Evening Roundup: Abbott and DEI practices, thievery on DART, Michael Irvin controversy

Also, Kyrie Irving makes his Mavs' debut. [EVENING ROUNDUP](dallasnews.com) dallasnews.com Sponsored by: Content and story selection are solely editorial's decision. [Gov. of Texas Greg Abbott speaks in front of a podium.]( Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during his inauguration ceremony in Austin on Jan. 17, 2023. (Eric Gay / Associated Press) Texas Gov. Abbott says DEI practices not welcome at state agencies, universities]( Gov. Greg Abbott says it is illegal for state agencies and universities to consider “diversity, equity and inclusion” in employment. In a recent memo signed by a top aide, Abbott’s office warned that any deference to what he described as “forbidden DEI initiatives” would violate anti-discrimination laws by favoring “some demographic groups to the detriment of others.” “Rather than increasing diversity in the workplace, these DEI initiatives are having the opposite effect and are being advanced in ways that proactively discriminate in the workplace,” wrote Abbott’s chief of staff, Gardner Pate, in [a]([letter provided to The Dallas Morning News](by the office. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT   TOP STORIES [Fentanyl’s deadly consequences prompt Texas schools to step up drug awareness]( Teen overdoses led to video campaigns, opioid overdose reversal drug on campuses [Monkeys on a train? Davion Irvin says he used DART rail as his getaway car from Dallas Zoo]( Did Davion Irvin take the DART rail home? Here’s what we know about the night the emperor tamarin monkeys went [...] [NFL Network, ESPN pull Michael Irvin from Super Bowl-week shows after woman’s complaint]( The former Cowboys wide receiver said he engaged in no physical contact with the woman beyond a handshake [...] [As Valentine’s Day approaches, what’s the science behind love and attraction?]( This Valentine's Day, we asked D-FW couples — and science — to define love. [As Dallas Zoo looks to bolster security, experts say challenges lie ahead | Opinion]( Dallas Zoo security challenges lie ahead after monkeys were stolen [READ MORE NEWS](   ADVERTISEMENT   SPORTS [Former Allen QB Mike Hawkins Jr.’s eligibility in question after form triggers hearing]( The District 3-5A executive committee will determine whether the four-star recruit can play varsity at Frisco [...] [How to watch Kyrie Irving’s Dallas Mavericks debut vs. Clippers: Channels, time and more]( Bally Sports Southwest access issues won’t complicate viewing for local fans Wednesday. [Should Mavs move Christian Wood at trade deadline to avoid another Jalen Brunson mistake?]( Josh Green and Jaden Hardy are promising and moving Tim Hardaway Jr. might be too difficult for Dallas. POLITICS [Texas reactions to Biden State of the Union address highlight partisan divide]( Texas Republicans and Democrats seemed to watching different speeches. [Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan defies GOP pressure, taps Democrats to lead committees]( Speaker Dade Phelan on Wednesday named Democrats as chairmen of some Texas House committees. Phelan, [...] [After debate, Dallas approves resolution supporting abortion rights]( Council members voted 10-1 to approve a resolution declaring Dallas’ stance supporting unrestricted access to [...] EDUCATION [‘She told me to get out of my shell.’ Grammy winning DeSoto teacher inspires confidence]( Earlier this month, Dawson won the 2023 Grammy Music Educator Award for her impact on students’ lives and [...] [Texas House Democrats strike back against GOP-led school voucher push]( Texas House Democrats struck back Wednesday morning promising to fight the state’s Republican leaders on [...] [HHS secretary pushes for expanded drug affordability during Dallas visit]( Xavier Becerra spoke with drug pricing experts about the cost of insulin during a panel at a South Dallas [...]   ADVERTISEMENT   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [Privacy Policy](dallasnews.com/privacy-policy) | [Account Login]( |[Help Center]( [Terms of Service]( | [Manage Preferences](dallasnews.com/privacy-policy| [Unsubscribe]( The Dallas Morning News 1954 Commerce Street Dallas, TX 75201 © Copyright 2023