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Texas
8th January 2026
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THE HOT STORY

Mistrial motion denied in Uvalde case

On Wednesday, in the ongoing trial of former Uvalde school district police officer Adrian Gonzales, a Texas judge denied a motion for a mistrial. The request was made by Gonzales' defense team after a witness, Stephanie Hale, a third-grade teacher, provided unexpected testimony about seeing the gunman during the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School, which resulted in the deaths of nineteen students and two teachers. Judge Sid Harle ruled that the inclusion of Hale's testimony was inadvertent and allowed the trial to proceed. Gonzales, charged with twenty-nine counts of child endangerment, has pleaded not guilty, with his defense arguing that he could not confront the shooter due to the chaotic circumstances. The trial will resume with the jury this morning. The defense plans to present Hale's earlier interview to the jury, where she did not mention seeing the gunman.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Trump administration issues revamped nutrition advice

The Trump administration has released the 2025-2030 U.S. dietary guidelines, urging Americans to consume more whole foods and protein while reducing highly processed foods and added sugars. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said: "Our message is clear: Eat real food." The guidelines recommend limiting saturated fat to 10% of daily calories and suggest whole-food sources. They also call for increased protein intake, advising 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. The guidelines will impact federal nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 30m children daily. The School Nutrition Association has reiterated its call for Congress to increase funding for school meal programs. “School nutrition programs are where the vision of the DGAs becomes reality for the 30m children eating school meals each day,” Stephanie Dillard, the association’s president, said in a statement. “Congress has a tremendous opportunity to improve the health of America by investing resources to help schools expand scratch cooking, serve more fresh, local foods and further positive momentum in cafeterias.”

STATE NEWS

Vouchers could reshape Galveston classrooms

Galveston County families will soon have the opportunity to apply for state-funded vouchers starting February 4, aimed at enhancing access to private schools for the 2026-27 school year. The Texas Education Freedom Accounts program, which allocates about $1bn in state funding, allows families to use public funds for private school tuition and related expenses. Principal Patti Abbott of O'Connell College Preparatory stated, “Joining the program would allow the school to build on our existing strengths while providing access to families who might otherwise face financial barriers.” However, concerns have been raised by public education officials, including Texas City ISD Superintendent Melissa Duarte, who warned that the program could divert essential resources from public schools.

LEADERSHIP

New principal takes charge at Lariat Trails

Christina Gamez has been appointed as the principal of Lariat Trails Elementary, set to open in August. Liberty Hill ISD announced her selection on January 6. Gamez began her educational career in 2012 as a physical education teacher at Bill Burden Elementary and has since held various leadership roles, including assistant principal. “Opening a new school is a unique opportunity to build a culture rooted in connection, collaboration and high expectations from day one,” Gamez said. Travis Motal, LHISD interim superintendent, praised her experience and passion for education, stating, “Her experience opening schools and as a current elementary principal makes her the ideal choice.” The district plans to rezone students this fall in preparation for the new school, with community meetings scheduled for January 13 and 15.

New athletic director on the agenda

Alto ISD board will convene for a special meeting on January 12 at 7 a.m. to discuss hiring a new athletic director. The agenda indicates that the board will first hold closed session discussions before reconvening in an open meeting to potentially take action on the hire.

Petolick aims for Denton ISD seat

Greg Petolick announced his candidacy for the Denton ISD Board of Trustees Place 6 seat in the upcoming May 2026 election. A retired accountant and adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University, Petolick is passionate about student success beyond graduation. He stated, “I am running because I believe graduation alone is not enough,” emphasizing the need for students to be prepared for various post-graduation paths. Petolick has previously served on the Denton ISD 2023 Bond Committee and the 1925 Committee, focusing on budget savings.

DISTRICTS

Frisco ISD unveils exciting new courses

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, Frisco ISD will offer four new in-person courses aimed at enhancing student learning. The new classes include Turf Grass Management for grades 9-12, Practicum in Law for 12th graders, Multivariable Calculus for 11th and 12th graders who have completed AP Calculus BC, and Sports Medicine II for grades 10-12. Additionally, Frisco ISD will launch a virtual learning program, Frisco Flex, in fall 2026, offering families options for fully online or hybrid learning experiences.

Election alert: Clear Creek ISD votes

Clear Creek ISD will conduct a general election on May 2 for two board of trustees positions: Single Member District 2, currently held by Jamieson Mackay, and Single Member District 3, held by Arturo Sanchez. Each position has a three-year term. The filing period begins on January 14 and ends at 5 p.m. on February 13.

Battle brews over Windsong Ranch

Prosper ISD and Denton ISD are currently embroiled in a dispute over a section of the Windsong Ranch development, with the matter now in the hands of the state. During a meeting on December 15, Prosper ISD's board approved a petition from local residents to annex approximately 220 acres of Windsong Ranch that falls under Denton ISD's jurisdiction.

Austin ISD faces school closure dilemma

Austin ISD officials are deliberating whether to close Blackshear Elementary instead of Oak Springs Elementary, as part of a plan to merge campuses and close 10 schools to save approximately $21.8m amid a $65m deficit. Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Pace informed families that students would transition to Blackshear for the 2026-27 school year, with a permanent move to a new $47.6m Oak Springs campus once completed. Parent Gabe Hernandez expressed frustration over the lack of information, while Joe Walsh raised concerns about the adequacy of the new campus design for accommodating both schools' needs. Superintendent Matias Segura will make the final decision, with a board meeting scheduled for January 15.

LEGISLATION

Ten Commandments now in classrooms

Schools in Temple and Belton are now displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, following the passage of Senate Bill 10 by the 89th Texas Legislature. This law mandates that every public elementary and secondary school in Texas must exhibit a poster of the Ten Commandments, measuring at least 16 inches by 20 inches, in a conspicuous location. Temple ISD Superintendent Bobby Ott stated, “They're not to be moved, obviously. They're treated like a fire extinguisher.” Belton ISD Superintendent Malinda Golden reassured parents that the posters are for display only and do not have an instructional component.

INTERNATIONAL

French teachers oppose high school smartphone ban

French teaching unions have pushed back against a government proposal to ban smartphones in lycées (high schools) from 2026, extending restrictions already in place for younger pupils. Critics argue the ban would disrupt digital systems used for essential services like library access and cafeteria payments, and fail to address broader societal issues. Unions labeled the move a “publicity stunt,” questioning enforcement feasibility, resources, and its impact on older students. The bill, which also seeks to ban social media for under-15s, will be debated in Parliament later this year. 

Sleep-deprived students: a growing crisis

According to the "2024 Basic Analysis Report on the Human Rights Status of Korean Children and Youth" by the Korea Youth Policy Institute, nearly half of South Korea's general high school students are not getting enough sleep. The report revealed that 46.7% of students sleep less than six hours a night, with studying being the primary cause of sleep deprivation. The average sleep reported was only 6.0 hours, and only 5.5% managed to sleep eight hours or more. The report also highlighted concerning mental health issues, with 30.5% of students experiencing suicidal thoughts, largely attributed to academic pressure. "Grades and academic pressure" were cited by 46.4% of those with suicidal thoughts. Additionally, 38.7% of students considered dropping out, primarily due to feelings of irritation and academic burdens.
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