KERA Think (Dallas)

Recent STAR test results indicate that 39% of Fort Worth public school students met grade level, marking the highest performance on record and the third consecutive year of improvement. Notably, economically disadvantaged students are improving at a faster rate than their more affluent peers, with 78% of campuses serving these students showing progress. This report comes amid a state takeover of Fort Worth ISD, raising questions about the future of these gains.

Dallas is facing a budget crisis, leading to the elimination of a $500,000 lease for the tunnels under Thanksgiving Square, which has raised concerns about the park's future. Kyle Ogden, CEO of the Thanksgiving Foundation, describes the situation as an existential crisis but remains optimistic about finding a compromise with the city. He emphasizes the park's role as a civic asset that fosters community values.

Irving has introduced new regulations requiring owners of short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, to obtain conditional use permits. This move aims to better manage short-term rental operations, with positive public feedback reported so far.

Tarrant County has proposed an $834 million budget, which includes a slight decrease in the property tax rate and cuts totaling over $10 million from the previous budget. Notably, more than $3 million will be cut from community services, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility among county officials.

A legal dispute has arisen between a California couple and their surrogate, McKenna West, after the birth of a child with a severe heart defect. The biological parents are seeking to enforce a surrogacy contract that they claim was violated, while a Dallas judge has ordered that the newborn receive life-sustaining care.

Dallas City Council members are considering amendments to the city's development code to regulate data center construction. This follows similar actions by Fort Worth, which has initiated a moratorium on new data center developments to assess their impact.

SMU PhD student Jerry Falade lost a $2 million book deal after being accused of using AI to write parts of his book. This incident highlights growing concerns in the publishing industry regarding the use of AI and its implications for authorship and originality.

Texitcoin, a cryptocurrency linked to the Texas nationalist movement, is facing allegations of securities fraud from the Texas State Securities Board. The founder, Bobby Gray, has been accused of selling unregistered securities through a multi-level marketing scheme and has since left Texas following a cease and desist order. Despite the allegations, Gray maintains that Texitcoin is a legitimate community currency and not a scam.

Mark Lamster, a Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic, shares insights from his new book 'Welcome to Paradox City,' which explores the unique architectural landscape of Dallas. The discussion highlights the city's contradictions and the impact of urban development on local communities.

Ceci Sessie, a Dallas-based singer-songwriter originally from Nicaragua, is set to release her first album, featuring the single 'La Bruja.' In an interview, she discusses her cultural influences, the significance of singing in Spanish, and the personal experiences that inspired her music.

Ken Paxton, the Republican U.S. candidate for Texas, is under scrutiny for his financial dealings, particularly regarding a cell tower that has generated significant income for him. Investigative reporting reveals that Paxton's financial ties to the tower raise ethical concerns, especially given his previous role as a board member of the hospital where the tower is located.

Ken Paxton's campaign is receiving substantial donations from the data center industry, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest as his office is responsible for regulating these centers. The ongoing debate about data centers in Texas has become a significant issue in the upcoming election, with both Paxton and his opponent, James Talarico, taking distinct stances on the matter.

The Trump administration's attempt to overhaul a federal homeless assistance program has faced legal challenges, with a judge blocking its latest effort. Critics argue that the proposed changes could jeopardize housing stability for thousands of Texans by shifting funding away from permanent housing solutions to temporary services. Local service providers express concern that the changes could undermine the effectiveness of programs designed to help families transition out of homelessness.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for a statewide audit of data centers, pausing new developments as the state aims to manage its growing data center market. The audit will assess nearly 2,000 projects in the interconnection queue, with concerns about the impact on the pace of development and political implications for the upcoming elections. While some companies may adapt by building their own power sources, the audit is expected to slow down the overall rollout of data centers.

Five Dallas City Council members are pushing for a meeting to amend the city's development code to regulate data centers. This follows Fort Worth's decision to impose a 90-day moratorium on data center development, allowing time for evaluation of potential regulations. The move aims to give residents more say in how data centers are constructed in the city.

Dallas County has released the autopsy report for Muhammad Nazir Pactewal, an Afghan immigrant who died in ICE custody, revealing that his death was due to an allergic reaction exacerbated by asthma. The report also noted the presence of methamphetamines, which his family disputes. The case raises questions about the treatment he received while in custody and the transparency of local authorities.

The Dallas Black Dance Theater has reached a union contract agreement after a lengthy labor dispute that resulted in a significant settlement for dancers. The new contract aims to improve pay and establish a joint committee to address discrimination and retaliation, marking a positive step for the dancers and the organization.

An Alaskan pregnancy surrogate, McKenna West, gave birth in Texas against the wishes of the intended parents, who requested an abortion. The case has drawn attention due to the baby's medical condition and the legal implications surrounding surrogacy and parental rights in Texas. Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened to ensure the child receives necessary medical treatment.

The episode highlights various indoor summer activities in North Texas, focusing on the Children's Aquarium and Texas Discovery Gardens. Both venues offer interactive experiences for families, including touch tanks at the aquarium and a butterfly house at the gardens, making them ideal for summer outings.

Joshua Henry, a Grammy and Tony Award winner, is set to perform with the Plano Symphony Orchestra in a concert titled 'Get Up, Stand Up.' He discusses the excitement of performing live, the uplifting nature of the music, and the importance of growth over accolades in his artistic journey.