Abbott’s bid to expel the House Democratic leader goes to a court filled with his appointees

The Texas Supreme Court said in 2021 the Constitution allows members to thwart legislation by leaving the state. Abbott wants them to reconsider. Texas Democrats had been out of state for less than 48 hours when Gov. Greg Abbott moved to have their seats declared vacant. The emergency legal filing represents an unprecedented escalation of Abbott’s effort to pass a new congressional map that adds additional GOP seats, as demanded by President Donald Trump. It flies in the face of Texas’ own founding documents, centuries of legal precedent and a recent Supreme Court of Texas ruling, legal experts say. Even Attorney General Ken Paxton, a fellow Republican, threw cold water on Abbott’s strategy, filing his own brief saying that while he “appreciates the Governor’s passion,” he does not have the authority to bring this type of case.
Abbott Orders Arrest of Fleeing Democrats After House Fails to Reach Quorum

Capitol sources have indicated that a number of quorum-busting Democrats may be hiding in Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the arrest of Texas House Democrats who fled the state to block a Republican redistricting plan, calling their absence a “dereliction of duty.” On Monday afternoon, the Texas House officially failed to reach the 100-member quorum required to conduct business, with only 90 members present. Members present quickly approved a “call of the House,” a procedural maneuver that authorizes the speaker to compel absent lawmakers to return, by civil arrest if necessary. “Speaker Dustin Burrows just issued a call of the Texas House and issued warrants to compel members to return to the chamber,” Abbott said. “To ensure compliance, I ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to locate, arrest, and return to the House chamber any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans.”
Texas House Democrats are fundraising to potentially leave the state to block GOP-backed redistricting

The money could be used to cover the $500-a-day fines lawmakers would incur under House rules set to discourage members from absconding after Democrats fled the state in 2021. As Republicans in Texas move full steam ahead with a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts, Democrats are privately mulling their options, including an expensive and legally dicey quorum break. If they go that route, it appears they will have the backing of big-dollar Democratic donors. By fleeing the state to deprive the Legislature of enough members to function, Democrats would each incur a fine of $500 per day and face the threat of arrest. Deep-pocketed donors within the party appear ready to cover these expenses, according to three people involved in the discussions. The donors’ willingness to foot the bill eliminates a major deterrent to walking out — the personal financial cost — and could embolden Democrats who might otherwise hesitate. But first, the donors and absconding members would need to figure out how to skirt a potential roadblock: Texas House rules prohibit lawmakers from dipping into their campaign coffers to pay the fines. Republicans approved the $500 daily punishment in 2023, two years after Democrats fled the state in an unsuccessful bid to stop Republicans from passing an overhaul of the state’s election laws.
Gov. Abbott: Texas must ban intoxicating THC products in special session

Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don’t have the resources for regulations Texas Senate committee doubles down on THC ban, saying state and local governments don’t have the resources for regulationsSenate Bill 5 would ban products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid, creating criminal offenses for possession of hemp-derived THC.
Number missing from Hill Country floods down to 3

More than two weeks after catastrophic July Fourth floods along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, authorities reported Saturday that nearly all of the people who had remained on the list of missing persons have been verified as safe. As recently as Monday, rescuers were still trying to find an estimated 101 people. But by Saturday, the official count of people missing had been lowered to three. The officials did not give an update to the total number of people who died because of the floods. On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott said the statewide death toll was 135. In a press release, the city of Kerrville wrote that many of the people missing had been located "through extensive follow-up work among state and local agencies."
Gov. Abbott provides latest update on Central Texas flooding

n Thursday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott held a news conference and now says there have now been 135 deaths statewide from flooding

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Texas redistricting standoff complicates preparations for March 2026 primary

August 0808:44 AM

With Texas legislators locked in a standoff over Republicans’ push to redraw the state’s congressional districts mid-decade, time is running out for election officials to prepare for next year’s primary without major disruption. Planning for the March primary election is already underway, but election officials say they can’t move forward without finalized maps — and the first key deadline, mandated by the state, is coming Sept. 9. Democratic lawmakers have pledged to remain out of the state in protest of the Republicans’ proposed congressional map, making an agreement unlikely by the end of the special session Aug. 19. The proposed map could still change, and if Gov. Greg Abbott calls another special session, the debate could extend well into the fall. Without knowing where the boundaries will be drawn, election officials won’t be able to finalize decisions about polling locations or the number of election workers needed. Voters whose polling location changes will also need to be informed and candidates who want a spot on the primary ballot also need the new boundary lines well in advance in order to familiarize themselves with the district and campaign. Candidates have to be residents of the district they seek to represent. view article

Texas lawmakers break quorum to block redistricting

August 0808:44 AM

Today, members of the Legislature representing majority communities of color have fled the state utilizing a legislative tool called quorum breaking. How it works: The Texas Constitution requires two-thirds of members to be present to conduct legislative work. It also deems special sessions to run for 30 days, so on August 20 the special session will end — whether or not any bills have passed or not. Why it matters: The state constitution requires a quorum, and allows for quorum breaks as a legitimate legislative tactic to preserve the integrity of the institution against outsized influence. Historically, House and Senate members have used this tool of last resort to prevent legislative actions deemed egregiously unfair. Quorum breaks have been used before to protect voting rights and ensure fair representation when both were under threat. In 2003, House and Senate members broke quorum to oppose mid-decade redistricting and in 2021, House members broke quorum to oppose restrictive voting proposals. In both cases, members returned and the legislation passed. What's next: The governor may call another 30-day special session. At that point the process would start all over. view article

Brownwood ISD launches ParentSquare to enhance school-family communication

August 0808:43 AM

BROWNWOOD, Texas — Brownwood Independent School District has introduced a new way for families to connect with the school. ParentSquare, a new all-in-one communication platform designed to streamline how schools communicate with families. According to the district, they aim to consolidate multiple tools into a single, "user-friendly" system for both staff and families. According to Brown ISD, the platform offers automatic translation of communications into families' preferred languages and provides options for receiving updates via email, app, voice, or text. This initiative supports meaningful engagement across the district's diverse community. ParentSquare also eases the administrative workload by integrating with the district's student information system, replacing manual processes with paperless workflows. Teachers and coaches can communicate with their teams, classes, students, and parents through custom groups, track engagement, and send real-time updates using one tool instead of managing multiple systems. view article

10 things to know about Trump’s new school voucher program

August 0808:34 AM

The Hechinger Report covers one topic: education. Sign up for our newsletters to have stories delivered to your inbox. Consider becoming a member to support our nonprofit journalism. After decades of trying, conservatives this year succeeded in creating the first national school voucher program. view article

Penny Schwinn out as nominee for Education Department’s No. 2 job after conservative pushback

August 0808:30 AM

Former Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn has withdrawn her nomination to serve in the No. 2 spot in the Trump Education Department after cultural conservatives mounted a campaign opposing her. The U.S. Department of Education announced Thursday that Schwinn would serve instead as a senior adviser and chief strategist, roles that do not require Senate confirmation. Schwinn enjoyed a good reputation among national conservative education advocates for her work in Tennessee to boost reading proficiency and target pandemic relief dollars toward academic recovery. Schwinn was the second name President Donald Trump announced to lead his Education Department, after Secretary Linda McMahon, even before he was sworn into office. view article

Killeen ISD Names Dr. King Davis as Interim Superintendent

August 0808:29 AM

The Killeen ISD Board of Trustees has named Dr. King Davis as interim superintendent, effective Aug. 11. Davis brings more than three decades of experience in public education, including 10 years as a superintendent and a track record of strong leadership, academic growth, and community engagement. “The Board was united in selecting an experienced, student-focused leader who could bring stability and vision to our district during this important transition,” said Board President Brett E. Williams. “Dr. Davis has made it clear that he is committed to embracing our students, our staff, and our community wholeheartedly during his time with us. We are excited to welcome him to the KISD family.” view article

After costly separation from its former superintendent, here’s how much Keller ISD’s new leader is making

August 0808:29 AM

After a costly split with its former superintendent, the Keller Independent School District has a new leader, and he stands to make a pretty penny. The district named Dr. Cory Wilson as its new superintendent on July 24, 2025, months after former superintendent Tracy Johnson resigned amid heated debate over a proposal to split the district in two. view article

Houston ISD is aiming for up to 10 school closures, plans to build $180M career center, Miles says

August 0808:28 AM

Houston ISD's state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles announced Wednesday the district may borrow $180 million for a new career and technical education center, pending board approval. Miles, addressing hundreds of teachers at an annual teachers' convocation, said this is to have more than one career and technical education center in the district. The groundbreaking would be in 2026-27. view article

Water back on at Calfee Middle School, but parents say damage is already done

August 0808:25 AM

With the first day of school just days away, water has been restored to Calfee Middle School in Willis ISD after a high-profile standoff between the school district and the City of Conroe. But even as officials move forward, some parents say the situation has already left lasting damage. On Wednesday, Conroe city leaders laid out a detailed timeline showing how legal red tape and unauthorized contractor actions delayed water service to the brand-new campus, located at 7373 Longmire Road. The school is expected to welcome nearly 800 students on Wednesday, August 14. view article

Arlington ISD adopts new ‘Away for the Day’ cell phone policy

August 0808:23 AM

Arlington ISD announced its new cell phone policy tonight after approval from the Board of Trustees. The new policy aligns with a new Texas education law (HB1481) that prohibits students from using telecommunications devices during the school day. view article

‘No other way’: Judson ISD advances plan to ask voters for highest-possible tax increase

August 0808:17 AM

The Judson Independent School District board will vote Aug. 18 on seeking voter approval for a tax increase that could cut its historic budget deficit by more than $24 million next year. If trustees officially call a tax election, it will go on the Nov. 4 ballot. view article

North East ISD unanimously approves cellphone ban in classrooms

August 0808:17 AM

The North East Independent School District (NEISD) unanimously approved a new cellphone ban policy during a Thursday evening board meeting. The board of trustees discussed the new state law that requires school systems to implement a policy that limits all personal wireless communication devices during the entire school day. view article

10 things to know about Trump’s new school voucher program

August 0808:09 AM

fter decades of trying, conservatives this year succeeded in creating the first national school voucher program. The Republican megabill that President Donald Trump signed into law in July will establish new tax credit scholarships for families to use at private schools, including religious ones — a long-held goal of school privatization advocates who argue parents should get taxpayer support if they want to opt out of their neighborhood school. Under the “big, beautiful bill,” donors can receive dollar-for-dollar tax credits of up to $1,700 for contributions to scholarship-granting nonprofits. Those groups then distribute the money to families seeking help paying for private school, tutoring and other educational expenses. The program, while significant, is less expansive than in earlier drafts of the legislation. Previous versions gave donors larger tax credits — a match up to $5,000 or 10 percent of their income, whichever is greater — and mandated that all states participate rather than allowing them to opt in. view article

Hudson ISD to hold public tax rate hearing Aug. 26

August 0807:45 AM

HUDSON — Hudson ISD will hold a public hearing during its Aug. 26 meeting for its proposed tax rates, which are expected to decrease from last year. Assistant superintendent Barrett Lankford presented the district’s proposed property tax rates during the board of trustees’ special meeting Monday evening. The proposed maintenance and operating (M&O) rate is $.7552 per $100 property valuation, and the proposed interest and sinking (I&S) rate is $.084 per $100, for a total tax rate of $.8392. Overall, the tax rate will decrease $.037 from last year. Lankford said the proposed rates will fully fund the district for the 2025-26 school year. The board unanimously approved the proposed tax rates. In other business, Lankford presented a teacher salary schedule starting at $49,000. The board unanimously adopted the payscale. view article

Texas Casino Interests Prepare Comeback Attempt

August 0805:00 AM

Texas Sands has been sitting on more than $9 million in cash ahead of the elections. After dumping millions into the 2024 election cycle and coming up short, Las Vegas Sands appears ready to roll the dice again. New financial disclosures show that Texas Sands PAC, the Texas-based political arm of the casino giant, has more than $9 million in cash on hand heading into the upcoming election season. That money comes almost entirely from Miriam Adelson, the billionaire owner of Las Vegas Sands and majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks. view article

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Texas Education Agency weighs takeover of Fort Worth ISD

August 0708:35 AM

The TEA commissioner said the state is watching Fort Worth ISD closely and might replace the school board. view article

Texas to Launch Advanced Nuclear Energy Office

August 0708:30 AM

The office will facilitate grants for nuclear ventures. view article

Advice I Wish I Had Heard Before Becoming a School Administrator

August 0708:28 AM

I’ve been fortunate to experience what many would consider a successful career. I’ve served as a superintendent in two districts, been named Illinois State Superintendent of the Year, published books, given keynotes nationally, and led award-winning school improvement efforts. But I say this with complete honesty: Nothing was more difficult than my first year as a principal. view article

San Antonio charter school announces closure 5 days before start date

August 0708:28 AM

Many families are scrambling to find solutions after a charter school shut down just five days before the first day of the school year. Bexar County Academy announced Wednesday it would not reopen for the 2025–2026 academic year. Classes were supposed to begin Monday. The decision caught parents like Regina Vogelsberg off guard, who has been preparing for her daughter to return to school. view article

End-of-year STAAR exam is bad for Texas kids, schools. Lawmakers should fix it

August 0708:28 AM

Efforts to reform the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness, or STAAR tests, in Texas schools died a slow death in late spring. But in their special session, legislators may consider it again, with a bill to replace “end of year” state assessments with three shorter tests throughout the school year. Like many of my fellow Texas teachers, I’m watching with interest. STAAR has long been an imperfect standardized assessment on our students, damaging them and our schools. It’s time to say goodbye to STAAR. Read more at: https://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/other-voices/article311593848.html#storylink=cpy view article

Texas School Zone Safety: DPS Issues Urgent Reminder On Driving And Bus Laws

August 0708:27 AM

Texas officials are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution as millions of students return to school this month, warning that a moment of distraction could have devastating consequences. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued comprehensive safety guidance Monday, emphasizing that children often don’t pay attention to traffic while walking to school. view article

Psychologist warns of withdrawal effects of cellphone ban in Texas schools

August 0708:26 AM

Move over, baseball. Like it or not, "scrolling" has become the nation's pre-eminent pastime. "Yeah, it's super tough," said Carly Decker in Dallas. "I'm personally glued to my phone because of various jobs, and all require I be on call at all hours. So, it is tough to find a balance." view article

Texas students face major changes as new education laws take effect

August 0708:25 AM

Lawmakers focused a lot of bills on education during the regular session. Now they are law. From a total cell phone ban in all schools to requiring the display of the 10 commandments in classrooms. When classes begin next week for most school districts, there will be a big change for students. view article

Temple ISD Board of Trustees receives statewide honor

August 0708:25 AM

The Temple Independent School District Board of Trustees has been named as an Honor School Board by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) as part of the organization's 2025 School Board Awards, the district has announced. According to the district, Temple ISD is one of only five districts throughout the state of Texas to be selected for the honor, which is reportedly meant to "recognize outstanding Texas school boards for commitment and service that has made a positive impact on Texas public school students." view article

Amarillo area school district cell phone policies

August 0708:19 AM

After Governor Greg Abbott recently signed the bill banning cell phones in Texas schools, NewsChannel 10 is gathering the new or updated policies for area school districts. view article

DPS Offers Reminders for a Safer School Year

August 0708:18 AM

As students begin heading back to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened caution and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year. This includes tips on how to safely drop off and pick up your child from school, drive cautiously through school zones and talk to your family and loved ones about staying safe this school year and beyond. view article

How Central Texas schools are implementing the 10 Commandments

August 0708:16 AM

Several Central Texas school districts are inching closer to the first day of school. KWTX is tracking new laws put into place in the Lone Star State education system. Come September, classrooms will be required to display the 10 Commandments. The law states the poster of the commandments must measure at 16 inches and 20 inches tall. view article

Texas Data Centers Thirst for Water, Challenging State Infrastructure

August 0708:00 AM

Texas has become a hotspot for tech companies, attracting business from data companies that need larger campuses to meet national demand. In the midst of a water crisis, data centers create additional demand for this vital resource. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), there are 64 public water systems currently limiting usage in order to avoid shortages. The TCEQ’s drought map shows severe alerts being issued throughout Central Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. This year, what Gov. Greg Abbott called “Texas-sized investments” were made with the passage of Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7, which appropriated billions of dollars toward water infrastructure and conservation. view article

Trump orders work on new census, says people in US illegally ‘WILL NOT BE COUNTED’

August 0706:00 AM

Trump orders work on new census, says people in US illegally 'WILL NOT BE COUNTED' President Donald Trump declared in a Thursday morning Truth Social post that he has directed the Commerce Department to start working on a new census, noting that illegal aliens in the U.S. will not be included in the population count. "I have instructed our Department of Commerce to immediately begin work on a new and highly accurate CENSUS based on modern day facts and figures and, importantly, using the results and information gained from the Presidential Election of 2024," the president said in the post. view article

Texas Senate OKs stricter limits on city, county property tax revenue

August 0705:57 AM

The proposal would put tighter limits on how much property tax revenue cities and counties of a certain size can collect each year. The Texas Senate advanced a proposal Wednesday aimed at gut-checking city and county property tax bills as Republican lawmakers seek ways to rein in the state’s high property taxes. But the bill faces an uncertain future in the state House, where lawmaking has stalled as Democratic House members have booked it out of the state to thwart a GOP-led redistricting push sought by President Donald Trump. The redrawing of congressional lines is meant to shore up the number of Republican seats and stave off any potential losses in next year’s midterm elections. Texas senators voted 18-3 to approve Senate Bill 9, which would tighten state limits on how much more in property tax revenue cities and counties can collect each year without asking voters. That limit stands at 3.5% right now. The bill would further limit that growth to 2.5% — though only for cities and counties with at least 75,000 residents. view article

Georgetown ISD approves pay raises, reinstates key positions with new state funding

August 0705:01 AM

Georgetown ISD teachers with three or more years of experience and other staff members will receive pay raises next school year through new state funding. Additionally, GISD will provide raises for new and beginner teachers, and reinstate several positions that were previously eliminated from the district’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget. view article

Texas Senate OKs stricter limits on city, county property tax revenue

August 0705:00 AM

The Texas Senate advanced a proposal Wednesday aimed at gut-checking city and county property tax bills as Republican lawmakers seek ways to rein in the state’s high property taxes. But the bill faces an uncertain future in the state House, where lawmaking has stalled as Democratic House members have booked it out of the state to thwart a GOP-led redistricting push sought by President Donald Trump. The redrawing of congressional lines is meant to shore up the number of Republican seats and stave off any potential losses in next year’s midterm elections. Texas senators voted 18-3 to approve Senate Bill 9, which would tighten state limits on how much more in property tax revenue cities and counties can collect each year without asking voters. That limit stands at 3.5% right now. The bill would further limit that growth to 2.5% — though only for cities and counties with at least 75,000 residents. view article

Zavalla water issues cancel first day of school

August 0705:00 AM

Zavalla ISD has rescheduled the first day of school due to water safety concerns. Both the City of Zavalla and ZISD say they will be sending out updates on the situation Thursday. The city asks the public to be vigilant and report anyone who is seen around the water wells. view article

HISD has zero F-rated schools this year, according to the latest state accountability ratings

August 0705:00 AM

HOUSTON, Texas – Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Texas, announced Tuesday that it expects 74% of its schools to receive an A or B rating in the state’s 2024-2025 accountability ratings. This would be an increase from two years ago, when only 35% of HISD schools earned those ratings. view article

What to know about the $8.4B boost headed to Texas public schools

August 0705:00 AM

Over the next two years, Texas’ nearly 9,000 public schools will receive about $8.4 billion in new funding after Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 2 into law in June. The overview: Nearly half of that funding will be spent on raises for educators and support staff, such as bus drivers, janitors and librarians. State lawmakers estimated in May that schools will receive “north of $17,700” per student under the long-negotiated school funding package—up from about $15,502 in the 2022-23 school year, according to Texas Education Agency data. The funding increase comes as some school Texas districts across Community Impact’s coverage areas grapple with growing budget shortfalls, leading some districts to consider closing campuses, cutting staff and slashing elective courses. view article

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TexasISD.com was the brainchild of Joe F. Smith. Joe retired early from a successful career as Superintendent of Schools for Hudson ISD, deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas. Due to a long battle with Post-Polio Syndrome the doctor made him hang it up and rest for six months. Never being the kind of person to sit still and also not being the person to listen to his doctor, Joe logged lengthy sessions in front of his PC researching school issues, reading papers and corresponding with his friends and colleagues in the education business.

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