Abbott announces updates to Texas Small Business Credit Initiative Program
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the latest list of approved financial institutions participating in the Texas Small Business Credit Initiative (TSBCI) Program is now accessible online. Alongside this, a new, simplified application process for financial institutions has been introduced. The TSBCI Program aims to foster small business growth and job creation by enhancing access to funding.
Texas bishops urge halt to Robert Roberson's execution
The Texas bishops have called for a stay of execution for Robert Roberson, urging the public to engage in 24 hours of prayer as his execution date approaches. The bishops expressed their belief that "the justice system has failed in this case," yet they hold hope that "Robert’s life can be saved."
At last week’s Senate Education Committee hearing, Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner, Mike Morath, urged lawmakers to consider legislation that would ban cellphones in Texas classrooms.
Texas lawmakers discuss ongoing lawsuits blocking school accountability ratings
During the Senate Committee on Education, chaired by Senator Brandon Creighton, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath and Senator Bettencourt discussed ISD lawsuits that continue to block the TEA release of A-F School Accountability system ratings in 2023 and 2024.
It should be much easier to get public information, says one Texas lawmaker
On a recent episode of the Texas Talks podcast, Representative Cody Vasut said that he may pursue legislation which makes it easier for the public to access government records.
Latest News
Report: Federal Energy Subsidies Driving the Energy Transition in the U.S., Texas
The shift in electric generation from fossil fuels to wind and solar is being driven by a disparity in federal energy subsidies, according to a new study.
Texas Blockchain Council president: There is ‘hundreds of billions of dollars circulating in stablecoins’
Lee Bratcher, the president and founder of the Texas Blockchain Council, said that stablecoins, mainly in US dollars and significant buyers of treasuries, help maintain the dollar as the world reserve currency and will impact finance greatly in the next decade. Bratcher was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
OPINION: Government-imposed electricity costs totaled $20 billion last year
Only a decade ago, Texas had the most competitive electricity market in the world, a market that produced reliable, affordable electricity. Today, the Texas electric grid has been taken over by Texas government. This has produced predictable results: reliability has plummeted while costs have skyrocketed.
Energy experts question whether subsidies will improve Texas grid reliability
Several energy experts recently questioned whether Texas’ massive increase in subsidies for generators will be effective in addressing the rapidly growing reliability problems caused by renewable energy.
Urban Reform president: ‘PR requests are something that we do a lot at Urban Reform’
Charles Blain, president of Urban Reform, said that their organization frequently uses public information requests to inform the public about local government activities, particularly in Harris County and Houston. Urban Reform promotes free market solutions to urban issues to encourage community engagement and change. Blain was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas State Library opens applications for 2025 research fellowship
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is currently accepting applications for its 2025 Research Fellowship in Texas History. This fellowship offers a $2,000 stipend and is awarded to the best research proposal that makes use of the collections at the State Archives in Austin or the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, Texas.
Texas Education Agency Unveils Bluebonnet Learning Materials to Boost Academic Achievement
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released its updated Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials this week, developed as part of the Texas Open Education Resources (OER) initiative that was launched in May. The new resources, designed in response to House Bill 1605 that passed the state legislature in 2023, is intended to improve academic outcomes across the state while providing teachers with classroom support.
TEA Classroom Materials In Development to Address Teacher Concerns That Lead to Burnout
Evidence is mounting to show that the nation’s K-12 teachers are facing increasing workloads and other issues that are leading to their unhappiness and decisions to leave the profession. A September poll by the Wall Street Journal indicates school teachers across the country are generally unhappy as a result of student behavior, low pay, high work expectations, and issues caused by A.I. and cellphones in classrooms. A recent poll of Texas teachers by the Charles Butt Foundation indicates Texas teachers face similar challenges.
Texas unveils plan to address healthcare workforce shortages
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the release of a comprehensive report by the Healthcare Workforce Task Force, aimed at addressing healthcare workforce shortages in Texas. The recommendations seek to meet the demands of the state's growing population.
Raise Your Hand Texas calls on state lawmakers to prioritize investment in public school students, teachers
Austin-based education non-profit organization Raise Your Hands Texas (RYHT) has urged the state’s lawmakers to prioritize and strengthen the state’s investment in Texas’ 5.5 million public school students and teachers.
