Education

A new state law goes into effect today that bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Texas colleges and universities. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more on how schools are complying with Senate Bill 17. Texas Public Radio’s Gaige Davila has the latest after the Department of Justice said Texas’ most recent immigration law, which made illegal immigration a state crime, is unconstitutional.

Just before the holidays, Texas continues to have the cheapest gas in the country. Houston Public Media’s Gail Delaughter looks at what’s driving down prices. Another Texas school board voted unanimously this week to accept chaplains as school counselors. But, as KERA's Bill Zeeble reports, that's only if they meet state standards and requirements.

Texas Public Radio’s Gaige Davila reports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to weigh in on expanding two national wildlife refuges in Texas. KERA’s Bill Zeeble has more as North Texas school boards voted to let chaplains volunteer in district schools, but not serve as counselors.

The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán reports constitutional amendments will be implemented, despite a handful of lawsuits challenging the election. KERA’s Bill Zeeble has more on the Texas Freedom to Read Project, a new statewide organization pushing back on school district book bans.

KUT’s Becky Fogel reports a statewide survey found the median salary for a Texas school superintendent increased slightly this year. And family announced the former Lubbock firefighter, Matt Dawson, has passed away.

The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán reports after the Texas House of Representatives voted to remove a provision that would have created school vouchers from an education omnibus bill. Texas Public Radio's Jerry Clayton has more on a new host who will take over for the popular television show “Texas Country Reporter,” after more than 50 years.

For the first time this year, the Texas House of Representatives will vote today on a measure that would create education savings accounts. The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has more on the uphill battle for the voucher-like program that would divert public funds into private schools. Texas Public Radio's Josh Peck reports Starbucks workers at two unionized San Antonio stores joined more than 200 other unionized stores on strike in what they dub the “Red Cup Rebellion.”

Texas voters approved the establishment of a Texas University Fund. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on this effort to bring over $3 billion to state universities. Voters also approved an amendment designed to protect farmers and ranchers from municipal regulations. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has details on the approval of Proposition 1.

Investigators confirmed Deputy Chief Leath McClure with the Lubbock Police Department was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of continuous violence against the family. The Texas Newsroom’s Sergio Martínez-Beltrán has more on Texas House Democrats' education plan in response to Gov. Abbott's push for school vouchers.

Within Lubbock school districts, not many books have been banned, according to librarians, and having books challenged is rare, but on the rise. They said the book-banning debate has a chilling effect on library professionals, with some not buying LGBTQ+ books for fear of pushback.