Paul Bettencourt

Office of the Ombudsman has no written policies on how to investigate allegations that education laws are being broken, even though it’s been accepting complaints for three months.

The 3-2 vote from Hood County commissioners Tuesday came after they received a letter from a state senator saying they did not have the power to issue a moratorium.

The county where more than 100 died in July floods wants to quickly build a $5 million flood warning system.

Legislative panels were created after Republican leaders criticized students mocking or celebrating conservative activities Charlie Kirk’s death.

Even voters in Austin, one of the state’s most liberal cities, shot down a measure to raise property taxes.

Both Republicans and Democrats have said STAAR sets students up for failure, raising questions about basing a state takeover on the test’s results.

Skeptics of the replacement, which requires three exams throughout the year, want to see less restrictions on testing day and more teacher input.

Economic uncertainty, inflation, strict state limits on property tax collections and uncertainty around future federal funds have crimped local budgets.

The House refused to back a bill that would apply only to the state’s largest cities.

Senators moved fast on Gov. Greg Abbott’s agenda for the second special session. With House Democrats back in Texas, bills can now move through that chamber.