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The Ten Commandments monument on the Texas Capitol grounds in Austin.

Public schools would have to display Ten Commandments under bill passed by Texas Senate

Public schools in Texas would have to prominently display the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting next school year under a bill the Texas Senate approved Thursday. Senate Bill 1515 by … more

By Brian Lopez, The Texas Tribune | 4/23/23

People walk up to the Willie DeLeon Civic Center Precinct 1 polling station in Uvalde on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. The Texas Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would prohibit counties from offering voting centers on Election Day. All voters would have to cast their ballot at their assigned neighborhood precinct.

Texas Senate moves to end countywide voting on Election Day

Countywide polling locations on Election Day would be banned in Texas under a bill approved by the Texas Senate on Thursday. Senate Bill 990, authored by Republican Sen. Bob Hall of Edgewood, … more

By Pooja Salhotra and James Barragán, The Texas Tribune | 4/25/23

Law enforcement officers patrol outside the library of Akins Early College High School in Austin on Sept. 15, 2022. Authorities were called after a threat on social media was reported.

Texas House votes to require panic buttons in every classroom and armed guards in every school

The Texas House on Tuesday gave final approval to legislation that is calling for significant investments to beef up schools’ safety, including hiring at least one armed security officer at … more

By Brian Lopez, The Texas Tribune | 4/25/23

Texas kids would need parental consent before creating a social media account under the SCOPE Act that advanced in the House on Tuesday.

Texas kids would need parental consent to create social media accounts under House bill

The Texas House on Tuesday gave initial approval to a bill that would require digital service providers such as social media platforms to get consent from a parent or guardian before entering into an … more

By Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune | 4/26/23

House Speaker Dade Phelan, left, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

House-Senate animosity bubbles over with clashes on property taxes, education

As legislative leaders quarrel over some of the session’s biggest issues, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has taken to flashing two wads of cash in a series of TV interviews: $1,060 in one hand and $800 … more

By James Barragán, The Texas Tribune | 4/26/23

Students learn about Martin Luther King Jr. in Rosa Ramirez's second grade class at Linder Elementary School in Austin on Jan. 14, 2022.

Texas House advances $4.5 billion school funding bill

In a promising sign for cash-strapped Texas schools, the Texas House on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a school finance bill that would increase the amount of state money that schools get per … more

By Brian Lopez, The Texas Tribune | 4/26/23

Media outlets worry that a bill would make them more vulnerable to frivolous lawsuits.

Journalists fear Texas Legislature could weaken law designed to protect free speech

Journalists and free speech advocates are raising alarms about a bill moving through the Texas Legislature that they worry would make news organizations and regular Texans more susceptible to … more

By Matthew Watkins, The Texas Tribune | 4/26/23

$Jessica Lemmer went over a fraction problem with her third grade math class Jan. 14, 2018, at Edward Titche Elementary School in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas.$

Texas lawmakers hope an investment in teacher training will help keep new educators in the classroom longer

As the state struggles with retaining teachers, the Texas House gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would boost training programs for aspiring teachers and offer other incentives with … more

By Brian Lopez, The Texas Tribune | 4/26/23

U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is followed by members of the media as he walks in the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong/Getty Images/TNS)

House passes $1.5 trillion debt limit increase, spending cuts

House Republicans narrowly passed legislation Wednesday pairing nearly $4.8 trillion in deficit reduction measures with a debt limit increase into next year — a move they argue … more

By Aidan Quigley, Laura Weiss and Lindsey McPherson, CQ-Roll Call (TNS) | 4/26/23

Lawmakers on the House floor at the state Capitol on April 6, 2023.

Proposed ban on corporal punishment in Texas schools fails again

Texas lawmakers on Wednesday voted against a bill that would prohibit public school employees from using corporal punishment on students. House Bill 772 received a 58-86 vote in the lower chamber. … more

By Pooja Salhotra, The Texas Tribune | 4/27/23

Ryan Shea has become one of the best defenders in the AHL this season, setting a new Texas Stars franchise record and leading the league with a +37 plus/minus rating.

Ryan Shea developing into elite defenseman for Texas Stars

Ryan Shea didn’t like the view from the stands.The Texas Stars defenseman didn’t miss a game in his four years at Northeastern, so when he was a healthy scratch more often than not in his first … more

By Zach Smith, HCN Sports Editor | 4/27/23

Texas pitcher Lebarron Johnson Jr. (57) on the mound during an NCAA college baseball game between Texas and LSU on Feb. 28, 2023, in Austin.

Texas baseball reaches new low after getting swept by Oklahoma

In one weekend, Texas baseball went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. more

By Zach Smith, HCN Sports Editor | 4/27/23

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night.

Atlanta Falcons select Texas running back Bijan Robinson with 8th pick

Hopefully they like their mustard extra spicy in Atlanta. more

By Zach Smith, HCN Sports Editor | 4/27/23

Austin FC midfielder Ethan Finlay (13) is fouled by San Jose Earthquakes defender Paul Marie (3) during a Major League Soccer match on August 6, 2022 in Austin, Texas.

Austin FC fighting through tough times as scoring drought continues

Josh Wolff doesn’t believe in luck. Ethan Finlay is not superstitious. more

By Zach Smith, HCN Sports Editor | 4/28/23

Westwood junior Dana Kardonik won a silver medal at the individual state tennis tournament at the Northside Tennis Center on Wednesday afternoon.

Westwood girls' doubles team Duduka and Kardonik take silver at state tennis tournament

SAN ANTONIO — Anwitha Duduka and Dana Kardonik made sure to take nothing for granted this year. more

By Zach Smith, HCN Sports Editor | 4/28/23

Officers pick up unused or expired medications April 20 at the annual "Crush the Crisis" event.

St. David’s and Leander Police Department Hosts “Crush the Crisis”

Hoping to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of unused or expired medication, St. David's HealthCare and the Leander Police Department … more

By Clayton Kelley, Staff Writer | 4/29/23

Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn (22) scores on a 20-yard touchdown reception during a Big 12 football game between Baylor and Kansas State on Nov. 12, 2022 in Waco, Texas. Kansas State won 31-3.

Dallas Cowboys draft Cedar Ridge, Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn

Deuce Vaughn is coming back to Texas. more

By Zach Smith, HCN Sports Editor | 4/29/23

Austin FC forward Rodney Redes (11) shoots the ball during a Major League Soccer match on March 25, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

Rigoni and Redes help get Austin FC offense back on track in draw against San Jose Earthquakes

Of all the players you’d expect to end the Austin FC scoring drought, Emiliano Rigoni had to be at the bottom of the list. Rodney Redes would probably be the only player below him. more

By Zach Smith, HCN Sports Editor | 4/30/23

Low voter turnout for Wilco, Leander ISD bond elections; Low spending for local PACs; School building companies giving big donations

It's hard to understate how low turnout and quiet the campaigning has been over Leander ISD's proposed $762 million combined bond package. As of Monday evening, Williamson County had barely over half … more

By JOSH MONIZ, Senior Reporter | 5/2/23

Travis Sykora fought through some wet weather and allowed two hits and two runs with eight strikeouts in five innings against Vista Ridge on Tuesady.

Round Rock caps off undefeated district season with title

Round Rock baseball coach John Carter needed just one word to describe his team this season: Driven. more

By Zach Smith, HCN Sports Editor | 5/2/23

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