Megan Menchaca
Austin American-Statesman
Dallas, TX, United States
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Recent articles by Megan:
How would the proposed Texas budgets fund higher education? Here's what we know.
New budget proposals: $650 million in additional community college funding over two years and a new $2.5 billion endowment for certain universities. → Read More
UT blocks TikTok on its Wi-Fi network on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's order
The moves comes about a month after UT told all of its employees to remove TikTok from their university-owned devices. → Read More
Breaking: FAA ground stop lifted; Austin airport reports delayed, canceled flights
The Austin airport reported 137 flight delays and 28 cancellations as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning. → Read More
After Uvalde shooting, Texas State asks Legislature to fund school safety, police training
The university asked lawmakers for $79 million for a forensic science academy, statewide active shooter and school safety training and other efforts. → Read More
UT is asking the Legislature for $48 million in 'exceptional items.' Here's what it wants
UT's appropriations request asks for $18.5 million for digital molten salt reactor development, $4 million for long COVID-19 research and more. → Read More
Texas commission's first study on antisemitism reports rise in hatred of Jewish people
The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission issued eight recommendations for the state to fight hatred against Jews in Texas. → Read More
UT System board approves 'Chicago Statement' affirming commitment to free speech
The statement acknowledges the UT System’s “long-standing commitment” to protect the freedom of speech, expression and inquiry on campus. → Read More
Austin ISD: A voter guide to the candidates running for the Board of Trustees
Nine candidates are running for the five open seats on the board, which include Districts 1, 4, 6, 7 and trustee at-large Position 9. → Read More
Dade Phelan breaks from Dan Patrick on ending tenure for new Texas professors
At the Texas Tribune Festival Friday, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, said "I respectfully disagree" with Patrick's proposal. → Read More
A Taylor Swift class is coming to the University of Texas. Are you ready for it?
The new course will provide students with an “introduction to literary studies and research methods” using the songwriting of Taylor Swift. → Read More
Security, teacher shortages, COVID-19 and more: What Austin ISD families need to know as kids return to school
The new academic year comes with several changes, including updates to free lunch programs and the new interim superintendent. → Read More
Huston-Tillotson University names Melva Williams as new president, CEO
Williams will begin the job on Monday following the retirement of Colette Pierce Burnette, the school’s previous president, on June 30. → Read More
Austin Community College board calls for $770 million bond election in November
The bond, if approved, would fund new construction, campus upgrades and student support services, such as child care and student health services. → Read More
CBD, hemp, delta-8, medical marijuana: Here’s what you need to know about Texas’ pot laws
In 2019, Texas legalized hemp, but not marijuana. The new law led to confusion about which marijuana products are legal in Texas. Meanwhile, support for legalizing the drug remains high in polling, and other cannabis-derived products like delta-8 have emerged. → Read More
Ted Cruz calls law enforcement response to Uvalde shooting 'deeply disturbing'
Texas lawmakers largely expressed their disappointment after video was published, although some are continuing to advocate for transparency. → Read More
Uvalde County commissioners ask Abbott to call special session, raise age to buy assault rifles to 21
The Uvalde County Commissioners are asking Gov. Greg Abbott to consider raising the age to purchase assault style rifles from 18 to 21. → Read More
High school STAAR results show some improvement over 2021, but still below pre-pandemic levels
In Algebra I, Biology, and U.S History, the percentage of students in the “meets grade level” category improved since last year during COVID-19. → Read More
Austin ISD names chief officer of schools Anthony Mays as interim superintendent
Anthony Mays, who currently serves as the Austin ISD chief officer of schools, has more than 20 years of public education experience. → Read More
Uvalde school police chief not responding to investigation into shooting response, DPS says
The Uvalde school district police department chief has not responded to the Texas Rangers in two days for a follow up interview. → Read More
Live updates Friday: 10-year-old Uvalde school shooting survivor released from hospital
Here's everything we know Friday about the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that left 19 students and two teachers dead. → Read More