Long lines linger at Houston’s biggest airport as TSA agents miss work during partial government shutdown

The ongoing partial government shutdown has led to long security lines at airports across the country, but no airport has felt the effects as acutely as George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. On Thursday, wait times at Bush, one of the nation’s busiest airports, reached four hours or more, with lines extending outside its terminals. Passenger volume at Bush is expected to get worse this weekend, driven by major events in Houston, including the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. The lines are a result of many Transportation Security Administration officers — who aren’t getting paid during the shutdown — not coming to work. As airline passengers waited in long lines and congressional negotiators appeared far from a deal to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, President Donald Trump late Thursday said on social media that he will sign an emergency order for the department, which oversees TSA, to immediately pay TSA officers. He did not elaborate where the money for the agency, unfunded by Congress for more than a month, would come from.
Northside ISD has nearly $200 million in 2022 bond project ‘on hold’

Nine school improvement projects totaling nearly $200 million from Northside Independent School District's 2022 bond issue are "on hold" with no indication of when the projects will be built. Just four years after its nearly $1 billion bond election, San Antonio's largest school district intends to seek voter approval in November on a bond package for security upgrades and other improvements. Northside's Building Committee got an update Wednesday on the $198.47 million in projects that were approved nearly four years ago but have not since been executed. Superintendent John Craft told a panel of trustees he wants to "be careful in not putting millions and millions of dollars into these facilities and then having to come back in a very short amount of time (and saying), 'Well, we really need more science labs.'
147 measles cases reported in Texas so far this year, most of them in federal detention centers

Local officials report that 108 of the cases originated in a contracted detention facility in Hudspeth County. The largest outbreak is in a single contracted federal detention facility in Hudspeth County, as of March 18, according to DSHS. Hudspeth County Judge Joanna MacKenzie told The Texas Tribune that the 108 cases are all at the West Texas Detention Facility, which is managed by LaSalle Corrections, a private company. The facility has previously housed immigrant detainees, though it’s not clear if it still does. It does not appear on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s list of detention facilities. “Not having jurisdiction, my office is not involved in response,” MacKenzie added in a statement, “however I remain in communication with DSHS and LaSalle, as I regularly do.”
Why an East Texas rancher donated part of his water rights to the state

JEFFERSON COUNTY — Bob Sanders bumps along the dirt roads of his 1,100-acre ranch in a beat up burgundy Chevrolet Suburban, the engine roaring as his sprawling cattle operation, known locally for its wagyu beef, stretches around him. A shotgun rides in the passenger seat and battered binoculars sit on the dashboard. The sloping pasture where his rust-colored cows graze gives way to trees that flank a narrow ribbon of water. It doesn’t look like much, just a slow-moving channel threading through sweetgums and cypress, but this 2.6-mile stretch of the Big Cypress Bayou carries a lot of weight — it connects Lake O’ the Pines, the region’s main water supply, to Caddo Lake, the state’s only natural lake. Water feels abundant in the area. But even in this lush corner of the state, water is increasingly top of mind. For Sanders and many of his neighbors, the bayou represents something increasingly fragile in Texas: water that still belongs to the landscape it came from. The sloping pasture where his rust-colored cows graze gives way to trees that flank a narrow ribbon of water. It doesn’t look like much, just a slow-moving channel threading through sweetgums and cypress, but this 2.6-mile stretch of the Big Cypress Bayou carries a lot of weight — it connects Lake O’ the Pines, the region’s main water supply, to Caddo Lake, the state’s only natural lake. Water feels abundant in the area. But even in this lush corner of the state, water is increasingly top of mind. For Sanders and many of his neighbors, the bayou represents something increasingly fragile in Texas: water that still belongs to the landscape it came from.
Muslim parents, private schools sue Texas over exclusion of Islamic institutions in voucher program

The federal lawsuits argue Texas officials are engaging in religious discrimination by preventing Islamic private schools from accessing state voucher money. Four Muslim parents and three private schools have sued Texas leaders for excluding Islamic private schools from participating in the state’s private school voucher program. The two federal lawsuits ask the court to block the voucher program from discriminating on the basis of religion. The first suit, filed March 1 by a parent acting on behalf of two children who attend a Houston private school, names Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock and Education Commissioner Mike Morath as defendants. A second suit filed March 11 by three parents and three schools names Hancock and Mary Katherine Stout, education savings account program manager, as defendants. Here’s what to know.
As Superintendent Karen Molinar exits takeover, Texas signals a hard reset for Fort Worth ISD

FWISD Superintendent Karen Molinar observed the children learning as she visited classrooms Monday and Tuesday, knowing the clock on her three decades in Fort Worth schools was winding down. Molinar, 51, learned her time in the district that grew her from a reading teacher into a principal and, eventually, the leader of its schools was over after the Texas education commissioner told her last week she won’t serve during the state takeover. She informed families and staff Wednesday that she will not remain as superintendent. “I promised them at the beginning of this that I would be transparent, and I would give them updates,” Molinar told the Fort Worth Report. “I had to do that even when it came to what would happen to me personally and professionally. I had to stand up to my word.” Her impending departure from FWISD drew mixed reactions. Some teachers, parents and city leaders praised Molinar’s decades of service and insisted she should remain in the role during the takeover. Others argued new leadership is necessary as state leaders try to turnaround years of failing academics in Fort Worth.

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Preventive Law: Viewing AI Risk Through a School Law Lens

April 0710:28 AM

Artificial intelligence (“AI”) use is on the rise in Texas schools. From lesson-planning platforms to student-facing chatbots, AI is reshaping how instruction happens. But as more people use AI, one question lingers: Who is responsible when mishaps occur? In Texas, AI creates legal complexities where education law already demands careful attention to student privacy, curriculum standards, and teacher certification. Because AI provides a new way to violate state and federal laws, even inadvertently, educators and administrators must be mindful when using AI to ensure that the law is still being followed.

Texas is cutting undocumented immigrants off from school, work and driving

April 0708:40 AM

The sweeping rule changes, all enacted outside the typical legislative process, have upended life for noncitizens, including those who are here legally. Over the last year, Texas Republicans have enacted sweeping regulatory and legal changes that have upended all facets of life for noncitizens. The state has limited who can get an occupational license; register or buy a car; obtain commercial driver’s licenses; and get in-state tuition at colleges and universities. Over the last year, Texas Republicans have enacted sweeping regulatory and legal changes that have upended all facets of life for noncitizens. The state has limited who can get an occupational license; register or buy a car; obtain commercial driver’s licenses; and get in-state tuition at colleges and universities. The changes are wreaking havoc on the 1.7 million people without documentation in Texas, as well as tens of thousands of refugees and people with protected legal status, like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Already, more than 6,400 refugees and DACA recipients have lost their commercial driver’s licenses. Many more noncitizens are expected to lose the ability to work in licensed industries from construction and medicine to air conditioning and cosmetology.The changes are wreaking havoc on the 1.7 million people without documentation in Texas, as well as tens of thousands of refugees and people with protected legal status, like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Already, more than 6,400 refugees and DACA recipients have lost their commercial driver’s licenses. Many more noncitizens are expected to lose the ability to work in licensed industries from construction and medicine to air conditioning and cosmetology. view article

Texas Moves To Block Professional & Commercial Licenses for Illegal Aliens

April 0705:00 AM

The rule comes after a recent opinion by Attorney General Ken Paxton requiring licensing authorities to obtain social security numbers from applicants. Beginning May 1, Texas will bar individuals who cannot prove they are lawfully present in the U.S. from obtaining or renewing state‑issued professional licenses. It will also impact occupational and trade licenses. Commissioners for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) approved a new rule on Tuesday to check the lawful presence of people applying for or renewing state licenses when they are flagged for verification. The new rule requires TDLR to verify an applicant’s eligibility under federal immigration law when that applicant is selected for verification under department procedures. It applies across all TDLR‑regulated licenses. If an applicant is selected, they must submit documentation before a license can be issued or renewed. view article

GRAPELAND ISD HIRES JIM DUNLAP OF ARROW EDUCATIONAL SERVICES TO CONDUCT SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

April 0208:35 AM

The board of trustees of the Grapeland Independent School District has contracted with Mr. Jim Dunlap of Arrow Educational Services, Inc. to assist them in their search for a new superintendent. He will be assisted by GISD superintendent Mr. Terry Myers. Information and the application process is available on arrowsearchinc.com and the TASA Supersearch page. view article

Bullard ISD officially names Dr. Micah Dyer as superintendent

March 1805:00 AM

The Bullard ISD Board of Trustees officially named Dr. Micah Dyer as the district’s new superintendent during a special meeting Tuesday. Trustees had previously selected Dyer as the lone finalist in February, with state law requiring a 21-day waiting period before a formal hire. He will begin his new role on March 30, following Interim Superintendent Dr. Jan Hill’s last board meeting next Monday. “She’s been a blessing to this district and helping them with this transition,” Dyer said. “I look forward to the opportunity to get to work with her as I transition into this job full time.” Read more at: https://tylerpaper.com/2026/03/18/bullard-isd-officially-names-dr-micah-dyer-as-superintendent/ view article

John Cornyn wallops Ken Paxton in first quarter fundraising for U.S. Senate seat

April 1608:49 AM

Both Republican candidates lagged far behind Democratic candidate James Talarico.. Sen. John Cornyn outraised Attorney General Ken Paxton by fourfold in the first quarter of 2026, a key period that encompassed the Senate Republican primary and the beginning of the runoff between them. As in past quarters, Cornyn’s fundraising apparatus — which includes his campaign committee and two joint fundraising committees with entities like the National Republican Senatorial Committee — outpaced Paxton’s. Cornyn raised about $9 million and had nearly $8.2 million in cash on hand across the accounts under his control, according to his first quarter campaign finance reports. The Cornyn campaign said that $3.4 million of that haul was raised in the weeks after the March 3 primary. view article

Camp Mystic security guard says an early evacuation order could have saved lives

April 1608:44 AM

AUSTIN, Texas -- The security guard at Camp Mystic the night of 2025's deadly flood acknowledged Wednesday that if a general evacuation order came early in the storm, lives could've been saved. Glenn Juenke, who helped move some girls to a two-story building before getting trapped inside a cabin himself, also saved a group of campers when he told them to run to higher ground as flood waters rose. He testified at the end of a three-day hearing in a legal fight between the camp operators, who want to reopen the all-girls Christian Camp this summer, and families of some of the victims who died in the July 4th flood that swept through the Guadalupe River in the predawn hours. view article

John Cornyn wallops Ken Paxton in first quarter fundraising for U.S. Senate seat

April 1608:42 AM

Texas oil and gas regulator Wayne Christian peddles oil-backed crypto coin

April 1608:37 AM

Government watchdogs raised conflict-of-interests concerns, but Christian said his involvement in the venture is “separate” from his elected position on the Railroad Commission. view article

Teacher said student slashed her with razor and over 100 officers responded — now she’s under arrest for alleged hoax

April 1608:35 AM

The teacher previously sued a different school district over a different assault claim. More than 100 police officers responded to a panic alarm allegedly activated by a teacher at about 8:45 a.m. on Thursday at Splendora High School. The school was already on lockdown when officers arrived, and school officials later sent out a notice to parents that police were investigating a "physical altercation" between a student and a staff member. view article

Plano ISD plans to use AI to announce graduate names, but some students are petitioning against it

April 1608:31 AM

Plano ISD's plan to use AI for announcing student names at graduations sparks debate over tradition and 'human factor' versus modern efficiency and accuracy. Plano ISD will use artificial intelligence to announce student names at all high school graduation ceremonies this spring, a move the district says will improve accuracy and create a more seamless experience. view article

Federal investigation opened into New Home ISD special education program

April 1608:27 AM

Federal investigation opened into New Home ISD special education program

April 1608:26 AM

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation into the New Home Independent School District based on reports the district discontinued a special education classroom and failed to provide notice before placing students in a classroom approximately 30 miles away. The investigation will determine whether the district violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating on the basis of disability. view article

Data breach at edtech giant McGraw Hill affects 13.5 million accounts

April 1608:25 AM

The ShinyHunters extortion group has leaked data from 13.5 million McGraw Hill user accounts, stolen after breaching the company's Salesforce environment earlier this month. Founded in 1909, McGraw Hill is a leading global educational publisher with annual revenue of $2.2 billion, which provides education content and solutions for PreK–12, higher education, and professional learning. view article

Woman arrested following ‘secure lockout’ of Rusk ISD

April 1608:24 AM

A woman has been arrested after making a non-credible threat against G.W. Bradford Rusk Primary School Wednesday. Rusk ISD first announced a “SECURE Lockout” around 9 a.m. The district has since returned to “normal operations” after the school and law enforcement determined it was safe. view article

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DAEP Placement Essentials: Legal Requirements, Practical Decisions, and Legislative Updates

April 23, 2026

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Donna ISD goes virtual, offering 9-12 online schooling

April 1608:23 AM

With school board approval in Tuesday night’s meeting, Donna ISD is a step closer to establishing a virtual school for the 2026-27 school year that will serve students in grades 9-12. The Donna ISD Virtual School is set to expand instructional options for students with flexible, asynchronous, nontraditional teaching for students that are homeschooled, entering the workforce or who face obstacles. view article

Houston to consider repealing ordinance limiting its ICE cooperation amid state funding threat, investigation

April 1508:47 AM

Gov. Greg Abbott’s office told Houston Mayor John Whitmire Monday that the state will withdraw $110 million in funding if the city doesn’t axe the ordinance. view article

Lawsuit Filed Against San Angelo Charter School Over Alleged Student Abuse

April 1508:41 AM

The lawsuit, which describes the case as “about adults who tortured children,” stems from an incident that the filing says began in late February during an athletics class. view article

Investigator Hired by Collinsville ISD Clears District Administrators

April 1508:37 AM

A law firm retained by the district found “insufficient evidence” to support complaints that the superintendent and others knew about, but failed to report, a coach’s misconduct. view article

Video captures moment hero principal takes down gunman at Oklahoma high school

April 1508:31 AM

The suspect, a former student, fired multiple rounds, striking the principal in the leg. view article

External Review Suggests Eliminating Kinney County Auditor Position

April 1508:31 AM

County Auditor Cheryll Jones has been heavily criticized for her performance since taking office in 2024. A recently released forensic audit of Kinney County’s finances has raised new concerns about County Auditor Cheryll Jones. The audit highlighted her lack of cooperation and concluded that her position should be dissolved. Kinney County commissioners and local residents have long been calling for Jones’ removal, citing a laundry list of allegations. As of April 14, Jones is still listed as Kinney County’s auditor. view article

Fort Worth Proposes $1.3 Billion  in New Debt

April 1508:30 AM

The bond package will be on the May 2, 2026 ballot.   view article

Camp Mystic official says he didn’t see flood warnings issued the day before storm hit

April 1508:30 AM

The director of the Texas summer camp where 27 campers and counselors were killed by a devastating flood in 2025 said he did not see early federal and state warnings sent the day before the storm hit and that staff had no meetings about the pending danger view article

4 Georgetown ISD campuses to provide after-school meals

April 1508:29 AM

Students at Cooper Elementary, Frost Elementary, Purl Elementary and Williams Elementary will gain access to free meals between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. later this month, according to an April 14 news release. The program is open to all students, regardless of whether they qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Through the sponsorship of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program, the program expands existingsnack offerings at these sites. “Qualifying and expanding the program to offer full meals is a real win for families while providing additional nutrition to fuel our young learners,” said Mike Thibodeaux, director of nutrition services in Georgetown ISD, in the news release. view article

Lamar CISD police chief and lieutenant no longer work for district, records show

April 1508:25 AM

State records show Lamar CISD Police Chief Henry Garcia and Lieutenant Maria Molina no longer work for the school district as of last week. According to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement records, Garcia and Molina both stopped working for Lamar CISD on April 7. view article

Texas has been taking over more school districts in recent years. Now you can track them.

April 1508:25 AM

The Texas Education Agency announced it would take over four more school districts this year, doubling the number of districts currently under a state takeover. School districts face potential state intervention if one of their schools receives five straight failing ratings in the state’s annual A-F system. view article

Texas education board gives preliminary OK to required reading list that includes Bible material

April 1508:25 AM

The Texas State Board of Education gave preliminary approval Friday to a mandatory list of books that all public schools will teach starting in 2030, paring down an earlier version students and educators had criticized for being too long, lacking diversity and emphasizing Christianity. view article

Tarrant activists, officials ask Texas education board to ‘keep Islam out of social studies’

April 1508:25 AM

Before the sun rose Tuesday, about two dozen cars pulled into the parking lot at Grapevine’s First Baptist Church. They weren’t there for services. Instead, the group, some clad in star-spangled jeans and cowboy boots, boarded a bus bound for the state capital. Hours later, they were seated with dozens of other activists from across Texas, prepared to testify to members of the State Board of Education during a special meeting on a proposal to reshape the social studies curriculum for more than 5.5 million public school students. view article

7-Eleven expects to close hundreds of its stores in North America this year

April 1508:00 AM

According to earnings filings published last week, 7-Eleven's North American operator plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year — outpacing the 205 locations it forecasts it will open during that same time. Seven & i Holdings Co., the Japan-based parent of the convenience chain, noted that these closures “include the conversion to wholesale fuel stores.” Financial documents show that 7-Eleven Inc. has steadily opened new wholesale fuel stores in North America over recent years, which accounted for more than 900 locations as of December 2025. The company did not immediately explain the closures or specify which locations could be impacted. The Associated Press reached out for further information. According to the company's website, there are over 86,000 7-Eleven stores across 19 countries today. 7-Eleven Inc., the brand’s North American operator based in Texas, oversees more than 13,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. view article

Goodwill child care center in Hewitt back on track after delays early in renovation

April 1508:00 AM

Brian Davis, a contractor, excused himself from the conversation in his office. He needed to pick up his 7-year-old granddaughter from school. "Absolutely," Davis said, asked if he could envision her spending time at the child care center his crew is building in Hewitt. "It is going to be one of the nicest such centers I have ever seen, from appearance to efficiency of design, security and the vision that ownership had." Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries will own and operate the center at 119 N. Hewitt Drive, where Waco-based CWA Federal Construction is pushing to get things done by late August, said project manager Davis. Work on the renovation started in late 2024, and Goodwill initially hoped to be up and running by late last year. That did not happen, as problems hampered progress. Goodwill sought a new contractor midstream, and CWA took the helm. view article

FWISD outlines next steps for Farrington Field redevelopment, no decisions yet

April 1508:00 AM

Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Peter Licata recently walked into Farrington Field alone. As his eyes scanned the historic stadium’s facade, he thanked the gentleman who showed up to unlock the gates to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Licata felt it was important to spend an hour walking the hallowed grounds to understand its legacy and its importance to Fort Worth, he told the board of managers Tuesday night. view article

FWISD managers weigh staff reductions related to school closures, new campus model

April 1409:41 AM

Fort Worth ISD’s state-appointed board of managers on Tuesday will consider a reduction in force related to school closures and the introduction of a new school model. FWISD managers will vote on the resolution at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the District Service Center, 7060 Camp Bowie Blvd. The special board meeting also is livestreamed on YouTube. “The reduction in force due to program change is directly tied to school closures that were approved under the district’s existing master facility plan,” spokesperson Jessica Becerra said. “We have not expanded or altered that plan; we are implementing decisions that were already in place before the current administration arrived.” view article

Fort Worth ISD has more than 200 teaching vacancies, records show

April 1408:25 AM

Ahead of its first full school year under state control, Fort Worth ISD has more than 200 teaching vacancies that need to be filled across the district, records show. According to public records obtained by WFAA, the district has 213 vacancies across 89 divisions. view article

Boulter Middle School gets extended school year, longer days under Tyler ISD’s turnaround plan

April 1408:25 AM

For Boulter Middle School, Tyler ISD is extending the 2026–27 school year and implementing a longer daily schedule at as part of a district turnaround effort aimed at improving student performance. The change has raised concerns for some families, who cite issues with communication, logistics and equity. While most Tyler ISD campuses begin Aug. 12, Boulter Middle School will start July 27 under an adjusted calendar tied to its transition to the Accelerated Campus Excellence (ACE) model, which includes additional instructional days and a longer school day. “ view article

Wichita Falls ISD Board approves over $3 million in financial items

April 1408:25 AM

The Wichita Falls Independent School District Board of Trustees approved more than $3 million in financial items during its latest meeting, with several projects aimed at improving district facilities and preparing for future school years. A portion of that total includes an additional $158,822.75 for ongoing renovations at McNiel Elementary School. The approved change order brings the project’s total construction cost to $9,997,922.75. view article

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