POLITICS
How to fight Texas’ ‘trash’ school library censorship policies
| July 3, 2025
bannedbooks | EXCO-Player | old texas | public education | public school | TEXAS | TEXAS LEGISLATURE | TEXAS POLITICS | TEXAS SENATE | youtube
Senate Bill 13, which literacy advocates say will destroy public school libraries and make book banning easier in Texas, takes power away from public school librarians and gives it to school boards and parents instead.
But local advocates like Laney Hawes, co-director of the Texas Freedom to Read Project, are fighting back.
SB 13 creates an advisory committee made up of parents that school boards can delegate decision making to, but there’s an option in the new law that allows districts to not adopt the council.
“ Our recommendation is, to districts, do not approve the library council in your school districts because it doesn't work,” Hawes told COURIER Texas. “It wasn't written to work. Don't do it. It's too many steps, and it’s going to destroy your school library.”
As DEI faces pushback, Houston partners with Kroger to launch jobs initiative
| July 2, 2025
As DEI programs face pushback nationally, Houston is leaning in. Roderick Batson, with support from the city of Houston and Kroger, has launched Helping Heroes Staffing to create real job opportunities for people with special needs.
Senate passes GOP’s tax and spending bill with Cornyn, Cruz priorities included
| July 2, 2025
ECONOMY | EDUCATION | greg abbott | lawmakers | laws | NATIONAL NEWS | national politics | TEXAS | Texas Lead Story
Following a 26-hour marathon voting session and lengthy, late-night negotiations, the U.S. Senate has passed its version of Republicans’ landmark tax and spending bill with both Texas senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, voting for the legislation.
Two schools, one law: Texas A&M, Texas Southern University navigate NCAA shakeup
| June 30, 2025
Texas A&M and Texas Southern are navigating a landmark shift in college athletics compensation following the passage of Texas House Bill 126.
Protesters urge John Cornyn to vote no on Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
| June 27, 2025
About 50 protesters urged Sen. John Cornyn to oppose Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” warning it would harm healthcare and social services.