The influential Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, is underway in Grapevine, Texas. While the annual event draws attendees and speakers from all over, a host of Texans — including Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Senate hopeful Ken Paxton and state Sen. Bryan Hughes — are scheduled to speak on Friday.

Caprock Canyon State Park and Trailway, home to the state's bison herd, has acquired around 1,100 new acres of land. Our Charley Maranville reports Texas Parks and Wildlife will seek public input on recreational opportunities for the property. On Thursday, the Dallas Independent School District board voted to offer free universal pre-K across the district. KERA’s Bill Zeeble reports enrollment starts next month.

Texas Tech men’s basketball saw its Big 12 Tournament run end Thursday with a loss to Iowa State. The Red Raiders opened strong but couldn’t recover from a second-half surge by the Cyclones. The exit comes a week after the Lady Raiders were also knocked out early in the conference tournament, as both teams now await their NCAA Tournament fate on Selection Sunday.