The Texas Tribune: Atirikta Kumarhttps://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/atirikta-kumar/The latest news by Atirikta Kumar.enWed, 11 Jun 2025 11:49:24 -0500Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker announces run for Lina Hidalgo’s seat atop Harris County governmenthttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/11/harris-county-judge-lina-hidalgo-annise-parker-2026/If Hidalgo decides to seek another term, she and Parker would face off in the March 2026 Democratic primary.By Atirikta KumarWed, 11 Jun 2025 11:49:24 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/11/harris-county-judge-lina-hidalgo-annise-parker-2026/Annise Parker speaks at The Texas Tribune Festival in Austin on Sept. 28, 2019.Annise Parker speaks at The Texas Tribune Festival in Austin on Sept. 28, 2019.Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas TribuneTexas high school students’ STAAR scores show gains in STEM fields, struggles in reading and literacyhttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/10/texas-staar-high-school-algebra-biology-stem/Education policy experts say the results align with Texas’ workforce goals but note that students still need help.By Atirikta Kumar, Graphics by Edison WuTue, 10 Jun 2025 17:39:24 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/10/texas-staar-high-school-algebra-biology-stem/A 9th grade student prepares for a pre-test in a program that provides support for students taking the STAAR test at Elsik High School in Houston on April 19, 2018.A 9th grade student prepares for a pre-test in a program that provides support for students taking the STAAR test, at Elsik High School in Houston on April 19, 2018.Pu Ying Huang for The Texas TribuneWatch a conversation with North Texas lawmakers on legislative session’s impacthttps://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/26/2025-legislative-session-north-texas/State Reps. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, and Salman Bhojani, D-Euless, discussed the House’s move toward the right.By Atirikta KumarFri, 30 May 2025 10:02:31 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/26/2025-legislative-session-north-texas/