NO MORE EXCUSES: Texas Set to End Schools’ ‘Sovereign Immunity’ in Sex Abuse Cases

The State Senate unanimously approved a House measure to hold school districts accountable for protecting students from sexual predators.
Supreme Court Sets Month-Long Briefing Schedule for Quorum Busters Case

Gov. Greg Abbott wants the Supreme Court of Texas to declare Gene Wu’s seat vacant. The Supreme Court of Texas has announced a briefing schedule in Gov. Greg Abbott’s bid to remove the House Democrat Caucus chairman, Gene Wu of Houston, from the legislature. It combined that with the case brought by Attorney General Ken Paxton against Wu and a dozen other quorum-busting lawmakers. The Court requires briefing papers to be filed from Wednesday, August 20, through Thursday, Sept. 14.
Special Session Ending, and Starting, Today

Even though the 30-day clock is not set to expire until Tuesday, the House and Senate are expected to adjourn out of the special session today. They will, however, be called immediately by the governor into a second special session that restarts the legislative process. The Senate has completed all of the work set forth by the governor in the original special session call. In contrast, nothing was accomplished in the House because Democrats—rather than fight—fled out of the state to disrupt the quorum requirements for conducting legislative business. The governor has said this second special session will have the same agenda, including congressional redistricting. Speaking at an event in Williamson County yesterday, State Sen. Charles Schwertner said he expects his chamber to move quickly to re-file and pass all the legislation again within the first few days. Constitutionally, the legislative process must start anew with each special session.
Some Texas private schools hire relatives and enrich insiders. Soon they can do it with taxpayer money.

An investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found more than 60 instances of nepotism, self-dealing and conflicts of interest among 27 private schools that likely would have violated state laws had the schools been public.
Liberty Hill ISD proposes potential tax-rate election

LHISD has lowered the tax rate 37 cents over six years. Prop A would add 6 pennies back to the tax rate. Prop A adds funding for teacher salary increases, instructional programs, and extracurricular programs. State and federal officials have cut education funding. At the same time, inflation has driven up LHISD operating costs such as utilities, fuel, and insurance. LHISD has already cut $2 million in expenses. If Prop A does not pass, LHISD will have to make additional cuts, which may include up to 10 percent of our teaching staff.
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.

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Committee on Congressional Redistricting, Select 7/28

July 2205:00 AM

Committee on Congressional Redistricting, Select view article

THC-related poison control calls tripled in Texas after hemp became legal. Experts say there’s more to the story.

July 2205:00 AM

Experts say poison control data don’t specify which calls are related to hemp versus more dangerous K2, but show that most THC poisonings cause minor side effects. Texas lawmakers across the political spectrum have thrown around various claims about the dangers of hemp-derived THC to children, emphasizing its proliferation was a “life and death” matter that necessitated a ban on the intoxicating chemical. “When you look at the data, the Texas Poison Control Center reported a 495% increase in marijuana-related calls involving children age five and under from 2017 to 2022,” said Sen. Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, earlier this year as the Senate debated a bill that would have banned THC products. “Many of us are parents. As a father, I can’t ignore that, and as a body, I don’t think we should ignore it.” Data provided from the Texas Poison Center Network confirms a sharp increase in marijuana-related calls starting in 2019, a year after hemp-derived THC was legalized by the federal government, from 923 to 2,592 calls in 2024. view article

PREVIEW: Pearland ISD trustees to consider new cellphone policy to align with new state bill

July 2205:00 AM

Pearland ISD’s board of trustees will consider a new cellphone policy that will prohibit students' use of personal communications during the school day, according to district board agenda documents. The board will also consider a policy that changes how the district chooses and reviews books and learning materials. Key updates in this policy—which are also from new state bills—include more parental rights, new procedures for public challenges and appeals, required board approval for certain materials and additional transparency provisions, according to board agenda documents. view article

Better testing, less vaccine messaging among lessons learned from historic Texas measles outbreak

July 2205:00 AM

As the number of Texas measles cases tied to a West Texas outbreak slows to a trickle, South Plains public health director Zach Holbrooks remembers the call from a colleague in an adjacent county six months ago that would change both his — and the state’s — entire 2025. “Katherine was the first person to let me know there was a case,” said Holbrooks, referring to Lubbock’s public health director, Katherine Wells. A Mennonite child from Seminole’s Gaines County — one of four counties under Holbrooks’ charge — had been hospitalized in Lubbock with measles. “So that’s what got the communication rolling between me and Katherine and the state.” view article

A guide to Texas’ special legislative session

July 2205:00 AM

Texas lawmakers start a 30-day special session July 21. They will tackle consumable THC, flood dangers, new congressional districts, abortion pills and other conservative priorities. Texas lawmakers start a 30-day special session July 21. They will tackle consumable THC, flood dangers, new congressional districts, abortion pills and other conservative priorities. view article

Newly formed Texas disaster preparedness and flooding committee will visit Kerr County

July 2205:00 AM

The joint House and Senate committee will first meet in Austin next week, then in Kerrville on July 31 to hear from Hill Country residents about their concerns. House Speaker Rep. Dustin Burrows on Tuesday named nine state representatives — six Republicans and three Democrats — who will serve on the joint Disaster Preparedness and Flooding committee, formed in response to the devastating floods that tore through Central Texas over the July Fourth weekend. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick named the nine state senators to the panel on Monday. The House and Senate joint committee will first meet on July 23 in Austin and then in Kerrville on July 31 to hear from Hill Country residents regarding their flood-related concerns. Patrick and Burrows have both stated that their committees will meet jointly to find solutions. view article

Appeals court upholds Texas law limiting cities’ enforcement of local ordinances

July 2108:30 AM

The 2023 law, previously ruled unconstitutional by a Travis County judge, prevents cities from enforcing ordinances that don’t align with broad swaths of state law. view article

HISD has five school board trustee positions up for election in November. Here’s who is running.

July 2105:00 AM

At least seven people have announced plans to run for Houston ISD’s five school board trustee positions that will be up for election on Nov. 5. The elected trustees don’t currently have any power in the district due to the ongoing state takeover, but they will gradually resume oversight of the state’s largest school district once the Texas Education Agency ends the intervention into HISD after June 2027. Once their elected control resumes, trustees will vote on items like HISD’s annual budget, the superintendent’s yearly evaluation and contract, the tax rate, employee terminations and district policy changes. view article

The Texas Legislature is back for a special session. Here’s what we’re watching.

July 2105:00 AM

When Texas state lawmakers convene Monday for a special legislative session, they will already be strapped for time. Members of the Legislature will have 30 days to work through a crowded agenda set by Gov. Greg Abbott defined largely by two items: legislation in response to Central Texas floods that killed more than 100 people, including dozens of children, and a redrawing of the state’s congressional districts ordered up by President Donald Trump. It appears there is wide consensus among lawmakers that the Legislature must pass laws aimed at preventing another flooding disaster like the Fourth of July one that’s become one of the deadliest in modern state history and raised serious questions about emergency preparedness in a state where millions of people live in areas vulnerable to flash floods. view article

The Texas Hill Country gave H-E-B its start. Now it’s providing flood relief.

July 1805:14 AM

H-E-B notes its roots in Kerrville as it deploys its mobile kitchen and $5 million in aid. Before H-E-B formally announced its rapid response to the torrential rain and flooding that hit the Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, the grocer's jump to action was likely expected by many Texans who have witnessed H-E-B's disaster relief for years. This time, however, the grocer's efforts feel deeply personal since H-E-B traces its founding back to Kerrville, which experienced some of the most devastating flooding. view article

Texas floods: Gov. Greg Abbott confirms more than 135 deaths statewide

July 1804:11 AM

The number of missing persons in Texas stands at 101. At least 134 people are dead after devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country that began early on the Fourth of July. The number of missing persons stands at 101. Search operations are ongoing in Kerr County. view article

College Station ISD board members talk phones, zoning, and teacher pay

July 1708:26 AM

The College Station ISD Board of Trustees met Tuesday evening for a workshop and regular meeting where the district’s top priorities took center stage: Student phone policies, school zoning, and staff pay. During the workshop discussion, trustees explored how the district plans to comply with House Bill 1481, a new state law that bans student use of personal communication devices such as cell phones on campus during the school day. view article

Principals at Dallas ISD find purpose amid educational hurdles

July 1708:25 AM

Outside Thomas Jefferson High School, educational pressures have been building. But inside was where Dallas ISD principals reverted to their “why.” “I’m a principal where I grew up,” Cedar Crest Elementary Principal Stacy Ray said. Having brought the school from a state grade of an “F” to a “B,” Ray said her focus has been on improving the school’s climate and culture. view article

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Sherman ISD announces pay raises for all positions in district

July 1708:21 AM

The starting teacher salary now sits at $60,000. As the new school year approaches, Sherman ISD staff got some good news Tuesday evening. “We were able to implement a $3,100 raise for teachers with 0 to 4 years of experience, a 5 thousand dollar raise for teachers with 5+ years experience,” Thomas O’Neal, Sherman ISD Superintendent, said. view article

Nonprofit hopes to offer Ten Commandments posters to all Montgomery County schools

July 1708:19 AM

Montgomery County school districts are making plans to comply with a new state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be on display in each Texas classroom. Gov. Greg Abbott in June signed off on Senate Bill 10, which states "a public elementary or secondary school shall display in a conspicuous place in each classroom of the school a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments." view article

Judson ISD is paying $1,500 a day for a financial consultant

July 1708:15 AM

The Judson Independent School District is paying an outside consultant $1,500 a day to help the school board understand the budget and reduce the deficit. That’s according to the consultant’s contract, obtained by TPR through an open records request. view article

Round Rock ISD Awarded $100,000 Grant from Rainwater Charitable Foundation

July 1708:15 AM

Round Rock ISD has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Rainwater Charitable Foundation to support an innovative initiative aimed at improving student outcomes in English Language Arts (ELA) through the use of emerging educational technology. The district’s proposal was selected for full funding as part of the Foundation’s Emerging Ed Tech grant opportunity for the 2025–2026 school year. According to the Foundation, Round Rock ISD’s project stood out for its innovation, potential for impact, and precise alignment with the grant's goals. view article

Feds charge 3 current or former Louisiana police chiefs in an alleged visa fraud scheme

July 1708:00 AM

Federal authorities have charged three current or former Louisiana police chiefs with taking bribes in exchange for filing false police reports that would allow noncitizens to seek a visa that lets certain crime victims stay in the U.S. U.S. Attorney Alexander C view article

Texas disaster preparedness and flooding committee will visit Kerr County

July 1705:37 AM

The Senate panel consists of seven Republicans and two Democrats. It first meets in Austin next week, then in Kerrville on July 31. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Monday named the nine state senators who will serve on the joint Disaster Preparedness and Flooding committee in response to the devastating floods that tore through Central Texas over the July Fourth weekend. The House and Senate joint committee will first meet on July 23 in Austin and then in Kerrville on July 31 to hear from Hill Country residents regarding their flood-related concerns. “Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas,” Patrick said in a July 10 press release. “In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers.” House Speaker Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, has yet to name the nine representatives that have been selected for its committee. Patrick and Burrows have both stated that their committees will meet jointly to find solutions. view article

Harlingen doctor becomes first Democrat to challenge GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz for South Texas congressional seat

July 1705:23 AM

The 15th Congressional District is the only Republican-held seat in Texas that Democrats are targeting under the current map. view article

“You can’t replace memories”: Volunteers seek to return personal items after Texas floods

July 1705:11 AM

Volunteers are hoping to find the owners of stuffed animals, photographs and other keepsakes salvaged from the debris. view article

Appeals court orders release of Uvalde school shooting records

July 1705:00 AM

Eighteen news organizations including The Texas Tribune have been seeking the records since 2022, when 19 children and 2 teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School. view article

Camp Mystic leader may not have seen urgent alert before Texas flood, family spokesman says

July 1705:00 AM

A spokesman for Camp Mystic, the Texas enclave devastated by a July 4 flash flood, is raising concerns about communication failures during the disaster view article

Supreme Court allows Trump to proceed with mass firings at Education Department

July 1705:00 AM

CNN — The Supreme Court on Monday said President Donald Trump may proceed with his plan to carry out mass layoffs at the Department of Education in the latest win for the White House at the conservative high court. In an unsigned order, the justices lifted for now a lower court ruling that had indefinitely paused Trump’s plan. The Supreme Court’s decision puts that ruling on hold while the legal challenge plays out. Within two hours, the Department of Education sent notices to employees indicating it is immediately resuming its plans to shrink the department. view article

Rain, storms and possible tropical depression aiming for the Gulf Coast

July 1704:13 AM

The storm system is expected to reach the coast of Louisiana by Thursday. A low-pressure system offshore of Florida's east coast, now designated as Invest 93L, is making its way westward across the Florida Panhandle and is likely to emerge or redevelop over the northern part of the Gulf on Wednesday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported on Wednesday morning that the tropical disturbance is forecasted to head toward the far northeastern to north-central part of the Gulf in the late afternoon or potentially evening hours. The disorganized activity is still expected to reach the coast of Louisiana by Thursday. view article

Midland ISD celebrates record-breaking AP scholar achievements

July 1610:05 AM

The 344 students recognized as AP Scholars for their outstanding performance on the May 2025 Advanced Placement (AP) exams marks a 47 percent increase in number of students from the previous year, with all four high school campuses contributing to this achievement. view article

Dallas ISD left with $22 million gap after Trump education funding freeze

July 1608:35 AM

The Trump administration’s decision to freeze billions of dollars in education funding will leave Dallas schools with a $22 million gap, according to district officials. That money covers roughly 150 staff positions, DISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde said Tuesday at a meeting with The Dallas Morning News editorial board. view article

Rio Grande Valley’s biggest free health clinic event of the year is canceled due to federal cuts

July 1608:30 AM

It’s the first time Operation Border Health has canceled in 26 years. More than 6,600 people received check-ups, dental services, diabetes screenings and more last year. It’s the first time Operation Border Health has canceled in 26 years. More than 6,600 people received check-ups, dental services, diabetes screenings and more last year. view article

Cell phone policy gets A+ from Amarillo ISD principals and teachers

July 1608:27 AM

Two Amarillo Independent School District principals presented a report to the AISD Board of Trustees Monday evening, July 14 about the recent cell phone policy enacted by the district and how it worked for students, teachers and parents. view article

Brownsville ISD scrambles after loss of federal funding

July 1608:27 AM

The Brownsville Independent School District is scrambling to keep $8.3 million in federal programs operating after President Donald Trump’s administration unexpectedly froze nearly $7 billion in funding previously approved by Congress. The developments on Monday came as the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to proceed with plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. view article

Federal funding freeze threatens Lufkin ISD after-school care

July 1608:25 AM

Lufkin ISD is now no longer able to access over $2 million worth of funding. Three weeks from school starting, they say they are not sure if they can provide after school care for their students. “I’m not real optimistic but I am hopeful,” said Lufkin ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry. Lufkin ISD is one of thousands of schools around the country affected by the $6 billion education funding freeze. view article

Copperas Cove ISD boosts teacher pay scale with $3,000 starting salary increase

July 1608:25 AM

The Copperas Cove ISD Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, July 15 approved an increase to the teacher pay scale. The trustees also agreed on a 3% raise from the midpoint for all of CCISD's administrative, clerical and auxiliary employees. With this approval, CCISD's starting teacher salary rose to $56,000, an increase of $3,000. With this increase in wages, alongside the recently approved House Bill 2, teachers with more than two years experience will receive a $2,500 increase in pay and teachers with more than five years experience will receive a $5,000 increase. view article

Denton ISD’s top 3 construction projects set to open for new school year

July 1608:18 AM

Denton ISD has kept a busy construction schedule for the last decade, and progress hasn’t let up. This fall, the district has three major projects on schedule to open in the fall. view article

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