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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The Tutoring Center sets opening date for second Prosper location

February 2508:44 AM

Prosper’s second franchise location of The Tutoring Center is set to open this spring. What you need to know: Owner Xin Dong said the center will open for sessions Feb. 23, with an official opening date of March 2. Dong said the center will offer one-to-one instruction in reading, math and writing for kindergarten through 12th grade students, with a focus on increasing students' academic skills and concentration span. view article

Taylor Rehmet sworn into Texas Senate District 9 after runoff upset.

February 2508:40 AM

Wambsganss vastly outspent Rehmet throughout the campaign. She raised more than $2.5 million throughout her campaign, while Rehmet raised less than $400,000. Top Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, campaigned heavily for Wambsganss, encouraging Republicans to turn out and vote. President Trump himself posted three separate messages about Wambsganns on social media in the days leading up to the election, calling her “a highly successful Entrepreneur, and an incredible supporter of our Movement to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” as well as “a GREAT Candidate” who “has my Complete and Total Endorsement." view article

Eastland County Republicans scramble as hand-count of primary ballots looms

February 2508:40 AM

EASTLAND, Texas — On Monday, a group of four people spent more than an hour at a table inside a Realtor’s office, hand-counting the results of two races on 100 sample ballots. It was only a week before Tuesday’s primary election, and for this small group, it was their first time practicing to tally votes by hand. They counted in batches of 25 and used different colored markers to keep track of where one counted batch ended and a new one began. They also used laminated tally sheets, which allowed them to erase and remark them if they made any errors. The group twice marked a vote for the wrong candidate, an error that meant they had to go back and start over and correct their laminated sheets. view article

Crockett vs. Talarico: Are Influencers Deciding Texas Senate Election?

February 2508:40 AM

The Texas Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico has been heavily shaped by social media influencers. Online creators on platforms like TikTok, X, and SubStack are driving viral moments and amplifying allegations against both candidates. The conversations are being framed as a broader debate over identity, electability, and the future of the Democratic party in Texas. Kayla Guo, reporter for The Texas Tribune, discusses the rising influence of these social media pundits and the changing landscape of political discourse. view article

Dan Patrick seeks to block Camp Mystic’s summer reopening pending inquiry into July 4 flood deaths

February 2508:40 AM

The lieutenant governor’s request to delay renewing the camp’s license came hours after parents who lost children in the July 4 flood sued the state for its alleged failure to enforce an evacuation plan requirement. Texas should not renew the license for Camp Mystic for this summer until the deaths of 25 campers, two counselors and its executive director on July 4 are investigated and necessary changes are made to be sure lives aren’t lost in a flood there again, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick urged the state health commissioner in a letter Monday. “It would be naive to allow Camp Mystic to return to normal operations before all of the facts are known,” Patrick wrote to Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer Shuford. “Camp Mystic should have decided on their own to suspend operations this coming summer, but it appears they are planning for camp in 2026 and will likely be seeking your approval to operate with a renewed license.” view article

Itasca ISD warns families after former student arrested in AI‑generated pornography case

February 2508:31 AM

The Itasca Independent School District in Hill County is warning families after a former high school student was arrested for creating AI‑generated pornography using photos of teachers and students, according to district officials. The district says the former student took photos of students and staff on Itasca ISD campuses and in neighboring districts, then used an artificial‑intelligence platform to alter them into nude and sexually explicit images digitally. view article

Former Point Isabel ISD substitute teacher sentenced after recording kindergarten students in the bathroom

February 2508:25 AM

A former substitute teacher at the Point Isabel Independent School District was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison on over 20 counts of child pornography-related charges, court records show. Leif Ericson Varnum secretly recorded kindergarten students while they used a classroom restroom with the door open, according to a statement from Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz. view article

Celina ISD hires new Athletic Director after previous AD resigned amid scandal

February 2508:25 AM

Celina ISD announced the hiring of a new athletic director after the previous AD, Bill Elliott, retired amid the investigation into his son's arrest on numerous sex crime charges. Brent Whitson, who previously was the athletic director and head football coach at Denison High School, will begin the role on March 23, the school district said in a press release view article

Former Principal embraces mindset shift in Beaumont ISD takeover

February 2508:25 AM

About 60 applicants attended a two-day training session over the weekend led by the Texas Education Agency. view article

HISD 2026 school closures: The Houston Chronicle’s complete coverage

February 2508:25 AM

In a sharp reversal, Houston ISD's state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles has proposed plans to close 12 schools by the 2026-27 school year. The district plans to close eight campuses and relocate four others, citing lower-than-expected enrollment and aging facilities. Over the past decade, the HISD schools slated for closure and co-locations have seen enrollment drop by nearly half, leaving most operating far below their ideal capacity. view article

Celina ISD to introduce new Athletic Director

February 2508:25 AM

Celina ISD announced the hiring of a new athletic director, Brent Whitson, after the previous leader retired when his son was arrested for sex crimes. view article

3 more Central Texas school districts reject daily prayer time under new state law

February 2508:25 AM

On Monday night, three more Central Texas school districts voted against setting aside time for prayer each day. Boards of trustees in Manor ISD, Hays CISD and San Marcos CISD passed resolutions against dedicating time for prayer. Under a new state law, school boards are required to vote on the issue. It is the result of Senate Bill 11, passed by state lawmakers during the regular legislative session last year. view article

College Station ISD lifts ‘Secure status’, threat deemed a hoax call

February 2508:24 AM

College Station ISD has lifted the Secure status at all campuses after law enforcement determined a reported threat was a hoax. Monday afternoon, all campuses were placed on secure status, meaning no one enters or leaves a building, but classes continue as normal, following a threat that prompted an extensive law enforcement response. view article

Former Principal embraces mindset shift in Beaumont ISD takeover

February 2508:18 AM

The state’s takeover of the Beaumont Independent School District is moving forward, with potential members of a new Board of Managers getting their first in-depth look at what leadership under state control could require. About 60 applicants attended a two-day training session over the weekend led by the Texas Education Agency. The agency will appoint a Board of Managers to govern the district as part of the intervention process. view article

Garrison ISD hires former state champion as athletic director, head football coach

February 2508:03 AM

Garrison ISD announced Monday night the hiring of Kerry Therwhanger as its new athletic director and head football coach. Therwhanger takes over for Brandon Alvarez, who left to join his father, Jack, at Center in January. view article

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Families frustrated by secrecy over Fort Worth ISD’s future leadership

February 2505:00 AM

Nearly 300 people want a seat on the Texas-appointed board replacing FWISD’s nine locally elected trustees, but none of their names are publicly known. The Fort Worth Report requested the list of applicants seeking to serve on the board of managers through Texas’ open records law. Agency officials declined to release it, requesting an opinion from the Texas attorney general’s office. That lack of transparency frustrates Fort Worth parents and residents as Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath prepares to appoint the managers in the coming weeks. The appointees will govern the district during the state takeover intended to bring significant academic gains for students. view article

Amazon’s Ring cuts ties with surveillance camera company used by ICE. Will schools?

February 2408:31 AM

Milo went missing. Yet it wasn’t the lost puppy that gave people the jitters — it was the promise behind the story: That a communitywide web of home security systems could transform a neighborhood into a “Search Party.” The Super Bowl commercial set off public backlash against two leading surveillance companies, Amazon, which owns Ring doorbell cameras, and Flock Safety, which makes license plate reader cameras. Within days, the e-commerce giant announced it was ditching a planned partnership with Atlanta-based Flock. view article

Houston school deadlines: Transfers, vouchers and key dates

February 2408:30 AM

Keep up-to-date on important public and private school deadlines with our frequently-updated calendar of events. School choice options are expanding, including charters, magnets programs and other alternatives within traditional public school systems. Many districts allow families to apply outside their assigned school zones, with application windows typically opening in early January and closing in March or April. view article

Dan Patrick urges health department to deny Camp Mystic a license

February 2408:30 AM

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is urging Texas’ health department to deny a license to Camp Mystic, where more than two dozen children and two young adults were killed in the July 4 flash flood last summer. It comes after the parents of nine victims filed a federal lawsuit earlier Monday against the Texas Department of State Health Services, accusing that state agency of wrongfully licensing the camp two days before the disaster even though the camp lacked an evacuation plan. view article

The Science Behind Why Bridges And Overpasses Freeze Before Roads In Winter

February 2408:30 AM

We have all seen the signs: “BRIDGE FREEZES BEFORE ROADWAY.” Well, it's true, and I'm here to break down why it does just that. Understanding the science behind this phenomenon can help you to not get caught off guard if your drive takes you over bridges, overpasses or elevated roads. view article

UT’s restructuring makes Texas less inclusive and more divided

February 2408:30 AM

In South Texas public schools, I learned about Robert E. Lee and George Washington and the histories of the United States and Texas. Yet not a single lesson addressed Mexican American history — our Indigenous and African roots or the men and women who shaped this country. It was as if only Anglos made history. view article

Austin spent $54M turning hotels into housing for the homeless. Here’s the breakdown

February 2408:30 AM

Austin leaders faced backlash when they bought six hotels for homeless services. Here’s what those properties became — and how much housing and shelter they now provide. From 2020 to 2022, Austin leaders faced strong public backlash over plans to purchase and convert six hotels and motels into homeless shelters and transitional housing. Opponents argued that businesses and homeowners were concerned about crime and safety, threatening legal action to stop the hotel conversion effort, while city leaders insisted that the hotels would provide more permanent supportive housing. view article

Not all paths to college and career readiness pay off equally for Texas students, study finds

February 2408:15 AM

Students who took English and math college prep courses were less likely to complete college than their peers who were not considered college ready at all. As Texas pushes more high schoolers to get ready for college and the workforce, new research suggests that some of the ways schools count students as ready don’t equally set them up for success after graduation. The state rewards Texas school districts for preparing students for life after graduation, tying college and career readiness to more school funding and a higher school performance rating. The Texas Education Agency has been increasingly strict on districts about college readiness. In the 2022-23 school year, state education officials raised the benchmark for schools to qualify for an A grade in the category of college and career readiness: Schools needed to get 88% of graduates ready for life after high school, up from 60% in prior years. view article

Map of Austin ISD 26-27 attendance boundaries and schools

February 2405:03 AM

Use our map to search for schools or special programs near you. School boundaries have changed for the 2026-27 school year. view article

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales says he won’t resign despite explicit texts with staffer

February 2405:00 AM

A growing number of House Republicans have called for Gonzales’ ouster — though he has yet to explicitly lose the support of any members who endorsed him. view article

Bexar County voter turnout is soaring this primary election. Here’s why the campaigns are sweating.

February 2405:00 AM

Five days into early voting for the March 3 primary, Bexar County voter turnout is higher than expected, Democrats are vastly outvoting Republicans and people who’ve never participated in a primary are turning out to help choose their party’s nominees. The last midterm election was in 2022, where Republicans voiced their displeasure with then-newly elected Joe Biden’s presidency. Don’t miss San Antonio Report’s essential politics coverage. ��️ view article

Attorney General Investigating Rep. Stan Kitzman Over Drainage District Role

February 2308:31 AM

The Texas constitution generally prevents lawmakers from holding other paid public offices. The Texas Attorney General’s Office is investigating State Rep. Stan Kitzman over questions surrounding his paid work for a local governmental entity while serving in the Legislature. The inquiry follows a report by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, which raised concerns about Kitzman’s role with the Brookshire-Katy Drainage District. According to documents highlighted in that report, Kitzman—through a private firm—has been performing administrative and management services for the district under an agreement reportedly worth more than $11,000 per month. The responsibilities listed in the contract include overseeing district operations, supervising employees, preparing budgets, and recommending tax rates. view article

How Pasadena ISD’s purchasing team just hit a 10-year milestone

February 2308:30 AM

Greetings Pasadena! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. In today's newsletter: How Pasadena ISD's purchasing team just hit a 10-year milestone Have a Pasadena warrant? See how to clear it without arrest. Which Pasadena ISD teacher will you send on a restorative retreat? view article

The border wall is closing in on Big Bend, sparking opposition by locals

February 2308:30 AM

Residents and elected officials are speaking out against a proposed border barrier through Texas’ biggest state park and one of the jewels of the national park system. REDFORD — Plans for a border wall through the Big Bend region of West Texas are raising alarms among residents and elected officials. U.S. Customs and Border Protection intends to build border barriers throughout this remote region of Texas that encompasses ranchland, small towns and a cherished state and national park. view article

Pearland ISD Theater Teacher ‘On Leave’ Over Alleged Misconduct

February 2308:30 AM

The Pearland High School teacher is under police investigation for alleged inappropriate behavior with a student. Police are investigating the allegations. “The Pearland Police Department is aware of the recent allegations involving a teacher at Pearland High School,” the department stated in a news release. “We are currently conducting an investigation to determine whether a criminal offense has occurred. At this stage of the investigation, no charges have been filed.” view article

Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry 

February 2308:30 AM

Evidence presented in court also showed that Hernandez was convicted in 2024 of sexual assault. An illegal alien previously convicted of sexual assault has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after being deported, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Texas announced. Cesar Carapia-Hernandez, 42, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to federal charges of illegally entering the U.S. He was found in December 2023 after having already been deported back to Mexico in 2022. Carapia-Hernandez was indicted by the Northern District of Texas in 2024. According to court filings, Hernandez agreed that he was not a citizen of the U.S. at the time alleged in the indictment, had been removed back to Mexico, was found back in the country, and did not receive the consent of the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reapply for admittance, which is a violation of federal code. view article

Dallas Judge Declares Mistrial in Tren de Aragua Capital Murder Case

February 2308:30 AM

Dallas Judge Ernest White has declared a mistrial in the county’s first capital murder case linked to the Venezuelan street gang Tren de Aragua. After three rounds of deliberation, jurors remained deadlocked. Carlos Zambrano Bolivar—25 years old at the time of the incident—was charged with capital murder and two counts of aggravated kidnapping in connection with the August 2024 murder of 33-year-old Nilzuly Arneaud Petit, a fellow gang member. Bolivar is one of four accused suspects. All four suspects were reportedly in the country illegally. Each had been taken into custody after crossing the border and were released with court dates under the Biden administration, according to DHS sources. view article

Republican AG Candidates Pressed on Closing Texas GOP Primaries

February 2308:30 AM

Candidates Middleton and Reitz differentiate themselves in the field of four. Republican candidates for Texas attorney general were asked in a recent debate whether the state GOP should be allowed to close its primaries to all but affiliated Republicans and what role the attorney general should play in the process. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy gave the briefest remarks of the bunch, saying that the primaries should be closed and that the attorney general should enforce the law. view article

Paxton Sues Shein for Poisoning Consumers, Exposing Texans’ Data to the CCP

February 2308:30 AM

Shein is the fifth China-connected company that Texas has sued this week .Attorney General Ken Paxton is escalating his campaign against Chinese Communist Party-linked corporations, filing his fifth anti-CCP lawsuit in four days—this time targeting global fast-fashion giant Shein for allegedly poisoning consumers and compromising their data privacy. view article

How pasadena ISD ‘s purchasing team

February 2308:28 AM

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

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