Past Contributions

• Texas will use computers to grade written answers on this year’s STAAR tests

  By Keaton Peters April 9, 2024

  The state will save more than $15 million by using technology similar to ChatGPT to give initial scores, reducing the number of human graders needed. The decision caught some educators by surprise. Full Story 

• More than a third of state agencies are using AI. Texas is beginning to examine its potential impact.

  By Keaton Peters Jan. 2, 2024

  Amid fears that AI could heighten bias or affect privacy, the state is forming an advisory committee to recommend how the technology is deployed. “We’re gonna have to set up some rules,” the committee’s founder says. Full Story 

• Senate confirms Texas Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez to 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

  By Matthew Choi and Keaton Peters Dec. 4, 2023

  Ramirez is currently a U.S. magistrate judge for the Northern District of Texas, serving in that role for over two decades. Full Story 

• “How long can we keep this up?” Food banks are under pressure from Texas’ high level of food insecurity

  By Keaton Peters Nov. 28, 2023

  Inflation, stagnant federal funding for food programs and high housing costs mean that demand at food banks still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. Full Story 

• Texans may approve billions for energy, water, parks and broadband on Nov. 7

  By Keaton Peters Oct. 31, 2023

  At stake in next week’s constitutional amendment election is $13 billion in infrastructure spending. Supporters say it’s an opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime investment. Full Story 

• Gov. Abbott directs Texas schools to resources for teaching about Israel-Hamas war

  By Keaton Peters Oct. 20, 2023

  As tensions have flared in the escalating conflict and protests have spread across Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Education Agency would provide resources to schools to counter misinformation and antisemitism. Full Story 

• Voucher proposal spurs mix of excitement, wariness in Texas home schooling community

  By Keaton Peters Updated: Oct. 20, 2023

  Parents of Texas’ growing population of home-schooled students are split over whether education savings accounts would give them much-needed financial help or represent an unwanted government involvement in their kids’ educations. Full Story 

• In trying to close its coal power plant, Austin encounters obstacles to going green

  By Keaton Peters Oct. 16, 2023

  The city approved a plan in 2020 to shut the Fayette Power Project plant with the aim of eliminating carbon emissions. But political, economic and technological forces have gotten in the way. Full Story 

• GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy draws hundreds of young conservatives at UT-Austin event

  By Keaton Peters Oct. 12, 2023

  The presidential contender visited the University of Texas at Austin Thursday where he answered student questions and said the U.S. shouldn’t aid Ukraine in its war against Russia. Full Story 

• Ken Paxton’s deputy demands back pay for months the attorney general was suspended

  By Keaton Peters Updated: Sept. 26, 2023

  Comptroller Glenn Hegar said he disagreed with Paxton’s interpretation of the law and suggested he seek a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court. Full Story