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TOP STORY
Texas Schools Create Own Report Cards to Challenge State Grades
Some Texas districts like Leander are crafting local report cards they believe show a fuller picture of school performance beyond state tests. This comes amid lawsuits against the state’s A-F grading system, which critics say overly relies on one test and disadvantages lower-income areas. Lawmakers will review new ways to assess schools with a report expected by 2028.
If your child attends a Texas school, the grade on your district’s state report card might not tell the whole story about their education. Local report cards, like Leander’s, include factors such as student engagement and family involvement, giving a broader view of school quality. This shift could help you better understand how schools support your child’s learning and readiness for college or careers, especially if standardized tests don’t tell the full story.
Source: Austin American-statesman
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Markets
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Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 63.5 | 39.2 |
Houston | 65.7 | 46.0 |
Austin | 68.4 | 43.5 |
San Antonio | 69.8 | 45.5 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
San Antonio: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Politics and Economy
Democrats Unite in Rio Grande Valley to Win Latino Votes
State Rep. James Talarico and Bobby Pulido, a Tejano music star running for Congress, joined forces in the Rio Grande Valley to court Latino voters who supported Trump in 2024. Both emphasize crossing party lines to expand their appeal. Talarico faces a tough Senate primary against Jasmine Crockett, while Pulido seeks to flip the 15th Congressional District back to Democrats.
If you live in the Rio Grande Valley, these campaigns could reshape your representation. Talarico's focus on reaching beyond traditional party bases may bring more inclusive policies that reflect the region's diverse views. Pulido’s efforts to reclaim a Latino-stronghold district signal a potential shift in local priorities around healthcare, wages, and education. Whether you’re voting or simply following, these contests will influence local and state politics in coming years.
Source: The Texas Tribune
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What else is happening:
A new report reveals that Texas is executing fewer people, marking a significant shift in the state’s use of the death penalty.
Letter writers discuss the Affordable Care Act, voting values, and Texas elections, showing public engagement with important state policy and political issues.
President Trump’s suspension of the green card lottery program comes into focus after it admitted a suspect in the Brown University shootings, raising questions about immigration policies.
Tech and Business
Trump AI Order Clarifies National Versus State Rules
President Trump's executive order on AI settles who governs AI development and adoption: Congress sets national standards, states can regulate usage and safety. The order aims to prevent conflicting state laws from derailing innovation while preserving states' rights for local concerns.
When it comes to AI, you can expect a clearer national framework thanks to this order. If you’re a Texan working in AI or tech, companies will face fewer headaches navigating a patchwork of conflicting state laws. This means quicker, more focused AI advances here at home without having to guess which state rules apply. Still, local laws on AI use and safety remain in effect, so community priorities get respect too.
Source: IJR
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New H-1B Rules Favor Big Tech, Challenge Startups
Changes to the H-1B visa program now give an edge to highly paid applicants, often benefiting Big Tech giants while squeezing startups and many international students. The $100,000 fee and wage-based lottery shift may alter who lands H-1B visas in an evolving job market.
If you’re an international tech worker or entrepreneur in Texas, these visa changes could reshape your opportunities. Big companies can better absorb new fees and boost chances for high salaries, but startups might struggle to hire foreign talent. For students and new grads chasing H-1Bs, it’s a tough landscape that might limit offers and delay careers. Meanwhile, American developers could see more openings as firms reconsider their hiring.
Source: Business Insider
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What else is happening:
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured detailed images of dusty debris following two cosmic collisions, helping solve a decades-old space mystery.
The story of Alaska’s $44 billion bet on natural gas uncovers no-bid deals and high expenditures despite uncertainties.
Sports
Harris powers South Alabama against Texas State
South Alabama’s Chaze Harris scored 38 points in a thrilling 96-92 overtime win over UL Monroe. The Jaguars visit Texas State this Saturday in their first conference meeting of the season. South Alabama is off to a strong 1-0 Sun Belt start, while Texas State seeks its first conference win.
If you’re following Texas college basketball, this matchup is a chance to see rising talent like Chaze Harris bring high-energy performances. It’s also a reminder that home court advantage matters—Texas State has been tough to beat at home, going 7-1. Watching or catching highlights can show how turnovers and 3-point shooting swings can decide close games in the Sun Belt Conference.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils face the No. 19 Texas Tech Red Raiders in a key non-conference game at Madison Square Garden, impacting Texas Tech’s season.
Houston Cougars take on Arkansas Razorbacks in Newark, providing a significant test for Houston as they look to build momentum on the road.
Dallas Stars travel to Anaheim looking to extend their winning streak after Wyatt Johnston’s two-goal game in a recent NHL matchup.
Texas Cultural Insight
The small Texas town of Goliad is home to the Texas Sabor Festival, one of the oldest continuous Hispanic heritage festivals in the state. Founded in the late 19th century, Sabor celebrates Tejano culture with traditional music, food, dance, and community pride — keeping alive a heritage shaped long before statehood.