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/
READ! How Radioactive Oil and Gas Waste Could Lie Beneath a North Texas Elementary School

On a cold winter morning in Johnson County, at the southwestern edge of the booming Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, 52-year-old Lee Oldham stands beside the Pleasant View Elementary School and wonders what the drilling waste he helped lay underneath might mean for the children inside. Surrounding the school is the partially complete 2,500-home Silo Mills development that will supply it with children and that is also built atop drilling waste, according to satellite maps and interviews. The first families moved in two years ago.
Students describe barricading classroom doors as nine killed and 25 injured in Canada shootings

A student describes how he and his classmates barricaded the classroom doors with tables during a deadly shooting in western Canada Nine people have been killed and at least 25 injured in attacks at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a home in British Colombia - here's how they unfolded Six victims were found dead inside the school, which is around 415 miles north of Vancouver. A seventh died on the way to hospital
Commissioner Morath names Levi Fuller Inspector General for Educator Misconduct

AUSTIN, Texas – February 4, 2026 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) today announced the selection of Levi Fuller as Inspector General for Educator Misconduct. As Inspector General, Fuller will closely oversee the enforcement of Educator Misconduct policies and processes within TEA to help foster safe learning environments for all of Texas’ nearly 5.5 million public school students. “I look forward to the impactful work Levi Fuller will do in service of our students, families and school systems,” said Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath. “With more than a decade of experience holding bad actors accountable, Levi will help root out the flawed few that sew distrust among families and school communities while helping to restore confidence in the teaching profession.”
To avoid state takeovers, Texas districts are spending millions to outsource struggling schools. Here’s how it works.

Longer school days. Fewer electives. Improved test scores, at least for a time. Inside the pricey new experiment aimed at turning around schools with failing grades. WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Texas school districts are opting to outsource their failing campuses to third-party operators in a little-known, but increasingly common attempt to avoid state takeovers, a WFAA investigation found. In exchange for paying millions to a third party with the promise of improved accountability scores, the TEA grants a two-year reprieve from state intervention and sends the district additional public education funds to help cover the cost. In these scenarios, superintendents and school boards keep their jobs and retain at least partial local control over their schools — all of which would be at risk with a state takeover. Texas school districts are opting to outsource their failing campuses to third-party operators in a little-known, but increasingly common attempt to avoid state takeovers, a WFAA investigation found. In exchange for paying millions to a third party with the promise of improved accountability scores, the TEA grants a two-year reprieve from state intervention and sends the district additional public education funds to help cover the cost. In these scenarios, superintendents and school boards keep their jobs and retain at least partial local control over their schools — all of which would be at risk with a state takeover.

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Teacher charged, accused of hitting student during fight on Aldine ISD campus, court docs show

February 1008:17 AM

A teacher from Aldine ISD is accused of hitting a student during a fight at G.W. Carver High School in January, according to court documents. Court documents obtained by Eyewitness News say Jacenta Green was seen on campus surveillance filming a student as she walked toward the cafeteria. The records state that Green and the student exchanged words before Green's daughter, who also attends Carver High, approached. view article

AG Sues North Texas Smoke Shops for Selling Illegal-Strength Kratom

February 1008:06 AM

The DEA has threatened to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 substance, the same as heroin.  view article

Texas Governor Greg Abbott: State will fix Fort Worth school ‘indoctrination’

February 1005:00 AM

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott cited failing schools and indoctrination as reasons for a state takeover of the Fort Worth school district in a post on X. The governor’s post came in response to a Star-Telegram article looking at a growing list of student walkouts at schools in and around Fort Worth to protest federal immigration enforcement after the shooting deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. “The State will course correct FWISD,” the governor said in his Sunday post. view article

Texas launches plan to open Turning Point USA chapters in every high school

February 1005:00 AM

Republican officials in Oklahoma and Florida have also launched plans to expand the presence of the conservative youth organization founded by Charlie Kirk. Texas has launched a partnership with Turning Point USA to create chapters of the right-wing organization on every high school campus in the state. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Turning Point USA Senior Director Josh Thifault revealed the initiative during a news conference at the Governor’s Mansion on Monday. They did not outline any plans that would require schools to initiate the clubs, but Abbott said that he expects “meaningful disciplinary action” to take place against “any stoppage of TPUSA in the great state of Texas.” view article

Exemptions can mean big savings on Texas property taxes. Here’s how to know if you qualify.

February 1005:00 AM

Property taxes continue to rise in Texas, but appraisal officials say many homeowners may be paying more than they have to by overlooking exemptions they already qualify for. Texas offers multiple property tax exemptions that can significantly reduce a home’s taxable value, and qualifying homeowners can often stack more than one exemption. PROPERTY TAXES: A homeowner’s guide to 2026 deadlines in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties view article

Texas Railroad Commission primary: Who is running and what to know

February 0908:58 AM

The Railroad Commission regulates energy infrastructure across Texas. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand. view article

Texas DPS Reveals Plans To Combat Homeland Security Threats 

February 0908:45 AM

DPS has established security priorities for the next five years.  Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety have released an updated state framework for setting homeland security priorities for the next five years. “Protecting Texas from a broad range of threats and vulnerabilities is a critical mission that continues to evolve,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “The Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan provides a comprehensive and updated framework to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from attacks, disasters and other emerging threats.” The plan speaks to protecting the state’s critical infrastructure, while mitigating risks and hazards from continued population growth, natural disasters, crime, and cybersecurity attacks. view article

TEA Investigating Collinsville ISD Admins Tied to Coach’s Misconduct

February 0908:40 AM

Three top administrators in Collinsville Independent School District are targets of state investigations into their actions surrounding alleged misconduct by the district’s championship-winning baseball coach Derrick Jenkins. Collinsville ISD Superintendent Matthew Davenport, Collinsville High School Principal Kim Patterson, and Athletic Director Garrett Patterson are all “under review” by the Texas Education Agency’s Educator Investigations Division. The investigations were revealed by new notations placed on the administrators’ Texas educator certificates. view article

Fort Worth ISD loses appeal of state takeover, prompting a trustee’s resignation

February 0908:35 AM

Just after Fort Worth ISD trustees lost their legal fight to stop the state takeover of the district, school board member Wallace Bridges announced his resignation on Friday. A state administrative court ruled in favor of the Texas Education Agency, concluding no factual disputes would justify overturning Commissioner Mike Morath’s decision to intervene in the 70,000-student district because of failing academics. This clears the way for Morath to install new leadership over the city’s largest school system. view article

Career exploration starts early in SBISD

February 0908:30 AM

In Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), career exploration doesn’t wait until high school. This week, hundreds of Pre-K through first-grade students are discovering that learning can be hands-on, interactive and fun at the district’s annual Children’s Barnyard event, where agriculture, animals, and curiosity take center stage. Hosted at the district’s newly refurbished Agriculture Science Center, the event brings learning to life for the district’s youngest students through activity stations led by older students enrolled in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. Over two days, nearly 800 students will rotate through stations exploring agriculture, food systems, animal care, and the science behind it all. The message is clear: T-2-4 starts early! view article

Abilene Zoo bids emotional farewell to Uhuru the rhino

February 0908:30 AM

The Austin housing market was once among the hottest in the country. Now, new data suggests, it may be the slowest with nearby San Antonio a close second ranked by the length of time houses are on the market before selling. view article

Northwest ISD offers limited open enrollment for first time since 2017

February 0908:30 AM

Northwest ISD officials announced Feb. 2 that the district will have limited open enrollment to students who live outside of district boundaries for the 2026-27 school The program is limited to campuses with space available to bring in new students, according to a district release. The following aspects are part of the NISD limited open enrollment program: Students accepted to a Northwest ISD school must meet academic, attendance and behavioral standards. Students accepted into the program are considered NISD students and will have access to the same academic and extra-curricular offerings. District academies are excluded from this program since they are considered separate programs. Since this is a limited open enrollment program, only certain campuses are being considered to take on new students. This will be reviewed annually, with space set aside for students who are predicted to move into the district. view article

Leander ISD to search internally for next superintendent

February 0908:29 AM

The Leander Independent School District is moving forward with an internal search for its next superintendent, according to a Friday message from the district. Leander ISD’s search for its next superintendent comes after Superintendent Bruce Gearing announced his retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The Board of Trustees then appointed Deputy Superintendent Chris Clark as the acting superintendent. MOST READ: 30 drownings in a decade: Lady Bird Lake serial k view article

Winnsboro ISD hires second interim superintendent amid coverup scandal

February 0908:29 AM

The Winnsboro ISD Board of Education voted Saturday to approve the hiring of a new interim superintendent following the arrests of several district employees. Board members approved the hiring of Jeff Conovan, who brings more than two decades in general and special education and 12 years of coaching experience to the district. view article

Uvalde CISD superintendent announces resignation from district, will join Pflugerville ISD

February 0908:29 AM

The Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District will be looking for a new leader by the end of the current academic year. In a letter to parents Friday morning, Superintendent Ashley Chohlis announced her resignation. KSAT Investigates obtained a copy of Chohlis’ letter. Her departure will go into effect on April 7, 2026, according to the letter. In her Uvalde CISD announcement, Chohlis said she will be pursuing “new opportunities” outside of the district. view article

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

April 9, 2026

Trinity ISD teacher, wife arrested in Munchausen by proxy case

February 0908:28 AM

A Trinity ISD teacher has been arrested and placed on administrative leave after he and his wife were arrested in a Munchausen-by-proxy case. Jon Thomas Holcomb, 51, of Trinity, and his wife, Paula Nicole Geurin Holcomb, 46, are each charged with injury to a child. view article

Former Crowley ISD teacher arrested, accused of improper relationship with student

February 0908:27 AM

A former Crowley ISD teacher is in jail and has been charged with having an improper relationship with a student. What we know: 62-year-old Ricardo Ortiz was arrested Thursday, Feb. 5 by Fort Worth police. A letter from Crowley ISD says once it found out about the allegations, Ortiz was removed from contact with students and is no longer employed by the district. view article

Parents in Fort Bend ISD could learn more about potential school closures during district meeting

February 0908:25 AM

Families across Fort Bend ISD may soon learn whether several campuses could be closed, as district leaders prepare to discuss potential changes during meetings scheduled for Monday evening. view article

Donna ISD, STC launch first dual credit HVAC and Automotive Technology cohorts

February 0908:21 AM

Donna Independent School District (Donna ISD), in partnership with South Texas College (STC), have launched its first-ever dual credit cohorts in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Automotive Technology, taking place at the Mid-Valley Campus this spring 2026 Semester. This milestone partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding career and technical education opportunities for Donna High School students by providing access to college-level instruction, hands-on training and industry-aligned certifications while students are still in high school. view article

Willis ISD drops suit against Conroe and will ink agreement for water to Calfee Middle School

February 0908:07 AM

A Montgomery County judge has signed an order of nonsuit, effectively dismissing a lawsuit filed by Willis ISD against the city of Conroe in August. The nonsuit, filed by the district Jan. 20, was signed Jan. 21 by 457th state District Judge Vince Santini. view article

Gas leak causes evacuation at Waller ISD elementary school

February 0907:43 AM

A detected gas leak caused a Waller ISD elementary school to evacuate and two other schools to shelter in place Friday morning, according to officials. The Spring Creek Fire Department said a gas leak was detected at Roberts Road Elementary, and as a precaution, everyone inside the building was safely evacuated as emergency responders addressed the issue. view article

Family of still-missing camper sues to shut down Camp Mystic

February 0905:00 AM

The lawsuit by Catherine and Will Steward, parents of Cecilia “Cile” Steward, argues the family who owns and operates the camp should “never be responsible for children again.” The family of an 8-year-old girl who remains missing after being swept away by Hill Country flooding that struck Camp Mystic last summer is suing its owners and demanding a judge prevent its reopening. The 100-page lawsuit, filed by Catherine and Will Steward, the parents of Cecilia “Cile” Steward, is the fifth from the family members of 25 campers and two counselors at Camp Mystic who died during the catastrophic July view article

AG Paxton Sues Recycling Company for Illegally Disposing Wind Turbine Blades 

February 0905:00 AM

Although Global LLC closed its two facilities in Sweetwater in 2020, turbine parts were still accumulating at the site. Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against a recycling company and other affiliates for unauthorized disposal of industrial solid waste after it was discovered that the company was illegally disposing of wind turbine parts in Sweetwater. Global Fiberglass Solutions of Texas LLC, whose primary place of business is located in Kirkland, Washington, was hired by multiple companies to break down and recycle turbine blades and parts. According to Paxton’s suit, the company failed to properly dispose of the materials and have instead created a stockpile of over 3,000 turbine parts. “Illegal disposal of wind turbines hurts our land and will never be permitted under my watch,” said Paxton. “Just because the radical left calls something a ‘green industry’ does not give any company a free pass to harm Texas countryside, break our laws, and leave Texans to deal with the negative impacts.” view article

Abbott: Texas Will Fight Radical Islam ‘Every Step of the Way

February 0905:00 AM

In an interview with Texas Scorecard, Abbott discussed the rise of radical Islam, H-1B visas, border security, and rogue prosecutors. In an interview with Texas Scorecard, Abbott said recent actions by Democrat-run cities and school districts underscore why the state has stepped in to confront groups he has designated as foreign terrorist organizations. view article

Texas’ Handgun Trespass Signs Challenged in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

February 0608:51 AM

A church and coffee shop are claiming the sign requirements violate their First Amendment rights. Two Harris County property owners are challenging state laws that govern when persons carrying handguns can be convicted of criminal trespass if they enter or remain on property where guns are not welcome. The laws—Texas Penal Codes 30.06 and 30.07—require the posting of signs with specific requirements on the buildings of property owners that wish to ban handguns from their premises. Property owners may alternatively issue a written notice in the form of cards or give verbal notice to potential violators. The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans heard oral arguments in January. view article

Wylie ISD Employee ‘On Leave’ Over Hijab Day Handouts

February 0608:47 AM

Superintendent Spicer said the district does not allow distribution of any religious materials to students, although the Muslim Student Association hosted a hijab table last year. view article

Parents of final missing camper file suit against Camp Mystic, several other defendants

February 0608:44 AM

Cile Steward's body has never been found. Her parents are suing for at least $1,000,000 in actual and punitive damages. view article

Texas Sues CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood to Halt Operations in the State

February 0608:40 AM

Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to shut down the operations of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Muslim Brotherhood in Texas, marking the first major enforcement action stemming from Gov. Greg Abbott’s designation of the groups as foreign terrorist organizations. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Collin County, asks a state court to issue temporary and permanent injunctions prohibiting the Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR, and their affiliated entities from operating, fundraising, recruiting members, or engaging in organizational activity within Texas. “Sharia law and the jihadists who follow sharia law have no business being in Texas,” Paxton said. “I am in full support of Governor Abbott’s lawful declaration that CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood are foreign terrorist organizations, and it’s imperative that they are stopped from operating in Texas. Radical Islamic terrorists are antithetical to law and order, endanger the people of Texas, and are an existential threat to our values.” view article

Separation of mosque and state? Islam invades Texas school

February 0608:40 AM

Sara Gonzales exposes a Texas public school for handing out Qurans, hijabs, and pamphlets on Sharia law. The ACLU has long tried to keep the separation of church and state when it comes to Christianity in public schools, and now BlazeTV host Sara Gonzales is calling on them to have the same energy when it comes to Islam. “If you try to teach Christianity, if you try to preach the Bible inside the schools, they are right there to tell you how there has to be a separation of church and state. And I’m just wondering, I’m wondering if we will hear the same outrage from the ACLU on this next story,” she says. view article

Texas warns schools of possible state takeover over student protests, appoints misconduct enforcer

February 0608:40 AM

The move comes as the state’s education agency unveils a new enforcement role to oversee investigations into alleged misconduct by Texas teachers. The Texas Education Agency has warned school districts that facilitating student political walkouts could lead to a state takeover. This comes as the agency unveils a newly created enforcement role focusing on overseeing investigations into alleged misconduct by Texas teachers. In a Tuesday statement releasing new guidance on walkouts, absences and political activism on campuses, the agency said it was acting in response to a directive from Gov. Greg Abbott to investigate instances of what the TEA called “inappropriate political activism” in Texas public schools. Under the new guidance, districts that allow or encourage students to leave class for political protests could face state intervention permitted under state law, including the appointment of a monitor, conservator or a state-run board of managers. The TEA added that teachers who facilitate walkouts could be investigated and face sanctions, including possible revocation of their teaching licenses. view article

Lecturer no longer teaching at Texas State University after expletive-filled message goes public

February 0608:36 AM

The Facebook message derided its recipient as a “leftist” and “whore” whom he hoped would be deported. The message gained widespread attention when it was shared online. A Texas State University lecturer is no longer teaching at the university after a doctor publicly shared an expletive-filled Facebook message in which an account with his name and picture told her he hoped she would be deported. The doctor said she received the message via Facebook Messenger and posted screenshots publicly earlier this week, drawing widespread attention online. Texas State University confirmed on Thursday that the lecturer, Bret Bryon, is no longer teaching at the university as of Wednesday, but declined to say whether his departure was related, stating it does not discuss personnel matters. Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the CEO and founder of the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, first shared the screenshots Tuesday evening on Facebook and reposted them Wednesday, tagging Texas State University. The university’s official account replied in the comments that it was “looking into the matter” and would “take appropriate action based on findings.” view article

Former, current Winnsboro ISD superintendents arrested on new charges

February 0608:35 AM

A current and a former Winnsboro ISD superintendent were arrested on additional charges Thursday, according to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office. Brian David Wilcox, 50, and Aaron David Nation, 39, were both held Thursday at the Hopkins County Jail on warrants charging them with tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair and with unlawful interception of a wire, oral or electronic device. view article

These Houston area high schools are planning to participate in Friday’s anti ICE walkout

February 0608:31 AM

Students at several Houston-area high schools are planning a student-led walkout on Friday, Feb. 6, to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, according to information shared by students and community organizers. view article

Wylie ISD places staff member on leave after unauthorized religious outreach at Wylie East High School

February 0608:28 AM

A Wylie Independent School District employee is on leave after an incident at Wylie East High School, when an outside religious organization distributed materials on campus without district approval, according to a letter sent to parents. view article

Lubbock ISD explains investigation protocols after school threat

February 0608:25 AM

Lubbock ISD responded to a threat made against one of its middle school campuses Thursday. While the threat was deemed false, Brian Ellyson Director of student and parent resolution for the district said they take every report seriously. “You know that’s our job, is to make sure our kids are educated and our kids are safe,” Ellyson said. view article

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

April 9, 2026