Texas lawmakers have passed House Bill 8 (HB 8), signaling a significant shift in the state’s approach to student assessment by replacing the long-standing State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test. The legislation, which awaits the governor’s signature, introduces a new assessment model, potentially named the “Student Success Tool” (SST), aiming to reduce…
The Texas Longhorns find themselves in a peculiar position: a team heralded for its championship aspirations, boasting a defense that ranks among the nation’s elite, yet often struggling offensively to find its rhythm and consistent scoring punch. While the 2024 season saw them achieve significant success, including a 13-3 record and a No. 4 final…
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life has profoundly impacted the educational landscape, particularly concerning homework and academic assignments. What began as a novel tool for research and assistance has evolved into a complex debate, sparking widespread concern among educators, policymakers, and students alike. Editorial commentary and news analyses frequently depict this…
A growing concern among public health advocates and medical professionals is that Texas may be heading down a path similar to Florida’s, where vaccine policies are increasingly influenced by political agendas rather than scientific consensus. This trend risks undermining decades of progress in protecting children from preventable diseases and erodes public trust in essential health…
In a move that has sent ripples of concern through the public health community, Florida has announced its intention to dismantle all mandates requiring childhood vaccinations for school attendance. This decision, championed by state Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who controversially described existing mandates as akin to “slavery,” marks Florida as the first state to…
The recent conclusion of a significant measles outbreak in West Texas, which saw hundreds infected and tragically claimed the lives of two children, serves as a critical wake-up call. While this particular outbreak may be over, health officials and experts warn that the underlying causes—a pervasive decline in childhood vaccination rates—signal a worrying trend that…
The No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns began their highly anticipated 2025 season with a stark reality check, falling 14-7 to the formidable Ohio State Buckeyes in a defensive slugfest. The result, which marked Texas as the first preseason No. 1 team to lose its season opener in 35 years, has placed significant scrutiny on both…
The Dallas Morning News this week offered a comprehensive look at the state’s most pressing issues and cultural conversations through its latest collection of editorial cartoons and Sunday opinion pieces. The publication’s editorial board and contributing columnists delved into a diverse range of topics, from the intricate landscape of Texas politics and the future of…
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is grappling with unprecedented leadership turmoil, marked by the abrupt ouster of its director, Susan Monarez, and the subsequent resignation of several senior officials. Jim O’Neill, a deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has been appointed as the new acting director,…
In the dynamic world of public discourse and political commentary, editorial cartoons serve as powerful visual essays, distilling complex issues into impactful imagery. Bill Bramhall, a seasoned cartoonist whose work frequently graces the pages of The Dallas Morning News, has once again captured a crucial aspect of contemporary debate with his piece titled “Both Sides…
