Judge Blocks Release of A-F School Ratings

A Travis County judge temporarily blocked the release of A-F accountability grades for public schools after a lawsuit from several districts claimed the grades would be based on flawed STAAR test results.

Plaintiffs challenged the use of artificial intelligence to grade essay responses, arguing Education Commissioner Mike Morath has failed to demonstrate the test is “valid and reliable.”

Texas Education Agency officials said that the ruling is “keeping families in the dark about how their schools are doing,” citing opposition from some administrators to “fair accountability and transparency.” 

A hearing is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 26.

San Antonio Carriage Survey Gets Big Response

The City of San Antonio’s survey on horse-drawn carriages has received an overwhelming response, with over 47,000 submissions by Monday, the day before it closed.

The city council will consider a complete ban on the popular attraction at their Aug. 19 meeting, weighing survey results and staff recommendations. 

Carriage ban advocates cite traffic issues and animal welfare, while operators question the survey’s fairness and validity.

East Texas Author’s Film Debut Hits $80M

The movie adaptation of “It Ends With Us,” based on East Texas native Colleen Hoover’s 2016 romance novel, has earned $80 million worldwide in its opening weekend after its release on Friday.

The film, which stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, secured second place at the box office behind “Deadpool and Wolverine.”

Colleen Hoover, a bestselling author from Sulphur Springs, has achieved remarkable success, selling over 20 million books and outselling even the Bible in 2022.

Named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2023, Hoover’s meteoric rise to fame was largely fueled by TikTok’s book-loving community, #BookTok.

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➤ Over 70 Texas GOP lawmakers urged the State Fair of Texas to reverse its ban on guns, which was announced last week in response to a 2023 shooting at the fairgrounds that left three people injured. (See Details)

➤ Harlingen: The city received a $3.8 million federal grant to extend one of the runways at Valley International Airport by 1,100 feet, making it the longest runway south of Austin. (See Details)

➤ Travis County: The trial for former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and assistant county attorney Jason Nassour began Tuesday. They’re accused of ordering the deletion of TV footage showing Javier Ambler’s 2019 death during a traffic stop. (More)

➤ Two Texas women filed federal complaints alleging they were denied treatment for ectopic pregnancies due to confusion over the state’s abortion ban. (See Details)

➤ Cherokee County: A man was life-flighted to a local hospital after being stung by hundreds of bees Monday. His condition is unknown. (More)

➤ Austin: State lawmakers heard testimony Monday on publicly funded education savings account programs implemented in other states. The issue, supported by Gov. Greg Abbott, has sparked heated debate in the legislature. (More)

➤ Corpus Christi: The city’s fire marshal confirmed alarms were not working during a Friday blaze that destroyed 15 condominium units at the Villa Del Sol complex in North Beach. (See Details)

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➤ The University of Texas and Texas A&M football teams were ranked in the initial AP Top 25 poll, taking the No. 4 and No. 20 spots, respectively. (More)

➤ Take a look at this great throw by Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman from deep in foul territory to get the out against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. (Watch Video)

➤ The Dallas Cowboys are worth an estimated $10.32 billion, becoming the first sports team to achieve a value of $10 billion. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: MLB | Leagues Cup

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➤ Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media has laid off 38 employees—over a third of its workforce—less than a year after the Fort Worth company launched. (See Details)

➤ The Ford Motor Company and electricity provider TXU Energy partnered to offer free home charging for some Ford electric vehicle owners during certain hours. (See Details)

➤ Houston-based startup Sage Geosystems agreed with the San Miguel Electric Cooperative to provide 3MW of geothermal energy storage at the site of its coal power plant in Christine. (More)

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➤ The Farmers’ Almanac predicts a warmer-than-average winter for Texas, with a possible storm bringing up to 6 inches of snow next February. (More)

➤ The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame inducted Tracy Lawrence, Roy Orbison, and The Mandrell Sisters at its 27th annual ceremony. (See Photos)

➤ Port Aransas officials are developing a management plan for Boots, a beloved local alligator, who has wandered into a drainage ditch more than a mile from his home at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. (Watch Video)

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Have you ever taken a ride in a horse-drawn carriage?

1. Yes
2. No

Monday’s Results:

Would other people say you’re a good driver?

1. Yes: 80.7%
2. No: 19.3%

What percent of households in Texas have pets?

Show me the answer