Latest Contributions

• A new way to fund Texas community colleges focuses on student success, not enrollment

  By Sneha Dey Jan. 2, 2024

  A historic $683 million investment in community colleges rewards schools for getting students to complete a degree or certificate, transfer to a four-year university or participate in college courses as early as high school. Full Story 

• These rural Texans opted out of a degree. The community college down the street wants them back.

  By Sneha Dey Dec. 7, 2023

  To survive, Texas community colleges have to prove their worth. But residents of this rural north Texas town are questioning what's right for them. Full Story 

• These home-schooling moms want to create a “microschool” for Black kids. They need vouchers to make it happen.

  By Sneha Dey Nov. 2, 2023

  The mothers, who are counting on state legislators to reach a deal on education savings accounts, say their public schools were not equipped to create a learning space that is safe for Black kids. Full Story 

• One-third of Texas foster care caseworkers left their jobs last year as the agency continued putting kids in hotels

  By Sneha Dey Sept. 26, 2023

  The Department of Family and Protective Services has increasingly relied on housing foster kids in hotels when it can’t find them a home. In the 2022 fiscal year, after record staff turnover, more than 1 in 4 caseworkers had less than one year of experience. Full Story 

• New anti-DEI law for public Texas colleges presents hiring challenges

  By Sneha Dey Sept. 22, 2023

  The law requires publicly-funded universities and colleges to close their diversity, equity and inclusion offices, creating hiring challenges. Full Story 

• Amid personal conflict, Hays County clerk turned to Republican’s “rogue” prosecutor law to oust fellow Democrat

  By Sneha Dey Sept. 22, 2023

  Personal conflict between two newly elected Democrats briefly escalated into public view. An attempt to remove one from county office came in the background of university, state and federal impeachment attempts. Full Story 

• New Texas law increases hospital notice before removing patients from life support

  By Sneha Dey Updated: Aug. 30, 2023

  Medical professionals now must tell families 25 days in advance before ending care. Some groups wish the state gave families even more power when they disagree with a doctor’s prognosis. Full Story 

• U.S. Justice Department argues for removal of Texas’ floating border barrier in federal court

  By Sneha Dey Aug. 22, 2023

  In a court hearing over the barrier near Eagle Pass, the U.S. Justice Department argued it was installed without federal authorization, while lawyers for the state said it notified the proper authorities. Full Story 

• State power grid operator calls on Texans to conserve energy late Sunday

  By Sneha Dey Aug. 20, 2023

  ERCOT asked energy customers to reduce their electricity use from 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday, the third conservation request this year and the second in three days as punishing summer heat continues. Full Story 

• Texas names new head of child abuse investigations after high turnover and heavy criticism

  By Sneha Dey Aug. 15, 2023

  The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ investigations division has seen record-high staff turnover, with 4 in 10 investigators leaving their jobs in 2022. Full Story