Accountability

With Lubbock ISD’s $290 million bond the only item on most Lubbock ballots in the May 3 election, many are considering the possible costs for taxpayers and the value of public schools in Lubbock’s economy. At the same time, questions of transparency and participation remain top of mind for district staff and community members alike.

Demonstrators filled streets in cities and towns all around the Lone Star State on Saturday for "50501" demonstrations. The coordinated, nationwide protests against the Trump administration saw major turnouts reported in Houston, Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio.

Some Texas legislators may be done questioning the merits of education savings accounts as it moves to a vote in the State House, but voters aren’t. Model programs in other states are showing rural voters could stand to lose the most, and they’re preparing to do the math on election day.

This legislative session, creating Education Savings Accounts — which would let parents use public funds towards private education costs — is a top priority for many Texas Republicans. But the voucher plan has also caused contentious clashes between some rural voters and the lawmakers who represent them.

James and Karen Jimerson's home was wrongfully raided in March 2019. Courts say they can't sue the officer who led the raid because of qualified immunity.

Dallas officials announced the installation of vehicle surveillance cameras in southwest Dallas. The company providing the service is named in a federal lawsuit.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission is asking the Legislature to allocate millions of the state's general revenue to rural public defense attorneys and offices.

Controversial voucher-like Education Savings Accounts seem a certainty after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott helped oust fellow Republicans who opposed them last year. But educators are wary about what a new plan could look like.

City of Lubbock’s Animal Services have confirmed an investigation is underway after reports from citizens over the treatment of a “critically injured dog.” The holidays can be stressful times, especially for families. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more from a local mental health expert on being patient and forgiving with others and with ourselves.

Lubbock Independent School District officials are investigating, and a teacher is on administrative leave after reports that multiple students suffered burn injuries from being made to perform bear crawls on a hot outdoor track. And Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies has more after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals refused to stop the October 17th execution of Texas Death Row inmate Robert Roberson.