Becky Fogel
Becky Fogel is the newscast host and producer for “Texas Standard.” She came to the show from Science Friday in New York where she produced segments on zombie microbiomes and sneaker technology. She got her start in radio at KWBU-FM in Waco and she’s happy to be back in the great state of Texas.
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Texas is one of about a dozen states that won't be participating in a federal program that provides families with $120 per eligible child to buy groceries while school is out. -
Gov. Greg Abbott named raising teacher pay as one of seven emergency items for this legislative session. The push for higher salaries comes as most teachers in the state weigh whether staying in the profession is worth it. -
House Speaker Dustin Burrows reappointed state Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Killeen) to lead the committee. Buckley tried to get school voucher legislation approved in 2023 but rural Republicans and Democrats blocked the effort. -
The Trump administration directed federal health officials to pause external communications last week, which prompted the National Institutes of Health to cancel meetings used to determine which research to fund. A UT professor has said if the pause lasts too long, it will be hard to reverse the impact. -
The Legislature banned diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public colleges and universities but the prohibition was not supposed to affect academics. Now, Republicans are suggesting DEI-related content in classrooms is hindering efforts to prepare students for the workforce. -
Critics of the materials the Texas Education Agency created have said they include Bible stories that are not age-appropriate and veer into proselytizing. Supporters say biblical narratives have literary and historical value. -
Supporters say kids need to understand the Bible to understand American literature. But opponents say kids are too young for this type of instruction and the materials could alienate students who aren't Christian. -
A recent change in federal rules gives rural districts more options for providing summer meals. The change has allowed Smithville ISD to increase the number of kids getting healthy meals while school is out. -
Texas senators are getting an update on the steps public universities and colleges are taking to comply with a new state law banning diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs on their campuses. Lawmakers will also hear testimony on free speech in the wake of pro-Palestinian protests.
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The State Board of Education was originally going to consider the course when members meet this week, but the new chair delayed its consideration.
