State Lead Story
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How more Texas universities are bending the knee to far-right extremism
Staff at both the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas have been fired for allegedly violating the state’s diversity, equity, and inclusion ban.
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Texas residential construction is breaking down under Trump administration
Texas has long relied on rapid construction to keep housing relatively affordable and to absorb a fast-growing population. But beyond that, the construction sector in Texas is a critical economic engine, contributing $144 billion (5.1%) to the state’s total GDP in early 2025. A slowdown in residential construction has created a drag on overall state…
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Higher education advocates call on lawmakers to fight for academic freedom in Texas
A coalition of educators and union members are calling on Texas lawmakers to adopt a new policy platform that centers the needs of workers and students over billionaires and corporate interests at higher education institutions.
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The Black mother bias: North Texans want equity in the birth room and boardroom
Tenaj Mays of McKinney was in the early stages of her first pregnancy when she first realized her corporate banking job might really be in jeopardy. She knew about the motherhood tax—the indirect punishment put on career women who attempt to straddle work and motherhood. She expected, at least, a temporary pause to her corporate…
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Carroll Wiseman’s legacy was written in the stars
NASA’s historic Artemis II mission named a lunar crater after the late Carroll Wiseman, a former Friendswood nurse. Here’s what to know.
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Inside Texas’s controversial social studies overhaul
The politicization of Texas classrooms continues as the State Board of Education (SBOE) will deliberate rushed social studies teaching standards next week that put a greater emphasis on Western and Texas history at the expense of other cultures.
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Texas private school voucher applications are closed. Now what?
The application period for Texas’ $1 billion private school voucher program ended last night. Here’s what happens next.
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What to know about the 2026 Art Car Parade, Houston’s largest free public event
Houston’s wildest free event, the Art Car Parade, is back with 250 rolling masterpieces, 315,000 fans, and one unforgettable parade.
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‘People have the power’: Dallas organizer on the importance of ‘No Kings’ protests
Hear from a Dallas “No Kings” organizer about the importance of peaceful protest and organized resistance under the Trump administration ahead of Saturday’s nationwide demonstration.
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She was told to say her goodbyes—then Obamacare saved her life
She was issued a death sentence, but monthslong treatment, covered by insurance provided through the Affordable Care Act, gave her a new life.
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Why Texans are voting with education in mind this midterm election
Texans have a chance to elect staunch public education advocates to several statewide seats in November.
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7 times labor unions shaped history in Texas
From garnering better wages for pecan shellers to the first hotel strike in Texas, these labor unions have made a difference for their workers.
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Texans will head back to the polls for these runoff elections in May
In Texas, a candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote to win an election, otherwise the top two vote-getters face a rematch in a runoff election, which will be held on May 26.
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The history of Texas Longhorn cattle: From Christopher Columbus to a record Fort Worth sale
Texas Longhorn cattle have a rich, centuries-long history that has led to the prestigious state icon they are today.
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‘Carry one another’s burden’: Texas pastor marches 90 miles to protest ICE detentions
Garcia, pastor of the immigrant-led Roca de Refugio Church, has seen 18 members of her congregation detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since last May. To her, the nearly 26 miles she walks each day pale in comparison to what detainees are enduring.
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Texas Democrat demands that El Paso detention center be shut down
Camp East Montana in El Paso has been operational for six months, and at least three people have died at the site since December 2025.
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Judge blocks 3 Texas school districts from enforcing DEI ban
Teachers and students in Texas started the 2025-26 school year under a new law that prohibits gender and sexuality alliance clubs at high schools across the state.
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OPINION: Texas froze HUB over a lawsuit. The lawsuit is gone. The freeze isn’t.
When rules change overnight, businesses don’t make bold investments. They pull back. They stop hiring. Some stop bidding altogether. And once capable vendors leave the public marketplace, they rarely rush back. Agencies lose options, competition shrinks, and taxpayers lose price pressure.
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‘ I want to return respect to the profession’: Why this educator is running for the Texas SBOE
Texas voters have a large say in shaping public education this year, as eight out of 15 State Board of Education districts will be on the ballot March 3.
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Texas lawmakers push for transparency on water consumption by AI facilities and data centers
Lawmakers say the data will help guide long‑term planning as Texas faces rising demand from major cities, agriculture, and industry.
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NASA’s Artemis II mission plans to take astronauts further than they’ve ever been
It’s been over 50 years since astronauts have experienced the Moon’s gravitational pull. Apollo 17 accomplished the feat in December 1972, and now, a new group is set to follow in their footsteps this March. NASA’s Artemis Program—named after the Greek goddess Artemis, who is often depicted as representing the Moon—was designed to help create a…
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5 Black Texas authors to read for Black History Month (and all-year)
That’s why in honor of Black History Month, we rounded up six Black Texas authors who are making a splash in the literary world.
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Buddhist monks bring message of peace to Fort Worth on Valentine’s Day after 2,000+-mile journey
Buddhist monks will complete their 2,000+ mile walk for peace in Fort Worth on February 14. Here’s what you need to know.
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On the issues: a Q&A with the Texas Democrats running for U.S. Senate
In a rare opportunity for Texas Democrats, this year’s primary for U.S. Senate features a highly competitive race between two rising stars with national audiences and strong fundraising abilities.
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As skilled labor declines, Texas faces delays in post-disaster recovery
A decline in skilled workers is leading to longer recovery and rebuilding processes following natural disasters. Several factors are at play.
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Greg Abbott wants Austin school district investigated after students protest ICE during class
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath to investigate Austin ISD after hundreds of students walked out of class to protest US Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Friday.
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What Texans need to know about ICE and their rights
We spoke to a legal expert about what to do if you encounter ICE, what local police can and can’t do, and how to get involved to protect your neighbors.
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Greg Abbott halts visas for foreign workers at Texas universities
Public universities across the state can’t seek new visas without the Texas Workforce Commission’s permission from now until the end of the 2027 legislative session under a new directive from Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
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Texas US Senate candidates call for ICE overhaul after Minnesota shooting death
Democratic US Senate candidates Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico addressed the hostile actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and called for the impeachment of US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem during a Saturday debate.
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How Texas A&M became ground zero for higher education’s culture war
Dr. Leonard Bright’s Ethics and Public Policy course was canceled a few days into the semester. It’s just one in a string of attacks on academic freedom at the university.
