A recently established office in Texas, empowered to investigate potential violations related to diversity, curriculum, and decision-making at public universities, currently lacks written guidelines outlining the procedures for such investigations. This gap persists despite the office having accepted complaints for almost three months. The Office of the Ombudsman, which operates under the Texas Higher Education…
In February, the Trump administration made a significant move by waiving more than two dozen environmental regulations to facilitate the construction of a 150-mile border barrier across West Texas. This project would impact areas such as Big Bend National Park and the adjacent state park, both known for their rugged terrain and stunning canyons along…
A shipping container in Fort Davis is the focal point of an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing telehealth services for an aging rural demographic. Nestled in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, Jeff Davis County grapples with significant healthcare accessibility issues. Almost 20% of the local population lacks dependable broadband internet, and the county’s only…
In the past year, Texas Republicans have implemented significant regulatory and legal changes that have dramatically affected the lives of noncitizens in the state. These new measures restrict access to occupational licenses, vehicle registration, commercial driver’s licenses, and in-state tuition for colleges and universities. The repercussions of these changes are particularly severe for the 1.7…
In an advertisement broadcast prior to the March primary, Chris Gober, a Republican candidate for Congress, was presented to voters as a “Trump conservative” and a “MAGA warrior,” emphasizing his capacity to engage in battles for his beliefs. The advertisement did not directly mention artificial intelligence (AI); rather, it highlighted Gober’s advocacy for technology investment…
The Texas Tribune has revamped its Public Schools Explorer to provide families and educators with more timely data and features, making it easier to navigate the extensive public school system in Texas. With a total of 1,202 school districts and 9,113 public schools, including numerous charter schools and alternative campuses, the state of Texas serves…
A political action committee backed by some of Texas’ most influential hardline conservative donors has emerged as the primary financial supporter of Bo French’s campaign for the Texas Railroad Commission during the recent Republican primary in March, investing a total of $375,000 to support his candidacy. The Texas Freedom Fund for the Advancement of Justice,…
Every year, thousands of students enroll in courses that ultimately do not contribute to their degree progress, resulting in lost transfer credits, extended academic timelines, and increased educational expenses. During the 2023-24 academic year, over 19,000 students from Texas community colleges found themselves without credit for at least one transferred course when moving to a…
Impact of Immigration Policies on Healthcare Access in Texas Last October, during a child’s birthday celebration, a 54-year-old woman from Edinburg, Texas, fell onto a tile floor, missing her chair. In excruciating pain, she pleaded, “Don’t take me to the hospital,” fearing that seeking medical help could expose her as an undocumented immigrant and lead…
WACO — The atmosphere at Third Future Schools is distinctly different from traditional educational settings, as school bells and announcements are notably absent from the daily routine. This nonprofit charter organization provides its teachers with competitive salaries, but those educators are required to adhere strictly to a prescribed curriculum while also working longer hours and…
