Past Contributions

• The Brief: Tracking the Rise and Fall of Ken Starr

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds May 31, 2016

  An author of the athletic and academic renaissance at Baylor University, Ken Starr now faces a diminished role in the aftermath of reports of sexual assaults at the school. Full Story 

• The Brief: Paxton Shopped Districts for Transgender Policy Lawsuit

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds May 27, 2016

  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton approached at least two North Texas school districts about adopting transgender guidelines that led to his lawsuit against the federal government. Full Story 

• Senate Republicans Back Patrick on Defying Transgender Directive

  By John Reynolds and Madlin Mekelburg May 26, 2016

  Also, Susan Combs launches a smart schools initiative funded from her leftover campaign funds and another round of strategic fiscal reviews is announced. Full Story 

• Briles Fired, Starr Reassigned in Baylor Shakeup

  By Matthew Watkins and Madlin Mekelburg May 26, 2016

  Baylor University has fired head football coach Art Briles and removed Ken Starr from his post as president in the wake of an investigation into sexual assault allegations on campus. Full Story 

• The Brief: Texas Files 40th Lawsuit Against Obama Administration

  By Madlin Mekelburg and John Reynolds May 26, 2016

  In the latest legal action taken against the current president, Texas was one of 11 states moving to stop a directive for public school districts to let transgender students use the bathroom of their choice. Full Story 

• Mississippi Reverses Position on Transgender Bathroom Policy

  By Madlin Mekelburg May 25, 2016

  Although the state initially supported federal recommendations for schools to let transgender students use bathrooms of their choosing, the Mississippi Department of Education reversed its stance to align with state conservative leaders. Full Story 

• Facing Budget Cuts, Chicago Schools Turn to Parents For Lobbying Help

  By Madlin Mekelburg May 25, 2016

  Schools across the Chicago area are hosting budget forums to help parents understand what proposed budget cuts will do to their community’s classrooms and what they can do to lobby state legislators for more funding. Full Story 

• The Bookshelf: May 26, 2016

  By Madlin Mekelburg May 25, 2016

  In this week's Bookshelf, our content partner Kirkus Reviews highlights The Bridge to Brilliance. Full Story 

• The Q&A: Katie Anderson

  By Madlin Mekelburg May 25, 2016

  In this week's Q&A, we interview Katie Anderson, general counsel for the Fort Worth Independent School District. Full Story 

• Event: A Conversation on Higher Education Funding

  By Madlin Mekelburg May 25, 2016

  The Texas Tribune presents a conversation on higher education funding. Full Story