SUMMARY: State Sen. Brandon Creighton, known for leading major higher education reforms in Texas, is the sole finalist to become chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. The Board of Regents unanimously supported his nomination, praising his leadership and legislative experience. Creighton authored laws banning diversity programs, limiting faculty influence, and regulating campus protests, shifting control toward regents and lawmakers. His appointment reflects a trend of politically connected leaders heading Texas universities. Faculty groups express concern over academic freedom and shared governance. If confirmed, Creighton will leave the Senate before his term ends in 2027 and strengthen Texas Tech’s political influence at the Capitol.

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SUMMARY: Several Texas parents, like Ian Evilsizor and Jennifer Banford, face significant unpaid child support, totaling tens of thousands of dollars, with limited help from the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division. Despite new legislation (Senate Bill 1403) allowing email service of notices to speed up cases, parents report poor communication and enforcement delays. Family law attorney Jennifer Severn notes the law aids in proving income and enforcing court orders, but affected parents remain skeptical about real improvements. The AG’s office recently launched a modernized system to enhance efficiency, yet families still experience payment issues and lack of agency responsiveness, highlighting ongoing challenges in child support enforcement.

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SUMMARY: Texas House lawmakers approved House Bill 8 to eliminate the STAAR test, replacing it with three shorter, adaptive exams administered at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year starting in 2027-2028. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will create the tests, which provide results within 48 hours and measure student progress more frequently. The bill bans additional benchmark testing and establishes an Accountability Advisory Committee to advise TEA. Passed 79-47 along party lines, Republicans argue the new system reduces stress and improves assessment, while Democrats worry about increased testing burden. The bill now awaits Governor Greg Abbott’s approval.

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