news for houston
HBCU President Asks Dr. Dre, Why Not Us?
Hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre and music producer Jimmy Iovine recently donated $70 million to the University of Southern California. Many people are applauding their generosity, but some aren't so happy. Host Michel Martin speaks with Walter Kimbrough, President of Dillard University, about why he thinks an HBCU should have gotten the money.
Being Blind To Financial Need: Is It Worth It?
Millions of students rely on loans and grants for their studies. But with universities strapped for cash, fewer schools are able to admit students regardless of their financial need. Host Michel Martin asks the President of Iowa's Grinnell College, Dr. Raynard Kington, why his school considered putting a halt to need-blind admissions.
Losers In Chicago School Closings Target Elected Officials
The Chicago school board voted to close dozens of schools, despite community protests that the closings disproportionately affect minority students. Now the teachers union and community activists want to change the system and oust the elected officials who disagreed with them.
College Students Wait To See If Loan Rates Double
College students could end up paying a higher interest rate on their government subsidized loans unless Congress steps in. In a replay of last year's battle, Republicans, Democrats and the Obama administration all have competing proposals. A vote is scheduled in the House of Representatives Thursday. But with no consensus in sight, it's not clear if lawmakers can keep interest rates from doubling on July 1.
Lois Lerner's Brief And Awful Day On Capitol Hill
The IRS bureaucrat showed up long enough at a House hearing into the scandal engulfing her agency to declare her innocence and her constitutional right to say no more.
British Driver Says She's Sorry In 'Twit And Run' Case
A British driver who struck a cyclist with her car — and who then bragged about the incident on Twitter — has issued an apology. The incident caused an uproar after the collision Sunday.
A Decade In The Making, West Bank Barrier Is Nearly Complete
Despite much international criticism, Israel has continued building its West Bank barrier. It's now nearing completion, while the Israelis and Palestinians continue to argue over whether it will help or hurt prospects for a Middle East peace agreement.
Houston Students Help Produce BBC Radio Show From School
This week, students in Houston got a special visit from an international broadcast team. Students helped produce the show World Have Your Say from the BBC, right from their school library.
Lessons In School Safety And Deadly Chemicals From Galena Park
Earlier this week, StateImpact's Dave Fehling reported how it's important for communities and schools to know their neighbors when deadly chemicals are next door at industrial plants. It’s also important for schools to prepare for an emergency.
State Sen. Dan Patrick: 'The Era Of CSCOPE Lesson Plans Has Come To An End'
Over the last seven years, more than 800 school districts in Texas have turned to an online system for help with lesson plans. The program is called CSCOPE and was developed by the state. But its lesson plans have been controversial and subject to debate in the Texas Legislature. Now those lessons are over.
Why Texas Makes Kindergarteners Take Standardized Tests
High stakes testing is a hot button issue in public education. State lawmakers are poised to scale back tests in high school. But some parents are worried about tests for younger kids — as young as kindergarten.
High School Students Compete In International Science Fair
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is today in Phoenix, Arizona, hosting more than 1,600 high school students from around the world. There are participants from the Houston area.
Rice University To Launch New Institute For Religious Tolerance
A Houston couple is giving Rice University nearly $30 milion dollars to start a new institute. It will work to promote religious tolerance.
Study Gives New Reasons Why Recess Helps Kids In School
Think back on recess in school and maybe you remember playing kickball or swinging on monkey bars. Besides fun and games, a new study shows recess can help students in other ways.
What The Failed $500 Million Bond Proposal Means For Lone Star College
Over the weekend, voters rejected a bond package worth almost $500 million for the Lone Star College System. It would have paid for more classrooms and technology upgrades, among other things. Why did the bond fail and what it means for the college?
DESK CONTACT INFORMATION
Laura Isensee, Education Reporter
lisensee@kuhf.org
713-743-8428