SUMMARY: Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 571 into law to close loopholes allowing bad actors access to schools and to expand state authority to investigate misconduct by contractors and volunteers on campuses. The bill mandates school districts to report suspected misconduct and grants contractors access to a statewide misconduct database, still under development. It broadens grounds for mandatory termination and certification loss, including felony public indecency and improper educator-student relationships. The law follows revelations of a former juvenile corrections officer tutoring in Austin schools despite misconduct allegations. Critics object to a confidentiality clause shielding investigation records from public disclosure.

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SUMMARY: Texas Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a bill banning all consumable hemp products containing THC, sparking mixed reactions. The veto came amid petitions from thousands of Texans; opponents argued the ban would hurt farmers, small businesses, and patients using hemp for medical reasons. The Hemp Industry and Farmers of America praised the decision, emphasizing safer regulations rather than prohibition. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a bill supporter, criticized the veto, highlighting strong legislative and law enforcement backing. Following a major THC product seizure in Dallas, Abbott called a July 21 special session to revisit Senate Bill 3 and other key legislation, aiming for balanced regulatory solutions.

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SUMMARY: A 2020 study by the American Educational Research Association found that 52% of U.S. students in grades 1–6 lose academic progress during summer, with 17–28% loss in English Language Arts and 25–34% in Math. Central Texas teachers warn of the “summer slide,” encouraging students and parents to keep minds engaged through reading and math activities over the break. First-grade teacher Antoinette King suggests practical methods like sounding out words on signs and counting produce while shopping. Local free resources, including Austin Public Library and Khan Academy, offer programs to help students maintain skills during summer.

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