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More Democratic ballots cast than Republican in Texas primaries

Democratic voter enthusiasm during the primary could signal high Democratic turnout for the general election.

News

More Texas voters are turning out to cast ballots in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/08/texas-primary-election-paxton-cornyn-crockett-talarico" data-vars-content-id="45746767-4792-49dc-9cdc-45eb29f873fd" data-vars-headline="More Democratic ballots cast than Republican in Texas primaries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/08/texas-primary-election-paxton-cornyn-crockett-talarico" target="_self">Democratic primary</a> than the Republican primary during early voting.Why it matters: Primaries tend to attract the most dedicated voters. High Democratic turnout in March could signal greater Democratic turnout in the November midterm election.

Waymo launches driverless car service in Dallas

The coverage area and ridership are limited for now.

Driverless Waymo rides have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="started in Dallas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/11/18/waymos-driverless-cars-to-hit-dallas-roads-soon" data-vars-content-id="f1827bd4-03b2-46ab-9bc4-dc0976c76193" data-vars-headline="Waymo launches driverless car service in Dallas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/11/18/waymos-driverless-cars-to-hit-dallas-roads-soon" target="_self">started in Dallas</a>, with limited ridership at first. Why it matters: Waymo&#x27;s debut turns futuristic tech into a commuting option, moving the technology past its testing phase and into daily life.

How Colossal's technology works

Colossal is using gene editing technology to recreate the DNA of extinct species by modifying the DNA of their closest living relatives.

Researchers at Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences rely on ancient DNA from extinct species and the genome of their closest living relatives to determine how they can be brought back.Why it matters: Gene editing technology is commonly used to treat diseases and modify crops and livestock.<ul><li>Colossal is using the technology to recreate the DNA of extinct species by modifying the DNA of their closest living relatives.</li></ul>State of play: Dallas billionaire Ben Lamm and Harvard geneticist George Church founded Colossal in 2021, aiming to bring back the woolly mammoth.<ul><li>*The company announced last April it had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revived the dire wolf" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/07/colossal-biosciences-dire-wolf-extinct-austin" data-vars-content-id="e820a1fe-3405-43c6-8eb7-1eebb3f0f15f" data-vars-headline="How Colossal&#x27;s technology works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/07/colossal-biosciences-dire-wolf-extinct-austin" target="_self">revived the dire wolf</a>. The wolves had been extinct for over 12,500 years. </li><li>In September, the lab announced a scientific breakthrough in resurrecting the dodo bird. The company&#x27;s scientists were the first to create primordial germ cells from birds other than chickens and geese.</li></ul>How it works: Gene editing is a cumbersome process that requires a lot of waiting and testing.<ul><li>Scientists <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="edit" data-vars-click-url="https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/06/stanford-explainer-crispr-gene-editing-and-beyond" data-vars-content-id="e820a1fe-3405-43c6-8eb7-1eebb3f0f15f" data-vars-headline="How Colossal&#x27;s technology works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/06/stanford-explainer-crispr-gene-editing-and-beyond" target="_blank">edit</a> certain DNA from the living relative to make it match the genome of the extinct species. The hybrid genes are tested to ensure the modifications worked.</li><li>The hybrid cells are then grown into an embryo that is implanted into a surrogate.</li></ul>Case in point: For the extinct dire wolf, Colossal referenced DNA from a tooth and 72,000-year-old skull to modify the DNA of gray wolves and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recreate the dire wolf genome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5uCuOwK_VE" data-vars-content-id="e820a1fe-3405-43c6-8eb7-1eebb3f0f15f" data-vars-headline="How Colossal&#x27;s technology works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5uCuOwK_VE" target="_blank">recreate the dire wolf genome</a>.<ul><li>Colossal&#x27;s dire wolves, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Remus, Romulus and Khaleesi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH-qb50AGYs" data-vars-content-id="e820a1fe-3405-43c6-8eb7-1eebb3f0f15f" data-vars-headline="How Colossal&#x27;s technology works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH-qb50AGYs" target="_blank">Remus, Romulus and Khaleesi</a>, are now just over a year old.</li><li>&quot;They&#x27;re hitting all their milestones, so it&#x27;s really sort of a green light for us to start to look at growing the pack now,&quot; says Matt James, Colossal&#x27;s chief animal officer who previously oversaw animal care at the Dallas Zoo.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Colossal scientists are now editing DNA from Asian elephants, who are 99.96% similar to woolly mammoths, to recreate mammoth DNA.<ul><li>Climate change and habitat loss may have contributed to the species&#x27; extinction <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="thousands of years ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05w9b6b" data-vars-content-id="e820a1fe-3405-43c6-8eb7-1eebb3f0f15f" data-vars-headline="How Colossal&#x27;s technology works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05w9b6b" target="_blank">thousands of years ago</a>.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Fluffy light brown mouse standing on its hind legs on a wooden platform inside a cage filled with white bedding and toys. The mouse is genetically modified to have the fur of a woolly mammoth. " height="1080" id="60ad2fd2-1eaa-48b5-8012-9a8586bb07b0" src="https://images.axios.com/s5VXCpZpa2H1PaXku6g9z9P2aA8=/2026/02/17/1771368569960.jpeg" width="1920" srcset="https://images.axios.com/KcxVT1OgrLH57NExwaxL-5xAsDI=/51x30:1879x1058/1920x1080/2026/02/17/1771368569960.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/ikxhMvLM8Xla4kZTv8m38JGOZS0=/51x30:1879x1058/1600x900/2026/02/17/1771368569960.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/pRY-9sTwphe5hov6vQZ8diXHRDw=/51x30:1879x1058/1366x768/2026/02/17/1771368569960.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/CG7xFnlqijh5FlIm2L10JZkCqP0=/51x30:1879x1058/1024x576/2026/02/17/1771368569960.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/593RPc2051thMg0dNXzWWKMIAvs=/51x30:1879x1058/768x432/2026/02/17/1771368569960.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/OOjY16p8-t5h5R44Aznw65UaC0E=/51x30:1879x1058/640x360/2026/02/17/1771368569960.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/xop6SGA2hYorYAZMTzALm_RE0wA=/51x30:1879x1058/320x180/2026/02/17/1771368569960.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>This genetically modified mouse acts like other mice but has the fur of a woolly mammoth. Photo: Tasha Tsiaperas/Axios</figcaption></figure>Reality check: Don&#x27;t expect a woolly mammoth just yet. Scientists are still editing the genome and the species has a two-year gestation period.<ul><li>Colossal is testing its edits on mice — which employees refer to as their &quot;woolly mammoth mice&quot; — to see how the modifications influence their hair color, length and texture.</li></ul>The bottom line: &quot;I sort of think about how one day my daughter could be on a safari-like experience through northern Alaska, seeing mammoth roam again. That would be incredible,&quot; James tells Axios.Read more: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dallas-based &quot;de-extinction&quot; startup to open biovault in Dubai" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/18/dallas-de-extinction-colossal-biosciences-dire-wolf" data-vars-content-id="e820a1fe-3405-43c6-8eb7-1eebb3f0f15f" data-vars-headline="How Colossal&#x27;s technology works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/18/dallas-de-extinction-colossal-biosciences-dire-wolf" target="_self">Dallas-based &quot;de-extinction&quot; startup to open biovault in Dubai</a>

Egyptian street food comes to Garland

Koshary is a layered bowl of rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas, topped with rich tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.

Food and Drink

Roll out the red carpet: Egypt&#x27;s national dish is being served at a Garland gas station.The intrigue: Traditionally vegan, koshary is a layered bowl of rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas, topped with a rich tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. The dish has working-class roots and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Italian influence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodrepublic.com/2056057/egypt-national-dish-koshary-origins/#:~:text=Yet%20koshary&#x27;s%20composition%20is%20not,represent%20distinctly%20Middle%20Eastern%20flavors." data-vars-content-id="9493d1b2-5333-4078-b7bb-c633d967e36a" data-vars-headline="Egyptian street food comes to Garland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodrepublic.com/2056057/egypt-national-dish-koshary-origins/#:~:text=Yet%20koshary&#x27;s%20composition%20is%20not,represent%20distinctly%20Middle%20Eastern%20flavors." target="_blank">Italian influence</a>.

How to apply for Texas school vouchers

Families can apply to receive $10,474 to pay for private school tuition for the 2026–27 school year.

Education

Parents can start applying Wednesday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas school vouchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" data-vars-content-id="35a33433-90e7-433e-bdb5-91b9c452ae12" data-vars-headline="How to apply for Texas school vouchers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" target="_self">Texas school vouchers</a>.Why it matters: The $1 billion program gives families state money for private school tuition or to pay for homeschooling.

How TCU chancellor Daniel Pullin clicks

Pullin loves "Landman," which is often filmed in North Texas.

Plano native Daniel Pullin calls himself an &quot;accidental academic.&quot; He spent several years in consulting and private equity before his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, asked him to teach a class.<ul><li>Now, nearly 20 years later, he is Texas Christian University&#x27;s new chancellor.</li></ul>

Fort Worth schools going under state control

Fort Worth is the second largest school district to be taken over by the TEA.

Houston ISD can provide a blueprint for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fort Worth ISD" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/05/08/fort-worth-isd-state-takeover" data-vars-content-id="f790b37a-4163-49d8-8c21-a1fea689ef25" data-vars-headline="Fort Worth schools going under state control" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/05/08/fort-worth-isd-state-takeover" target="_self">Fort Worth ISD</a>&#x27;s future after the Texas Education Agency announced Thursday the state will take over the district.Why it matters: Just 34% of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fort Worth students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/04/24/dallas-fort-worth-school-ratings-tea" data-vars-content-id="f790b37a-4163-49d8-8c21-a1fea689ef25" data-vars-headline="Fort Worth schools going under state control" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/04/24/dallas-fort-worth-school-ratings-tea" target="_self">Fort Worth students</a> are performing at grade level, lower than the percentage in other large districts, including Houston and Dallas.

What's new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year

North Texas schools are beginning the semester with more per-student funding from the state and several new laws.

North Texas schools are beginning the semester with more per-student funding from the state and several new laws to enforce, including a ban on students&#x27; cellphone use during school hours.Why it matters: The new academic year will not be a fresh start for many school districts amid staffing shortages, tight budgets and pressure to improve school performance ratings.The latest: A new state law <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mandates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96zK7EbsGUQ" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96zK7EbsGUQ" target="_blank">mandates</a> that districts establish policies prohibiting students from using personal communication devices such as cellphones and smart watches during school hours, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some exceptions" data-vars-click-url="https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/correspondence/taa-letters/implementation-of-texas-house-bill-1481-student-use-of-personal-communication-devices-on-school-property" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/correspondence/taa-letters/implementation-of-texas-house-bill-1481-student-use-of-personal-communication-devices-on-school-property" target="_blank">some exceptions</a>.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Another law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/30/texas-legislature-passes-public-school-funding" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/30/texas-legislature-passes-public-school-funding" target="_self">Another law</a> increases teacher pay and districts&#x27; per-student funding by $55, the first base funding change since 2019.</li></ul>Zoom in: Fort Worth ISD is transitioning 15 of its campuses to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extended academic year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fwisd.org/calendar/adsy" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fwisd.org/calendar/adsy" target="_blank">extended academic year</a> that starts Monday and will end on June 30, with 25 more school days than the district&#x27;s traditional year.<ul><li>Dallas ISD also returns to school on Monday but will end classes on May 27. The district is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projecting" data-vars-click-url="https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1748007423/dallasisdorg/ijtggpclsgyaiwo3l0dc/FY25-26AdoptedBudgetBook-May-Final.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1748007423/dallasisdorg/ijtggpclsgyaiwo3l0dc/FY25-26AdoptedBudgetBook-May-Final.pdf" target="_blank">projecting</a> a roughly $128 million budget shortfall for this year.</li><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carrollton-Farmers Branch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/parents-react-as-four-carrollton-farmers-branch-isd-schools-prepare-close/287-b469f224-da82-4825-ad11-0a2dfc87dcbc" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/parents-react-as-four-carrollton-farmers-branch-isd-schools-prepare-close/287-b469f224-da82-4825-ad11-0a2dfc87dcbc" target="_blank">Carrollton-Farmers Branch</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plano" data-vars-click-url="https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/plano-north/government/2025/06/02/city-of-plano-approves-purchase-of-now-closed-davis-forman-elementary-schools/" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/plano-north/government/2025/06/02/city-of-plano-approves-purchase-of-now-closed-davis-forman-elementary-schools/" target="_blank">Plano</a> school districts have consolidated students into fewer campuses this year after closing some schools in response to declining enrollment.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Gov. Greg Abbott has called a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="special session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/07/10/texas-greg-abbott-special-session-legislature-thc" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/07/10/texas-greg-abbott-special-session-legislature-thc" target="_self">special session</a> and asked state lawmakers to consider eliminating the STAAR test.<ul><li>The state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="costly school voucher program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" target="_self">costly school voucher program</a> is slated to launch at the start of the 2026–27 school year and could reduce enrollment at public schools.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Dallas County is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back-to-school vaccine clinic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.keranews.org/news/2025-08-05/funding-cuts-reduce-dallas-county-vaccination-clinics-as-covid-variant-spreads" data-vars-content-id="c15ea16d-e609-49d1-a957-06e71e8f96f3" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new in Dallas-Fort Worth schools this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.keranews.org/news/2025-08-05/funding-cuts-reduce-dallas-county-vaccination-clinics-as-covid-variant-spreads" target="_blank">back-to-school vaccine clinic</a> from 9am–12pm on Saturday. Appointments are recommended.

North Texas store is hub for homeschool supplies

An estimated 500,000-620,000 children in Texas are homeschooled.

A store inside a Lewisville church has become a go-to stop for parents homeschooling their children. Why it matters: An estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="500,000-620,000 children in Texas" data-vars-click-url="https://thsc.org/in-the-press/" data-vars-content-id="84469f31-241f-4017-9895-f1d92548e736" data-vars-headline="North Texas store is hub for homeschool supplies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thsc.org/in-the-press/" target="_blank">500,000-620,000 children in Texas</a> are homeschooled, and that number could grow due to the state&#x27;s newly minted <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voucher law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" data-vars-content-id="84469f31-241f-4017-9895-f1d92548e736" data-vars-headline="North Texas store is hub for homeschool supplies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/03/texas-school-vouchers-greg-abbott-signs-law" target="_self">voucher law</a>.

Fort Worth ISD warned of possible state takeover

State officials are scrutinizing the district.

Fort Worth ISD will have to make aggressive and immediate improvements after a district school repeatedly received failing scores in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state&#x27;s accountability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/04/24/dallas-fort-worth-school-ratings-tea" data-vars-content-id="fb67510b-2a3e-4fba-8e7e-0ac79d6ea4e8" data-vars-headline="Fort Worth ISD warned of possible state takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/04/24/dallas-fort-worth-school-ratings-tea" target="_self">state&#x27;s accountability</a> ratings, the Texas education commissioner warned district leaders this week.Why it matters: The school shut down in 2023, merging with a middle school, but Fort Worth ISD will have to successfully appeal the most recent rating to avoid being <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taken over by the Texas Education Agency" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/15/houston-school-district-texas-takeover" data-vars-content-id="fb67510b-2a3e-4fba-8e7e-0ac79d6ea4e8" data-vars-headline="Fort Worth ISD warned of possible state takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/15/houston-school-district-texas-takeover" target="_self">taken over by the Texas Education Agency</a>.

Fort Worth offers workforce training for high school students

"I don't believe we have a talent issue. We have a training issue," Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker says.

Business

Hundreds of Fort Worth high school students will graduate this year with a diploma and training that can put them directly into the workforce.Why it matters: Dallas-Fort Worth and Texas as a whole continue to add thousands of skilled jobs, but not enough residents are trained to fill them.

Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory

The lawsuit stems from a heavily edited video posted by conservative media group Accuracy in Media.

The Texas attorney general is suing Coppell ISD, alleging the district is teaching <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="critical race theory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/03/critical-race-theory-education-books-explained" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/03/critical-race-theory-education-books-explained" target="_self">critical race theory</a>.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s top conservative leaders want to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eliminate teachings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2022/11/10/candidates-against-critical-race-theory-thrive" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2022/11/10/candidates-against-critical-race-theory-thrive" target="_self">eliminate teachings</a> about race and personal identity in general.<ul><li>The anti-CRT push is part of the broader goal to give parents more control over what their children learn in school.</li></ul>Driving the news: Attorney General Ken Paxton <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced the lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-sues-coppell-isd-illegally-teaching-woke-and-hateful-critical-race" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-sues-coppell-isd-illegally-teaching-woke-and-hateful-critical-race" target="_blank">announced the lawsuit</a> Wednesday, saying Texas students deserve to &quot;not have woke ideology forced upon them.&quot;<ul><li>The lawsuit stems from a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heavily edited video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezXDZUFsncI" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezXDZUFsncI" target="_blank">heavily edited video</a> posted by conservative media group Accuracy in Media that shows a Coppell school administrator saying the district doesn&#x27;t always follow state standards on certain topics.</li></ul>State of play: The lawsuit says the Coppell school district&#x27;s curriculum is violating a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2021 state law" data-vars-click-url="https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&amp;Bill=HB3979" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=87R&amp;Bill=HB3979" target="_blank">2021 state law</a> that bans kindergarten through 12th grade students from being taught critical race theory, a college-level topic that says racism is baked into U.S. history.Zoom out: President Trump issued an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="executive order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/trump-funding-schools-transgender-children" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/29/trump-funding-schools-transgender-children" target="_self">executive order</a> in January to stop &quot;indoctrination in K-12 education.&quot;<ul><li>The order says teaching white privilege or unconscious bias &quot;actually promotes racial discrimination.&quot;</li></ul>Zoom in: The video shows an interviewer saying he&#x27;s concerned students will &quot;learn a MAGA version of history instead of an accurate version of real-world events.&quot;<ul><li>The school administrator responds, &quot;One thing that I love about this district, despite what our state standards say and despite what, you know, is going on, we do what&#x27;s right for kids.&quot;</li></ul>Reality check: The video was posted Feb. 25, but it&#x27;s unclear when it was recorded. The administrator wears a protective face mask during the conversation, and the interviewer refers to orders signed by the governor &quot;a few months ago.&quot;<ul><li>The interviewer doesn&#x27;t mention critical race theory, but the video&#x27;s text says the discussion was about the topic. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bill banning CRT" data-vars-click-url="https://gov.texas.gov/UPLOADS/FILES/PRESS/FILING_STMT_HB_3979_critical_race_theory_IMAGE_06-15-21.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gov.texas.gov/UPLOADS/FILES/PRESS/FILING_STMT_HB_3979_critical_race_theory_IMAGE_06-15-21.pdf" target="_blank">bill banning CRT</a> in June 2021.</li><li>Coppell ISD is closed this week for spring break, and a district spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.</li></ul>The intrigue: The video ends with text that says, &quot;Enacting universal school choice is the only way to reform education in Texas.&quot;<ul><li>The Texas Legislature is again considering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school choice vouchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/03/05/school-voucher-texas-legislature-abbott-talarico" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/03/05/school-voucher-texas-legislature-abbott-talarico" target="_self">school choice vouchers</a> enabling families to use state money to pay for private school tuition or homeschooling.</li></ul>The big picture: Passing a statewide voucher program is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top priority for the governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/03/greg-abbott-school-choice-legislative-priorities" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/02/03/greg-abbott-school-choice-legislative-priorities" target="_self">top priority for the governor</a>.<ul><li>The measure failed during the last legislative session. During last year&#x27;s primaries, Abbott <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="targeted fellow Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/01/10/abbott-primary-republican-campaign-spending" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/01/10/abbott-primary-republican-campaign-spending" target="_self">targeted fellow Republicans</a> who opposed vouchers.</li></ul>Context: The Senate has approved Senate Bill 2, giving families $10,000 a year per student to fund tuition at an accredited private school.<ul><li>The program is estimated to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost Texas $1 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/pdf/SB00002I.pdf#navpanes=0" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/pdf/SB00002I.pdf#navpanes=0" target="_blank">cost Texas $1 billion</a> in fiscal year 2027.</li><li>House Bill 3 would put $1 billion toward education savings accounts.</li></ul>Threat level: Critics of school vouchers say the programs pull money from the public education system and fund wealthy people&#x27;s private school tuition.The other side: Proponents say vouchers help lower-income students attend better schools rather than their underperforming local campuses. They also say the funding enables parents to make the best choice for their kids. <ul><li>&quot;Families should not have to pay twice — once in taxes for a system that may not meet their child&#x27;s needs, and again, for tuition, for the education they truly want,&quot; Brian Archer, an administrator for Joshua Christian Academy, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testified last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/11/texas-house-school-voucher-bill/" data-vars-content-id="e3340a6a-06d4-4928-a269-52f98a28a6a7" data-vars-headline="Texas AG sues Coppell ISD after conservative activist video claims district teaches critical race theory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2025/03/11/texas-house-school-voucher-bill/" target="_blank">testified last week</a> in Austin.</li></ul>

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Education is a major focus of the Texas Legislature this year, from teacher pay and training to tuition support for private education and homeschooling.Why it matters: Republican lawmakers&#x27; approach to education could harm public schools even as the legislators look to direct more money toward classrooms.

Frisco ISD opens to out-of-district students to fill budget shortfall

Texas school districts are grappling with large deficits amid increasing operational costs and, in some cases, declining enrollment.

For the first time, Frisco ISD will enroll out-of-district students next year to boost its state funding and trim its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="potential $30.81 million shortfall" data-vars-click-url="https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/frisco/education/2023/09/13/frisco-isd-joins-lawsuit-against-tea-over-a-f-accountability-rating-changes/" data-vars-content-id="9dc9ebb9-b955-40a6-906d-a4648ffe5115" data-vars-headline="Frisco ISD opens to out-of-district students to fill budget shortfall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/frisco/education/2023/09/13/frisco-isd-joins-lawsuit-against-tea-over-a-f-accountability-rating-changes/" target="_blank">potential $30.81 million shortfall</a>.Why it matters: Districts statewide are grappling with large deficits amid increasing operational costs and, in some cases, declining enrollment.

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