147 measles cases reported in Texas so far this year, most of them in federal detention centers

Local officials report that 108 of the cases originated in a contracted detention facility in Hudspeth County. The largest outbreak is in a single contracted federal detention facility in Hudspeth County, as of March 18, according to DSHS. Hudspeth County Judge Joanna MacKenzie told The Texas Tribune that the 108 cases are all at the West Texas Detention Facility, which is managed by LaSalle Corrections, a private company. The facility has previously housed immigrant detainees, though it’s not clear if it still does. It does not appear on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s list of detention facilities. “Not having jurisdiction, my office is not involved in response,” MacKenzie added in a statement, “however I remain in communication with DSHS and LaSalle, as I regularly do.”
Corpus Christi’s crucial refineries look for alternate water supplies amid looming water crisis

Corpus Christi’s crucial refineries look for alternate water supplies amid looming water crisis Companies that own refineries in Corpus Christi say they are working to secure alternative water sources to maintain operations and prevent a shortage of gasoline and jet fuel in Texas and beyond as the city scrambles to delay or avoid a rapidly-escalating water crisis. The city earlier this week said it could enter a water emergency in as soon as two months; at that point the city would have roughly six months before supply could no longer meet demand. With gasoline prices rising amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, water limitations in the Coastal Bend — a growing fuel and chemical hub — could further drive up prices, industry officials said.
Texas education board approves 4,200 corrections in Bible-infused curriculum

Taxpayers will bear the cost of fixing errors in learning materials published by the Texas Education Agency. The curriculum has drawn attention for its references to Christianity and the Bible. The Texas Education Agency received final approval Wednesday evening for roughly 4,200 corrections and changes to its elementary and secondary school curriculum. Voting 9-6, the State Board of Education approved the changes to Bluebonnet Learning after delaying a vote in January. Members had said they needed more time to review copyright concerns, formatting errors and typos.
Houston ISD trustees to make final decision on closing 12 schools

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston ISD officials are expected to finalize plans on Thursday to close 12 schools. RELATED: Houston ISD to close 12 schools in upcoming 2026-27 school year, district says This comes as multiple elected officials have asked the district to delay the decision, and, according to the district, 76 people have already signed up to speak at the HISD board meeting. District officials told Eyewitness News that there have been 24 meetings with HISD families over the past two weeks. ABC13 spoke with parents, teachers, and elected officials who say two weeks is not enough time for families to meaningfully participate in this process. HISD provided a list of these schools as being slated to close:
Galveston ISD becomes latest local school district to reject daily prayer periods, Bible readings

Houston ISD and several other area districts have voted against adopting designated prayer sessions, which are optional for students and staff under Senate Bill 11, while Magnolia ISD has approved them. All Texas districts face a March 1 deadline to make a decision about whether or not to implement them. Galveston ISD on Wednesday became the latest local school district to reject school prayer periods, which are permitted by a new Texas law.
Tyler-area school districts evaluate ties with Lifetouch amid corporate controversy

Several East Texas school districts are considering reviewing or terminating their contracts with Lifetouch following public scrutiny of the company’s corporate ownership. The controversy stems from alleged financial ties between Leon Black, the former CEO of Lifetouch’s parent firm, and convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019. Following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in late 2025, mandating the release of millions of previously sealed Department of Justice records, and the recent 3.5 million-page “document dump” of the files, the public has raised concerns about any entities with ties to the individual named in the Epstein files. Read more at: https://tylerpaper.com/2026/02/17/tyler-area-school-districts-evaluate-ties-with-lifetouch-amid-corporate-controversy/ Black was recently mentioned in the newly released files. He resigned from Apollo in 2021. at: https://tylerpaper.com/2026/02/17/tyler-area-school-districts-evaluate-ties-with-lifetouch-amid-corporate-controversy/

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Texas jails aren’t meeting deadlines to free inmates, costing some counties thousands in settlements

March 1908:43 AM

The state does not track the prevalence or provide guidance on the issue, leaving inmates to languish in jail and eventually sue counties for damages. Jessica Jackson was supposed to be released from Dallas County jail in time for the holidays last year. She was arrested in early December for misdemeanor drug possession and violating parole, but was credited time for two years she’d already served on a previous aggravated robbery sentence. With the credits, Jackson was eligible for release on Dec. 19, when a judge ruled she had no time left to serve. But, Christmas passed, then New Year’s, and despite daily calls to jail staff from her public defender, family and a friend trying to help her, she could not understand why she was still in jail. view article

Two Islamic schools approved for Texas school choice program after judge’s order

March 1908:40 AM

The Texas Comptroller's Office has approved two Islamic private schools from North Texas to take part in the state's taxpayer‑funded school choice program. The move comes one day after Houston federal judge Alfred Bennett ordered the state to consider the schools' applications – a step the schools say Texas had previously refused to take. Records from the comptroller's office, which oversees the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, show Excellence Academy, a private Islamic school in McKinney, has now been approved to participate. By Wednesday afternoon, the school appeared on the state's website of participating schools. Ehsan Sayed, a board member and graduate of Brighter Horizons Academy in Garland, told CBS News Texas on Wednesday afternoon that they had just learned the state had also approved their school view article

Court approves new manager for Dallas-area foster care program after deaths of 2 infants

March 1908:30 AM

An experienced child welfare manager was appointed to take over case management after “systemic failures” placed children in danger, court records said. view article

UNCOVERED: A School Board Candidate’s Sexually Explicit Posts

March 1908:30 AM

Voters will decide who will fill three school board trustee spots on May 2. Screenshots of social media posts from the accounts of David Greene, a Katy Independent School District school board candidate, express support for the LGBT ideology, with one being sexually explicit. view article

Defendants in Lottery Rigging Lawsuit Continue Fighting Calls for Transparency

March 1905:02 AM

Litigation over a rigged $95M lottery jackpot includes a fight to hide companies and individuals involved in a scheme dubbed “money laundering” by lawmakers. Defendants in a high-profile lawsuit involving the alleged rigging of the Texas Lottery are continuing to fight attempts to expose their corporate interests. The controversy surrounding the jackpot in question led Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to describe the Texas Lottery as “probably the biggest money laundering scheme in the country.” view article

Journalists, Not Prosecutors, Keep Uncovering the Texas Lottery Scandal

March 1905:01 AM

As investigations appear to stall, new international reporting sheds light on how a secretive gambling syndicate rigged a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot in 2023. Recent reporting by an Australian investigative journalist is shedding new light on the secretive gambling syndicate that, with assistance from the Texas Lottery Commission, rigged a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot in April 2023. The fallout from that jackpot, along with mounting public pressure and scrutiny from lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session, led to the dissolution of the Texas Lottery Commission and the launch of two official investigations, which so far have produced no results after more than a year. view article

Texas’ drag show ban takes effect after years of court challenges

March 1905:00 AM

A federal court cleared the way for Senate Bill 12, which prohibits drag performances on public property or in front of children, to take effect Wednesday. view article

Abbott Blocks Annual Cesar Chavez Observation in Texas

March 1905:00 AM

Texas will not observe Cesar Chavez Day this year. Gov. Greg Abbott announced yesterday that revelations of the progressive icon’s history of sexual assault are enough to withdraw the annual observance and strike it from state law. Chavez, a socialist union organizer, has been hailed a hero on the left since before his death in 1993. Over the last 30 years, Democrats have rushed to name schools and streets after him. His birthday, March 31, became a federal holiday under Barack Obama in 2014. view article

Former MD Anderson Researcher Pleads Guilty To Stealing Cancer Research for China

March 1808:46 AM

Chinese national who spent three years researching cancer at MD Anderson while secretly working for a Chinese university has been sentenced to 364 days in the Harris County jail. view article

Ilhan Omar claims Trump wants to sleep with his daughter and calls his supporters ‘stupid’ in crazed rant

March 1808:33 AM

Omar posted the insults after the president asked for an investigation into her alleged role in Somali fraud. view article

Lorena students call for voice in school book selection

March 1808:30 AM

Two Lorena High School seniors think a recent state law allowing parents more input in what books are in school libraries and classrooms leaves out an important voice: students. Bethany Ryan and Megan Vrana, both 18 and avid readers, have put their argument together in "Every Voice Deserves a Shelf," a project submitted for competition organized by the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America student organization. view article

Teacher, Boyfriend Face New Charges Tied to Child Sexual Abuse

March 1805:38 AM

Substitute teacher Madison Jones and her boyfriend Zackery Dondlinger now face a total of 39 felony charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a 5-year-old child. New charges have been filed in a shocking case of a woman accused of sexually abusing a 5-year-old to gratify a man. North Texas substitute teacher Madison Paige Jones and her boyfriend Zackery Harold Dondlinger, who were arrested in December, have now been indicted on a total of 39 child sex crime charges related to the case. Jones, 31, was a substitute teacher in the Midlothian Independent School District at the time of her arrest on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and possession of more than 500 images of child sexual abuse material. Dondlinger, Jones’ 37-year-old boyfriend, was arrested a week later in Loving County. Both are now being held in the Wayne McCollum Detention Center in Ellis County. view article

Cornyn, Paxton decline to withdraw from Texas Senate runoff ballot as deadline passes

March 1805:31 AM

The day after the March 3 primary, President Donald Trump pledged to endorse either John Cornyn or Ken Paxton “soon,” and call on the other to drop out. He has yet to make an endorsement. view article

State Agency Investigating Islamic-Tied Charter School

March 1805:22 AM

The Texas Education Agency stated it has an open investigation into Manara Academy after allegations of prohibited “instructional materials.” “TEA can confirm an open investigation involving Manara Academy. Under Texas Education Code, Chapter 39, the investigation is examining district-level systems, practices and compliance related to allegations concerning prohibited use of instructional materials and classroom activities. No final conclusions or determinations have been made at this time,” the agency wrote in a statement to Texas Scorecard. view article

Corpus Christi water emergency may be just two months away, city leaders say

March 1805:00 AM

Two out of the five projections city leaders presented Tuesday showed water shortages beginning in May. The city has yet to detail plans for how to reduce water use for residents and businesses. Corpus Christi leaders on Tuesday unveiled new projections suggesting that the city could be just two months away from triggering emergency water measures. At a marathon city council meeting that stretched for 10 hours, Nick Winkelmann, interim chief operating officer of Corpus Christi Water, outlined five potential scenarios — two of which would push the city into a level one water emergency by May. At that point, the city’s water supply would be projected to fall short of demand within 180 days. When pressed by council member Kaylynn Paxson on which scenario the city is preparing to follow, staffers at the water utility said they expect to narrow the possibilities down to two or three in the coming weeks as more data becomes available. view article

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Student Searches in Schools: Legal Foundations, Cell Phones, and Vaping Issues

April 9, 2026

Texas School Superintendent Salaries Keep Creeping Higher

March 1805:00 AM

Administrators’ taxpayer-funded compensation continues to grow as student enrollment shrinks. Newly released Texas Education Agency data for the 2025-26 school year show 16 superintendents receive taxpayer-funded salaries that top $400,000—more than the president of the United States. (Last year, that number was 11.) Here are the superintendents that the TEA lists as making more than $400,000 annually: view article

Texas School Superintendent Salaries Keep Creeping Higher

March 1805:00 AM

Good morning, neighbor.

March 1708:50 AM

Two North Texas school districts navigating state intervention are making big moves to accelerate academic progress for kids. In Lake Worth ISD, Superintendent Mark Ramirez stepped down as trustees approved layoffs tied to restructuring the campus that triggered the state takeover. Meanwhile in Fort Worth ISD, leaders are offering $100,000 starting salaries for teachers at six struggling schools as part of their turnaround strategy. view article

Applications for private school vouchers close today. Demand already exceeds available money.

March 1708:50 AM

More than 200,000 students have applied for state money for private school. Most attended private school or home-school last school year, early data shows. Texas’ school voucher applications close Tuesday, as early data shows most applicants attended a private school or home-school as of last year. The applications for families wanting to use public funds to pay for private school or home-school during the 2026-27 academic year will remain open until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. view article

East Texas elementary school employee accused of having child porn arrested

March 1708:40 AM

East Texas elementary school employee accused of having child porn arrested ONALASKA, Texas — An East Texas elementary school employee accused of having child porn was arrested Tuesday night. Jerry Cobb, 47, was booked into the Angelina County Jail for warrants out of the Onalaska Police Department, including two counts of assault and possession of child pornography, according to OPD. view article

After Monica De La Cruz helps migrant teen in ICE custody, Texas man seeks similar aid for fiancée

March 1708:31 AM

RAYMONDVILLE — Juan Rodriguez stood outside the El Valle Detention Center and watched as U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz escorted Antonio Gámez-Cuéllar, a McAllen teenager who had been detained there for 12 days. Rodriguez was one of several demonstrators protesting Gámez-Cuéllar’s detainment. He took an interest in the teenager’s case because his fiancée is being held in the same facility and has a similar legal status. The Gámez-Cuéllar family’s surprise detainment sparked nationwide outrage, propelled by the fact that they were detained while complying with a requirement to check in with the government — and because the brothers were part of an award-winning high school mariachi group who were invited by De La Cruz to perform at the U.S. Capitol last summer. view article

Lufkin ISD holds community meeting on $140 million bond proposal

March 1708:30 AM

Lufkin ISD holds community meeting on $140 million bond proposal view article

Parents demand stronger safety measures after gun incidents at Klein ISD schools

March 1708:27 AM

Parents in Klein ISD are calling for stronger school safety measures after a series of gun-related incidents across the district, including one involving a man investigators say entered an elementary school campus while armed. An online petition created by a group calling itself the Klein ISD Parent Safety Coalition is gaining traction as families push district leaders to take additional steps to protect students. view article

Klein ISD parents form safety coalition after 3 gun-related incidents last week

March 1708:27 AM

A group of Klein ISD parents said they have a few safety ideas of their own following a week of gun-related incidents at the district. Those incidents include a gun being fired inside Klein Collins High School, a man with a gun walking into Zwink Elementary, and a student showing an unloaded gun to other students at Klein High School, according to the school district. view article

Join us April 14 for a conversation with Don Huffines, GOP nominee for comptroller

March 1708:27 AM

Join the Texas Tribune on Tuesday, April 14 in Austin or online when Huffines sits down with Texas Tribune Editor-in-Chief Matthew Watkins for a conversation about the candidate’s goals for the office, his relationships with the state’s top leaders and the upcoming general election. view article

Klein ISD to increase campus security efforts following three gun incidents in one week

March 1708:25 AM

Two students were expelled after bringing guns to their high school campuses, while a 39-year-old man faces felony charges after allegedly walking into an elementary school with a holstered firearm and tactical gear. view article

Killeen ISD school board to consider two bids for former elementary schools

March 1708:24 AM

The Killeen Independent School District could move forward with the sale of two decommissioned elementary school properties. KISD’s Board of Trustees is scheduled to consider whether to accept two separate bids at the upcoming March 24 meeting: one for $450,000 for the former Clifton Park Elementary School property and another for $350,000 for the Sugar Loaf Elementary School property. According to a board agenda action item sheet uploaded online by KISD, the district issued a bid invitation on Nov. 18, 2025, for the former Clifton Park property located at 2200 Trimmier Road, and on Jan. 13, 2026, proposals were received. view article

Sheriff’s Office investigating ‘criminal activity’ on Canyon ISD high school bus

March 1708:24 AM

San Antonio ISD leaders say they have identified $19.3 million in budget reductions as the district works to close a projected structural deficit of about $45.9 million. In a budget workshop Monday night, district administration told the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) Board of Trustees the reductions identified so far are aimed at cutting the deficit roughly in half in the 2026-27 budget. The district outlined the update in information released March 16, 2026. view article

Crash concerns linger on Nameless Road months after Leander ISD bus crash

March 1708:24 AM

It’s been seven months since a Leander ISD bus carrying 42 children and one adult crashed on Nameless Road in northwestern Travis County. Neighbors say crashes continue to happen along the same stretch of roadway. Sandy Creek resident Kaleena Schumaker said the August crash changed her family’s life. view article

Corpus Christi ISD coach Leyton Hernandez killed in crash

March 1708:17 AM

The Corpus Christi Independent School District is mourning the loss of Leyton Hernandez, a 28-year-old coach who was killed in a two-car crash outside the Coastal Bend on Friday, March 13. He was also the son of the Corpus Christi ISD Superintendent, Dr. Roland Hernandez. view article

Spring ISD focuses on academic growth as potential TEA takeover looms

March 1708:15 AM

Spring ISD is trying to prevent the possibility of a state takeover as Dekaney High School faces a fifth year of academic failure. As the district works to turn test scores around, academic growth was a focus at this week's district work session. view article

Point Isabel ISD approves tax break for proposed high-tech ‘Port Alpha’

March 1708:15 AM

Point Isabel school board recently approved a tax abatement for a technology company wanting to build a $3.2 billion shipyard for the U.S. Navy. The board voted in support of a tax-incentive agreement after Saronic Technologies presented its plans for its “Port Alpha” shipyard at its regular meeting last Tuesday, March 10. view article

Breaking! Texas Values Sends Letter to Austin ISD, Pride Week is Against the Law

March 1708:14 AM

Today, Texas Values sent a letter to Austin ISD advising them that their scheduled Pride Week is against the law. Austin ISD is scheduled to have Pride week March 23-March 27. The letter explains how the scheduled Pride week violates a recent law Parents’ Bill of Rights law, Senate Bill 12, that was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2025. The Parents’ Bill of Rights prohibits references and activities regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. State Board of Education member Brandon Hall sent Austin ISD a letter last week requesting that the school district “immediately stop” Pride activities. view article

Water main break forces Marshall ISD to cancel classes for the day

March 1708:14 AM

Marshall ISD has canceled classes for the day following a water main break, according to district officials. Parents are encouraged to either keep their students at home or pick them up if they are already on campus. District leaders say students who ride the bus may also be picked up by parents. view article

Judge blocks Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s overhaul of US childhood vaccine policy

March 1708:09 AM

A federal judge halted Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention childhood vaccine schedule. 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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