston
(KHOU) Iola ISD said the bus driver lost control after swerving to miss another vehicle that drifted into the bus’s lane. The bus landed upside down in a ditch. A few students and the driver were taken to the hospital with minor injuries as a precaution, the district said. Families of those students were contacted.
Semi-truck carrying Austin-area Leander ISD high school’s band equipment hit by train hours before state competition at Alamodome
(KENS) No injuries were reported in the collision. Vandegrift High School’s principal said most instruments were still “intact.” In a letter to parents regarding the crash, Vandegrift High School Principal Charlie Little said students were at the Alamodome when the collision unfolded about a mile from the stadium. Little said the tractor-trailer “became stranded” on the tracks before it was hit by the train. Other schools offered to lend their own instruments to help the Vandegrift marching band compete. Related:
Fort Bend County tax-assessor being investigated for misusing government money, search warrant shows
(KTRK) The Fort Bend County’s tax assessor-collector is now coming under fire. Search warrants show that Carmen Turner is being investigated for misusing government money, although she has not been formally charged. Those search warrants accuse Turner of using Fort Bend County’s money to pay her employees to take care of her mother for about eight months.
‘This was my mistake’: Tarrant Appraisal District chief appraiser apologizes for board election error
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Tarrant Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Joe Don Bobbitt said he should have caught the mistake that resulted in Tarrant County College having roughly 200 more votes than they should have had.
Texas A&M System agreed to $3.5M separation agreement for Mark Welsh
(Houston Chronicle) Welsh agreed to release the university system, its regents and employees from any past or potential legal action related to his employment, according to the agreement.
From $85K Profs To Elon’s Defense: Inside UT Dallas’ Million-Dollar Visa Spree
(Dallas Express) The University of Texas at Dallas has spent more than $1 million since 2020 sponsoring foreign workers through the federal H-1B visa program, according to records obtained by The Dallas Express through a Texas Public Information Act request.
UT Austin faculty, students fear departments could get cut as liberal arts college restructures
(KUT) Department chairs in the college were sent an email announcing the creation of a committee that aims to restructure the college that officials said has become “overly fragmented.” Related:
- The Texas Way: UT Austin faculty group issues new definition of ‘academic freedom’ (Austin American-Statesman)
West Texas A&M University offering reduced-priced tuition to more educators
(KFDA) West Texas A&M University is offering half-priced tuition to eligible community college employees across Texas. With this recent addition, the initiative now covers tens of thousands of full-time educators across the state.
Abilene Christian University issues apology after bragging about win versus rival
(Houston Chronicle) Abilene Christian University has apologized for and deleted a post poking fun at its rival after a football win against Tarleton State University. After their victory, Abilene Christian shared a graphic that read, “Tarleton is not a state,” with the score below and the “T” in Tarleton flipped upside down. It was a humorous, playful jab at their in-state rival, but by Sunday, the ACU Sports account had issued an apology and deleted the original post. Related:
Kyle man accused of sexually assaulting high school-aged girls he met through social media
(Fox 7 Austin) Investigators allege Franklin Jovel Tabora-Dias, 24, repeatedly misrepresented his age on social media to make it appear younger than his school-age victims, many of whom only spoke Spanish. Tobora-Diaz faces three charges; more are anticipated.
Nov. 3, 2025
RFK Jr. Admits He Can’t Actually Tie Tylenol to Autism
(New Republic) Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted Wednesday that he doesn’t have “sufficient” evidence that pregnant people’s use of Tylenol can cause autism in their children.
Google finalizes $1.375 billion settlement with Texas over alleged privacy violations
(Dallas Morning News) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced tech giant Google will pay the state $1.375 billion in a “historic” settlement over allegations the company violated its users’ privacy. Google agreed to the settlement in May. It’s Paxton’s latest win against tech companies, which have included large settlements with Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta in 2024 and another lawsuit with Google.
As his legacy evolves, Greg Abbott set to launch historic reelection campaign
(Dallas Morning News) Preparing to run for a historic fourth term, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has fortified his campaign staff, trained a legion of volunteers and amassed close to $100 million in his war chest, a figure that will grow substantially between now and the November 2026 general election. Abbott’s intense campaign mobilization isn’t reflective of his odds for reelection. He faces little opposition in the March Republican primary. And like his previous campaigns, he’s heavily favored against any of the Democrats looking to challenge him.
Texas library restrictions make it harder for librarians to get students books
(San Antonio Express-News) A new state law has complicated efforts to expand access to reading materials and get books into the hands of students at school libraries across San Antonio. Related:
Judson ISD accused of electioneering to promote property tax rate increase
(San Antonio Express-News) The Texas Attorney General’s Office this week accused Judson Independent School District of breaking state law by engaging in electioneering to promote a property tax rate increase on the Nov. 4 ballot. In a letter sent Tuesday, Assistant Attorney General Lauren McGee notified Judson ISD officials that the agency had received a complaint about a “professionally produced video” the district reportedly showed to employees on campus during work hours. Related:
- Judson ISD’s financial crisis tied to years of poor spending, report says (San Antonio Express-News)
Houston ISD survey shows principals see positive direction, but teachers remain split
(Houston Chronicle) Houston ISD announced Friday that educators’ confidence in the district and its direction is improving, pointing to the results of a fall survey of its school leaders and teachers. The district claimed nearly all principals – 98% – believed HISD is “headed in the right direction,” while about eight in ten assistant principals agreed. Meanwhile, teachers who believed that the district is “headed in the right direction” increased by 5 percentage points to 44%, and 35% of teacher respondents said they felt “neutral” about the statement. Related:
- Houston ISD parent activist wins special education complaint against school district (Houston Chronicle)
- Trustee candidates in state-run Houston ISD could gain voting power before end of terms (Houston Public Media)
Colleyville City Council acknowledges Grapevine-Colleyville ISD facility review process
(Fort Worth Report) Colleyville Mayor Bobby Lindamood expressed support for the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District as it faces the possibility of school closures. “Often, such responsibility requires difficult decisions,” Lindamood said in a statement at the Oct. 21 City Council meeting. “We must accept, and with reluctance, there may be school closings in Colleyville.”
Austin ISD releases updated consolidation plan: 13 schools still set to close
(CBS Austin) After weeks of emotional meetings and families pleading to save their schools, Austin ISD has released a revised draft of its proposed consolidation plan. Despite the pushback, the district is still planning to close 13 schools.
Lockhart ISD teams up with developer to create affordable homes for teachers
(KVUE) Lockhart ISD leaders are taking steps to create affordable housing for its teachers and staff. The district teamed up with the real estate developer Red Oak to launch Teachers’ Economic Advancement through Community Homeownership (TEACH), which is a program aimed at helping local educators become homeowners.
Katy ISD nears completion of decades-long Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone partnership near Katy Mills Mall
(Community Impact) Katy ISD is nearing the completion of a financial partnership that began more than two decades ago through the establishment of a tax increment reinvestment zone, a state-authorized financing mechanism that uses the growth in property tax revenues within a defined area to fund public projects and infrastructure improvements. The taxing partnership between city entities has generated millions of dollars in local reinvestment for the district, supporting the construction of new school facilities, road and utility upgrades around campuses, and infrastructure expansion to accommodate growth.
Aldine ISD turns to AI reading tool for bilingual students
(Houston Chronicle) In Aldine ISD, elementary schools are using a new AI-powered reading tool to support emergent bilingual students and give more personalized instruction. The district, just north of Houston, has spent more than $500,000 to use the product, starting last school year. Called Amira, the program gives students blurbs of text to read and then gives feedback on their fluency and pronunciation after listening to them read.
Mansfield ISD coach arrested on child pornography, child sexual assault, improper student relationship charges, district officials say
(WFAA) A Mansfield ISD coach, who taught science and coached freshmen at Legacy High School, was arrested on multiple felony charges, the district said in a letter to parents. Jared Young, 33, was recently arrested and charged with possession and transmission of child pornography, sexual assault of a child, and improper relationship with a student, according to the letter Mansfield ISD sent to the families of Legacy High School students.
Parents call for principal’s removal from a Dallas ISD high school
(Dallas Morning News) Community members alleged a hostile work environment at David W. Carter High School with minimal parent engagement and lack of resources for female athletes.
Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) Schools make case for connecting students with San Antonio employers
(San Antonio Report) The CAST Schools Network is making the case for San Antonio’s employers to partner with its high schools. Known for its emphasis on work-based experience, CAST has seven schools across the city, each with different career and industry focuses. Each CAST school has been created in partnership with a local school district and with input from relevant industry voices, shaping curriculum, internship opportunities and determining which certifications are offered.
UT Arlington study reveals older children may be falling behind in age-appropriate motor skills
(KERA) Parents celebrate when infants reach expected developments in motor skills – use of their hands, crawling, first steps, etc. But a U-T Arlington study finds children who meet those standard milestones can later fall behind in age-appropriate motor skills. Dr. Priscila Tamplain, an associate professor of kinesiology and director of U-T-Arlington’s Motor Development Lab talked with KERA’s Sam Baker about the reasons why.
As UT Austin and Texas faces political pressure experts warn: We’ve seen this before
(Austin American-Statesman) New laws, firings and pressure facing universities across Texas mirror historic conflicts over academic freedom that reshaped UT eight decades ago. Here’s how.
‘Home for a Hero’: Northside ISD construction high school builds house for San Antonio veteran
(San Antonio Report) A steady thrum of clanking, nailing and buzzing fills the air behind the Construction Careers Academy, a magnet high school on San Antonio’s North West side of town for students pursuing the building arts. Wearing hard hats and tool belts, two dozen seniors are building two tiny homes, the usual projects for the school’s upperclassmen. One of the houses is getting special attention — once it’s built, the home will go to a military veteran from San Antonio.
Texas High School marching bands perform only 8 minutes. But the lessons last a lifetime
(Fort Worth Star-Telegram) On the same field high school football players hash out long-standing rivalries and get discovered by recruiters, marching bands are granted eight minutes to draw the crowd’s attention and forge an electricity in their souls.
Opinion: Houston Police Department called ICE on a missing teen. Then they blamed his mom
(Houston Chronicle) Emmanuel Gonzalez Garcia, the baby-faced teen with special needs who went missing on Oct. 4, 2025, was later held by Houston Police Department and referred to federal immigration custody.
Jacksonville ISD cancels classes Monday due to ongoing manhunt for officer shooting suspect
(CBS 19) In a statement, the school district said all JISD schools will be closed out of an abundance of caution after communicating with law enforcement.
Texas counties are looking into “potential noncitizens” on voter rolls. Here’s what they’re finding
(Texas Tribune) Election officials across Texas are investigating the eligibility of 2,724 registered voters flagged as “potential noncitizens” after the Secretary of State’s Office checked the state’s voter rolls against a federal database used to verify citizenship. The inquiries are still in the early stages, and county officials have not yet confirmed the citizenship status of the vast majority of the flagged voters. But at least six people listed as potential noncitizens have confirmed that they are, in fact, U.S. citizens, election officials told Votebeat: four in Denton County, and one each in Bexar and Brazoria counties.
