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Sofia Sorochinskaia was an Austin-based reporting fellow and a junior at Northwestern University who is studying journalism and international studies. Born and raised in Russia, Sofia has worked as a news producer at TV Rain, contributed to the Russia.Post project at George Washington University, and interned as a reporter at The Moscow Times. She also covered national security in Washington, D.C., for Medill News Service. In 2025, she received the Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Award. Sofia speaks English, Russian and German.
An agenda driven by conservative priorities, schools’ financial duress and teacher needs led to an $8.5 billion boost, new discipline rules, more Christianity in classrooms and a DEI ban. Full Story
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Tensions flared and the debate turned personal as Republicans said their bill empowered parents and denied predictions that the ban will endanger children. Full Story
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Research shows cellphones interfere with students' ability to focus in class. Texas would join at least nine other states that ban students from using their phones during the school day. Full Story
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Policy experts discussed a new school funding bill, a $20 billion package to keep up with water demand and the state’s energy fund. Full Story
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Dugger launched the Observer, a fixture of the Texas media landscape known for its decidedly progressive lens to state affairs, in 1954. Full Story
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Senate Bill 12’s supporters say DEI programs use class time and public funds to promote political agendas. Full Story
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A bill that would make it illegal to sell THC products could soon head over to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk. For a cannabis store employee, lawmakers don't know enough about the industry they're trying to shut down. Full Story
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Approval of the monument comes as the lower chamber prepares to debate the “Life of the Mother Act” bill later this week. Full Story
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Conservative lawmakers say DEI efforts are discriminatory and push liberal ideologies on children. Critics point to research showing a diverse teacher body helps students succeed academically. Full Story
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Student discipline, uncertified teachers and school bans on DEI and cellphones are some of the topics being debated at the Texas Legislature this session. Full Story
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