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'Inside Out': The DEI debate

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'Inside Out': The DEI debate


TEXAS — More layoffs are happening across Texas university campuses to comply with the state’s diversity, equity and inclusion ban.

This week, the University of Texas at Dallas announced it laid off about 20 employees and is closing a campus support office. Last week, UT Austin let around 60 employees go.

The ban prohibits public colleges and universities from having DEI offices and holding such activities and programs. The bill’s author recently sent a letter to university leaders reminding them schools risk millions in state funding if they don’t comply.

On this week’s “Inside Out” segment, former Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, and former State Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, weighed in on the DEI debate, how it’s affecting students and faculty and whether lawmakers will tweak any of the language in the law. 

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Click the video link above to watch the full segment. 



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FULL LIST: Tuesday, Jan. 27 closures, delays for Central Texas schools

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FULL LIST: Tuesday, Jan. 27 closures, delays for Central Texas schools


The winter storm has made its way to Central Texas, causing impacts across the region, including to schools.

Some Central Texas school districts, colleges and universities have adjusted their operations for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to the arctic blast.

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You can view the full list below:

School district closures/delays

What we know:

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Austin ISD

All Austin ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Austin Community College

ACC will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Bartlett ISD

Bartlett ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to unsafe road conditions.

All extracurricular activities are canceled.

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Blanco ISD 

All Blanco ISD schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Brentwood Christian School

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Brentwood Christian School will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Burnet CISD

All classes, activities, and events scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27 are canceled.

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Champions School of Real Estate

Champions School of Real Estate Austin campus will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Chapparral Star Academy

Chapparral Star Academy will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Child Inc Head Start

Child Inc Head Start will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Cedars International Academy Schools

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Cedars International Academy Schools will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Del Valle ISD

All Del Valle ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27. 

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Dripping Springs ISD

All Dripping Springs ISD campuses are canceled for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

District offices will be closed, as well.

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Eanes ISD

All campuses and district offices will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Elgin ISD

All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Florence ISD

Florence ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Fredericksburg ISD

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Fredericksburg ISD will be closed Tuesday, January 27.

Georgetown ISD

All Georgetown ISD campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Granger ISD

Granger ISD has canceled school for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to expected icy road conditions. 

All schools will return to normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

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Harper ISD

Harper ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Hays CISD

All schools will remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Huston-Tillotson University

Due to ongoing winter weather conditions, Huston-Tillotson University will operate remotely on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Hutto ISD

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Hutto ISD has canceled school for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to continued freezing temperatures and the potential for icy roadways.

Hyde Park Schools

All schools will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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IDEA Public Schools

IDEA Public Schools Greater Austin Region will be canceling all classes and activities for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Jarrell ISD

All Jarrell ISD campuses are closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Johnson City ISD

Johnson City ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Lago Vista ISD

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All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to hazardous road conditions from icy and refreezing streets.

Lake Travis ISD

All schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to possible road conditions.

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Lampasas ISD

Lampasas ISD will remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Leander ISD

Leander ISD schools and facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Lexington ISD

Lexington ISD will have a two-hour delayed start on Tuesday, Jan. 27. 

Buses will run two hours later than normal.

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Liberty Hill ISD

Liberty Hill ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to ongoing weather conditions.

Llano ISD

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Llano ISD will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Llano Christian Academy

Llano Christian Academy will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to icy roads.

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Lockhart ISD

All Lockhart ISD schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Manor ISD

All schools and offices will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to winter conditions.

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Marble Falls ISD

All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Rockdale ISD

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All Rockdale ISD schools and district facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Round Rock ISD

All Round Rock ISD classes and before- and after-school activities are canceled for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Regents School of Austin

Regents School of Austin will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

San Antonio ISD

San Antonio ISD will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with a two-hour delayed start for students only.

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San Marcos CISD

All San Marcos CISD campuses and offices will operate on a 2-hour delay for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

San Saba ISD

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San Saba ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to road conditions.

St. Mary’s Catholic School

St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor has decided to remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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St. Michael’s Prep

St. Michael’s Prep will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Southwestern University

Southwestern University has canceled all classes on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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Taylor ISD

Taylor ISD schools will remain closed Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to lingering icy conditions and roadways that may refreeze overnight. 

Extracurricular activities are canceled or will be rescheduled.

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Texas Empowerment Academy

Texas Empowerment Academy will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Texas State Technical College

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Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Texas State University

The San Marcos campus will operate as normal on Tuesday. 

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The Round Rock campus will have a delayed start at noon. 

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin will remain closed through Tuesday, Jan. 27.

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The Source: Information from school districts

Winter WeatherEducationAustin



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George Strait Announces Back To Back Shows At The Moody Center In Austin, Texas | Whiskey Riff

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George Strait Announces Back To Back Shows At The Moody Center In Austin, Texas | Whiskey Riff


Another round of shows for the King.

After another successful year in 2025 for the living legend that included a limited run of stadium shows with Chris Stapleton and being honored by President Trump at the Kennedy Center back in December, George Strait is showing no signs of slowing down heading into 2026.

If you recall, back in October, he announced a one-night only show in Death Valley, home of the Clemson Tigers in Clemson, South Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. Here, he’d call upon none other than fellow Texan troubadour, Cody Johnson, along with the stellar Wyatt Flores.

In November, he’d up the ante, announcing not one but two separate shows at Texas Tech’s Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, on Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th. Similarly to the Clemson show, he’d be calling on a mix of young star power with Miranda Lambert and hot up-and-comer, Hudson Westbrook, opening night one and reigning CMA New Artist of the Year, Zach Top, as well as the severely underrated Dylan Gossett setting the stage for night two.

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As time passed, it became a bit unclear if the “Amarillo By Morning” singer was going to make those shows his only dates for 2026. That, however, changed today.

Just announced, Strait announced back-to-back nights at the iconic Moody Center in Austin, Texas, with the underrated traditionalist, William Beckmann, on April 9th and 11th.

In case you’re unfamiliar with Beckmann, he recently had a new song with the red-hot Carter Faith, “Lay Your Heartbreak Onto Mine,” featured on season two of Taylor Sheridan’s hit show, Landman. Additionally, he’s scored some hits on streaming such as “Bourbon Whiskey,” “Tennessee Drinkin’,” “Danced All Night Long” and a country-fried cover of Bruce Springsteen’s classic, “I’m On Fire.” Though names like Zach Top, Jake Worthington and Drake Milligan typical dominate lists of young traditional country acts, Beckmann undoubtedly deserves more recognition for his unique, classic sound.

In the Instagram comment section of the announcement post, Beckmann would call the opening spot a dream come true.

“I can’t wait sir! This is literally such a dream come true. Thank you.”

Presale for the back-to-back shows begin TODAY at 10 a.m. CT with signups being available right now. General sale, on the other hand, will begin this Friday, January 30th, at 10 a.m. CT.

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As previously mentioned, given the fact that Strait has yet to announce a full set of dates for 2026, these shows very well may be his only shows for 2026. If you recall, back in 2012, he announced that he was retiring from full-length tours. Obviously, that hasn’t stopped him from still going on limited runs over the past 14 years. With that being said, however, at 73 years old, it’s becoming clear that he’s been slowly taking a step back from touring throughout the year. With less and less shows being scheduled per year for the King, I would not hesitate on tickets if you’re in the Austin area.

Before you go, fire up “Troubadour” for ‘ol time’s sake.

George Strait 2026 Tour Dates

April 9 – Austin, Texas – Moody Center with William Beckmann

April 11 – Austin, Texas – Moody Center with William Beckmann

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April 24 – Lubbock, Texas – Jones AT&T Stadium with Miranda Lambert & Hudson Westbrook

April 25 – Lubbock, Texas – Jones AT&T Stadium with Zach Top & Dylan Gossett

May 2 – Clemson, South Carolina – Clemson Stadium with Cody Johnson & Wyatt Flores





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Chimney malfunction causes fire in NW Austin, displacing 12 residents

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Chimney malfunction causes fire in NW Austin, displacing 12 residents


A chimney malfunction sparked a fire that damaged six apartments and displaced a dozen residents in northwest Austin Saturday night, officials said.

Austin Fire crews responded to the fire at 9807 N FM 620 Road just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

PHOTO GALLERY | Central Texas hit with winter storm

The fire, which originated from the malfunctioning chimney, spread to six apartment units before firefighters brought it under control.

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Twelve people were displaced by the fire, though no injuries were reported.

The displaced residents were either housed by the apartment complex or had alternative places to stay, according to the City of Austin.

Austin Fire also responded to 64 vehicle accidents in the 24 hours surrounding the apartment fire, with 34 of those crashes occurring after weather conditions deteriorated around 5 p.m. Saturday.



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