Texas proposes hiking licensing fees for summer camps by as much as 4,000%
| December 1, 2025
In their latest effort to boost camp oversight in the wake of the deadly July 4 floods, Texas officials have proposed hiking annual licensing fees for operators by thousands of dollars and slashing the number of camp representatives on a statewide committee that advises on industry regulations.
Pollard believes HPD’s decision to halt District J’s patrol funds was political
| November 26, 2025
The Houston Police Department has rejected overtime funds from Councilmember Edward Pollard, ending the District J Patrol program.
Texas schools are using AI to ban more books
| November 26, 2025
AI | book ban | EDUCATION | EXCO-Player | local politics | old texas | public education | public schools | TEXAS
School boards across Texas that are struggling to comply with a new state law restricting “inappropriate” materials on library shelves are turning to artificial intelligence for help.
Why Texas students need school libraries
| November 26, 2025
Watch as Amanda Jones, author of “That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America,” shares how school libraries help boost student performance and what happens when libraries are turned into disciplinary centers or computer labs.
Jones’ comments came during an event at Half Price Books in Dallas on Saturday.
Houston turkey drive helps families in need for Thanksgiving
| November 26, 2025
Houston families facing food insecurity, made worse by the interruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the federal government shutdown, received a boost: 600 turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving.
Houston City Council Member Tiffany Thomas, who represents District F in west Houston, donated 300 turkeys, adding to the 150 from Alief ISD and 150 from Houston ISD. The turkey drives were held Nov. 19 and Nov. 21.