Past Contributions

• The Brief: June 30, 2015

  By Polo Rocha June 30, 2015

  The U.S. Supreme Court handed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton a win over a lawsuit on EPA regulations, but it also took other actions Monday that significantly affected Texas. Full Story 

• The Brief: June 29, 2015

  By Polo Rocha June 29, 2015

  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says county clerks can decide against issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples if they have religious objections, but that if they do so, they should be prepared for lawsuits or fines. Full Story 

• The Brief: June 26, 2015

  By Polo Rocha June 26, 2015

  Tea Party activists have had several successes in Texas legislative races, but it's been harder for them to oust Republican members of the state's congressional delegation — in large part due to a lack of money. Full Story 

• State Launching Digital Archive for Government Files

  By Polo Rocha June 25, 2015

  Texas archivists are excited over the launch of the Texas Digital Archive, which is funded through the new state budget and will hold any digital files from state agencies that they deem of historical value to the state. Full Story 

• The Brief: June 25, 2015

  By Polo Rocha June 25, 2015

  Gov. Greg Abbott's emails, obtained by the Tribune through state transparency laws, show a governor who's seemingly more involved with policy than his predecessor, sometimes sending emails off to staffers with ideas late at night. Full Story 

• The Q&A: Andrea Brauer

  By Polo Rocha June 24, 2015

  In this week’s Q&A, we interview Andrea Brauer, an early education policy associate at Texans Care for Children. Full Story 

• Charter School Asks Students to Choose Their Own Path

  By Polo Rocha June 24, 2015

  As charter schools proliferate across the country, yet another unique model has emerged in Oregon, with the Redmond Proficiency Academy offering high school students a choose-your-own path approach. Full Story 

• Newark Superintendent Resigns After Controversial Tenure

  By Polo Rocha June 24, 2015

  After a controversial four years at the helm of state-controlled Newark Public Schools, Cami Anderson announced she would soon vacate the position. Full Story 

• Educators Don't Necessarily Grade Common Core Tests

  By Polo Rocha June 24, 2015

  With standardized tests incorporating more critical thinking and writing portions, the need for human graders has increased, leading large testing corporations like Pearson to hire part-time graders. Full Story 

• Study Proves "Sesame Street" Boosts Learning Success

  By Polo Rocha June 24, 2015

  Researchers have found the popular children’s television show Sesame Street has measurable academic benefits for young students who watch it regularly, especially boys, African-Americans and low-income communities. Full Story