Texas DEI ban in public schools gets House approval
Senate Bill 12’s supporters say DEI programs use class time and public funds to promote political agendas. Full Story
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Sofia Sorochinskaia is an Austin-based reporting fellow and a junior at Northwestern University who is studying journalism and international studies. Born and raised in Russia, Sofia has worked as a news producer at TV Rain, contributed to the Russia.Post project at George Washington University, and interned as a reporter at The Moscow Times. She also covered national security in Washington, D.C., for Medill News Service. In 2025, she received the Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Award. Sofia speaks English, Russian and German.
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![Passing period at United South High School in Laredo.]()
Credit: Rachel Zein for The Texas Tribune -
"See how we do things": Austin cannabis shop invites Texas lawmakers wanting to ban THC
A bill that would make it illegal to sell THC products could soon head over to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. For a cannabis store employee, lawmakers don't know enough about the industry they're trying to shut down. Full Story
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![Topical CBD products sit on display at Sweet Sensi, a THC shop five blocks away from the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on May 22, 2025.]()
Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune -
Texas Legislature moves to build Texas Life Memorial on Capitol grounds
Approval of the monument comes as the lower chamber prepares to debate the “Life of the Mother Act” bill later this week. Full Story
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![A rendering of the National Life Monument, which will be installed facing the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. Replicas are planned for all 50 states.]()
Credit: National Life Monument website -
Texas lawmakers debating DEI ban in K-12 schools ask: Do students benefit from teachers who look like them?
Conservative lawmakers say DEI efforts are discriminatory and push liberal ideologies on children. Critics point to research showing a diverse teacher body helps students succeed academically. Full Story
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![Instructor's Aid, Nicole Johnson, walks JoAnn Zavala's pre-K students down the hall to music class, their first "specials" visit for the day, on Sept. 5, 2019.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
It’s not just about vouchers and school funding. Here are other Texas public education bills you should track.
Student discipline, uncertified teachers and school bans on DEI and cellphones are some of the topics being debated at the Texas Legislature this session. Full Story
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![A classroom at Kennedy-Powell Elementary in Temple on April 17, 2025.]()
Credit: Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Texas Tribune -
Texas attorney general wins $60 million judgment in pollution lawsuit
A Texas business illegally dumped industrial waste into Skull Creek in Colorado County six years ago, then residents complained to the attorney general’s office. Full Story
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![Earthen dams separate black water (top) from muddy water (bottom) at Inland Environmental & Remediation, Inc., south of Columbus, Texas, on April 14, 2019.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
UT-Dallas’ new president will be Prabhas Moghe, regents say
Moghe, Rutgers University’s chief academic officer, is a biochemical and biomedical engineer and a former international student. He is expected to start in his new role later this year. Full Story
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![The University of Texas System Board of Regents has named Prabhas V. Moghe as the sole finalist for the next presidency at The University of Texas at Dallas.]()
Credit: University of Texas System website -
Texas strips protections for teachers, parents who share “obscene” material with children
A fiery debate on the House floor Friday gave way to the Senate Bill 412’s final vote. Supporters say it’s needed to protect children. Full Story
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![The library at Blanco Vista Elementary in San Marcos on Nov. 4, 2021.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
A now-discarded plan to split Keller ISD caused a stir. Lawmakers now want clear rules on how to divide districts.
A House bill would require school districts to hold an election before breaking into smaller entities. Full Story
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![The Texas House of Representatives Public Education Committee hears public testimony on House Bill 1481 relating to the use of personal wireless communication devices during school hours and activities in Austin on March 18, 2025.]()
Credit: Kaylee Greenlee for The Texas Tribune -
Texas students say K-12 DEI ban and other anti-LGBTQ+ bills threaten their safety, voice and mental health
Students are concerned the legislation could silence supportive teachers, dismantle safe spaces, lead to overenforcement and prevent honest conversations about identity. Full Story
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![Marshall Romero, 16, poses for a portrait outside of Alief Early College High School in Houston on Friday, April 25, 2025.]()
Credit: Joseph Bui for The Texas Tribune