News from the South - Texas News Feed

Former HISD employees accused in teacher cheating scheme try to avoid cameras at first court hearing

Published

3 weeks ago

November 1, 2024

www.youtube.com – KPRC 2 Click2Houston – 2024-11-01 18:17:02

SUMMARY: Former HISD educators, including basketball coach Vincent Grayson, have been arrested in a serious scheme where applicants paid to have others take teacher certification exams on their behalf. Grayson, the alleged ringleader, reportedly profited over a million dollars, charging $2,500 per applicant for this fraudulent service. Two assistant principals, Lea Roberts and Nicholas Newton, alongside testing coordinators Daren Wilhite and Taiwana Mason, are also implicated in the scheme, with the latter accused of accepting bribes to facilitate cheating. Prosecutors are building a case based on bank records and confessions from approximately 20 involved teachers.

Three of the five defendants accused in a yearslong Houston-based cheating scandal, involving hundreds of unqualified teachers getting certified to teach at schools statewide, appeared before a district court judge for the first time Friday.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Fatal crash of mother, daughter highlights need for affordable childcare

Published

13 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KPRC 2 Click2Houston – 2024-11-23 18:01:39

SUMMARY: A tragic incident occurred when Deputy Katherine Hudson, working a second job on the Katy Freeway, was killed while her 7-year-old daughter was in the car. Sources revealed that Hudson could not find affordable child care, which led her to bring her daughter along. Experts from the Children at Risk advocacy group highlight the statewide need for affordable child care that accommodates irregular hours. They stress that the lack of accessible child care affects not only families but the entire community, urging action as the next legislative session approaches.

The death of a deputy constable and her daughter, struck by an impaired driver while she worked a second job, sheds light on the growing demand for affordable childcare solutions.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

More than $225 million allocated to support rural law enforcement | Texas

Published

21 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Staff Editor

www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-23 10:40:00

SUMMARY: Texas has allocated over $225 million in grants to enhance law enforcement in rural areas, addressing salary and recruitment challenges. The Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program, established by SB 22 in 2023, aims to bridge funding gaps in under-resourced counties. In fiscal 2024, $125.7 million was awarded to 502 recipients, and $98.4 million in fiscal 2025 to 396 recipients. While the program has enabled significant salary increases and hiring, some sheriffs report that county officials are blocking funds for political reasons. Advocates suggest allowing direct applications from sheriffs for a more effective funding process.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Houston forecast: Tracking 2 cold fronts for Thanksgiving week

Published

22 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – KHOU 11 – 2024-11-23 08:45:45

SUMMARY: Good Saturday morning! Meteorologist Chris Ramirez forecasts pleasant weather in Houston, with temperatures reaching the 70s today and possibly up to 80° on Sunday. Next week, two cold fronts are expected, with the first arriving Monday, bringing cooler conditions and drizzle leading into Thanksgiving. Highs will start at 73° on Thanksgiving Day before falling throughout the day, with overnight lows dropping into the 50s. There’s no significant rainfall expected soon, despite ongoing moderate drought conditions in some areas. Travelers should prepare for drizzly conditions on the busy travel day, Wednesday. Stay updated on KHOU.com.