Education

Three people are confirmed dead from flash floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico on Tuesday afternoon. Our reporter Sean Ryan says the region is preparing for the potential of more flooding and thunderstorms this weekend. As part of the special legislative session, Texas' governor Greg Abbott has directed lawmakers to come up with a replacement to the STAAR test. Houston Public Media’s Andrew Schneider report it’s an open question how well that will address the problems critics have with the way standardized tests are used in Texas.

The long-awaited vote survived objections from the panel's most right-leaning Republicans, who criticized the lessons as "un-American woke indoctrination."

Last week, Lubbock ISD school board trustees voted unanimously to approve the budget for the upcoming school year with a $7 million deficit. Our reporter Brad Burt says this budget is subject to change as officials reckon with new money coming from the state legislature. Texas is stepping up its defense against a dangerous livestock pest. KERA's Katherine Hobbs reports on the creation of the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team.

The organizations, which recently won a legal victory against Louisiana over its law requiring the Ten Commandments in schools, are also considering a suit against Texas over its new law allowing for prayer and Bible readings in public schools.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, even though a similar Louisiana law was deemed unconstitutional. Supporters say Christianity is core to U.S. history.

The Texas Education Agency released its preliminary results from this spring’s STAAR tests last week. Our Bishop Van Buren has more on the results for local school districts. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that a Houston-area father’s extensive criminal history is grounds to terminate his parental rights. KERA's Toluwani Osibamowo reports this could set a precedent for similar cases going forward.

Lubbock ISD announced yesterday the hiring of a new head coach for the Lubbock High School girls basketball team. President Trump has reneged on billions of dollars for states to improve broadband Internet usage. Texas Public Radio’s Paul Flahive reports Texas would have gained $55 million. The City of Lubbock Water Utilities Department is reminding residents that fats, oils and grease — or FOG — should not be poured down the drain. And along with trash, composting, or reusing, FOG can be recycled at the Southside Citizens Convenience Station on 1631 84th Street.

In searching for a way to improve literacy outcomes in their city, the Literacy Council in Texarkana partnered with other groups providing social services to help people get on their feet.

Yesterday was the last day of the 89th Texas Legislature. A bill was approved by the House and Senate to remove challenged books from public school libraries until a decision is made on if they are appropriate. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports on another public education bill which missed a key legislative deadline. The bill would have replaced the STAAR test for public schools. Drivers should be aware of temporary road closures and a large number of emergency personnel around Atkins Middle School during its emergency exercise this morning until noon.

The last day of Texas' 2025 legislative session is here. After 140 days at the Capitol in Austin, the Texas Legislature has passed more than 3,400 bills and resolutions. Here's a look at some of the most significant items that — barring a veto from Gov. Greg Abbott — could soon become law.