Abbott signs voucher bill into law

Gov. Greg Abbott last week signed a $1 billion private school voucher bill into law in front of a large crowd at the Governor’s Mansion, the San Antonio Express-News and other media outlets reported. Abbott called the new law the biggest legislative win of his time in the governor’s office and touted the new program as the largest in the nation.

House bill proposes new standardized test

A Texas House bill would eliminate the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness test and replace it with a test comparing students’ performance to one another rather than state-set standards, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

House Bill 4 would also create benchmark tests to measure students’ academic performance throughout the year.

TEA releases 2023 A-F accountability ratings

After a prolonged delay because of a lawsuit filed by about 100 school districts, the Texas Education Agency has released the 2023 A-F accountability ratings, indicating the share of campuses that received a passing ranking dropped by 14% from 2022.

House passes school voucher bill

Paxton, Cornyn gear up for primary battle

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made it official last week, announcing he will challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in next March’s Republican primary. The fireworks already have begun, the Austin American-Statesman reported, with Cornyn calling his rival “a con man and a fraud.”

Appeals court: TEA can release A-F school ratings

A judge with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that the Texas Education Agency can release its 2023 A-F school accountability ratings, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Today, possibly more than ever, you must realize you are not alone in this crazy and unpredictable business environment. Each day, a new bump, twist or challenge comes along. But your membership in America’s Newspapers can make an incredible difference.

By Leonard Woolsey, President of America’s Newspapers

As the tariffs loomed and arrived, I heard a familiar song dancing in my head. While you might hear The Beatles, I hear Joe Cocker — but the sentiment of “With A Little Help From My Friends” is what we all need to internalize: You are not alone.

I’m happy to report that a crisis I mentioned last in the newspaper industry has been averted. 

By Austin Lewter, director, Texas Center for Community Journalism

Last month, we told you the Tri-County Reporter in Springtown and Azle was closing. 

Well, it turns out that’s not the case. They found a buyer — a local family from the community who recognized the value of a vibrant hometown newspaper. 

Senate bill would curb home insurance rates without approval

Lawmakers in the Texas Senate are considering a measure that would require home insurers to get approval from regulators before increasing rates more than 10%, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Senate backs prayer time, Ten Commandments in classrooms

The Texas Senate last week passed a bill to allow school districts to set aside time for in-school prayer and gave initial approval to requiring all schools to post a copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom.