Author: Hannah Norton

Austin-area lawmakers said Dec. 12 they aim to spend that money on transportation, water infrastructure, education and more in 2025.

Despite generally warmer winters, extreme cold events are becoming more common in Texas. Officials have strengthened the state power grid since 2021, but one energy expert says more needs to be done to minimize outage risks.

About 5.3 million Texans are expected to drive to their Thanksgiving destinations, while about 315,000 people are expected to fly. Here’s what to know before hitting the road or heading to the airport this Thanksgiving.

The board is asking the Texas Legislature to allow it to review and rate school library books. The change would alleviate the burden on school districts and resolve a legal challenge to a 2023 state law, board members said.

Texas public school districts can soon begin purchasing new reading and math textbooks developed by the Texas Education Agency. Use of the state curriculum is optional, but districts that opt in will receive additional funding.

Freeman Martin, a senior official who has spent over 30 years with the department, will take over as director next month following the retirement of current DPS director Steve McCraw.

Proponents say the state textbooks will help close student achievement gaps, while critics argue frequent biblical references in the materials could isolate some students. The board will take a final vote Nov. 22.

The proposed textbooks were developed under a 2023 state law that overhauled Texas’ public school curriculum standards. Some Texans have criticized the materials for frequent references to the Bible, which others argue add important historical cont…

While life expectancy has risen in recent years, Americans are “living sick longer,” experts said Nov. 13. Some state senators said they would consider tightening regulations on food additives to promote healthier eating.

Texas public colleges and universities should not increase tuition for another two years, Gov. Greg Abbott said Nov. 13, citing “significant rising costs due to inflation.”