Austin news

• Final Whistle ATX: Who needs to step up for Austin FC during season's homestretch?

  15-10-2021 23:54 via kxan.com
  AUSTIN (KXAN) - After a lot of ups and downs, Austin FC's inaugural season has reached the homestretch.Texan Pepi scores twice to lead USMNT in WC qualifying win over JamaicaOn this week's episode of Final Whistle ATX, KXAN's Wyatt Matson and Harley Tamplin discuss who they want to see step up for the Verde over their final six games. Can they ride their recent hot streak to a strong finish to 2021?
  Catch new episodes of Final Whistle ATX every week on KXAN.com.
  
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• Coolest weekend forecast since April

  15-10-2021 23:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The strongest cold front of the autumn season to date has moved through the area this evening, with cooler and less humid air blowing in behind it.
  As the cold front exits the area, a few isolated downpours are moving southward through 6 p.m. The forecast after that is dry and cool Friday evening with gusty north winds to 30 miles per hour.Overnight low temperatures in many areas will drop to the 50s and some spotty 40s -- the coolest we have seen so far this season.
  Tonigh
  
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• Austin Public Health hosts job fair to recruit community health workers

  15-10-2021 23:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Public Health is hosting a job fair Saturday in hopes of recruiting workers for the city's "underserved and high-risk communities."
  APH said it is recruiting community workers to "address COVID-19 and other health disparities."APH is searching for workers who would do jobs such as:
  Conducting in-person outreach and educationBuilding relationships and awareness to build trust among community membersDisseminating up-to-date, accurate and culturally-relevant information
  
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• Austin, Travis County leaders extend eviction protections through end of 2021

  15-10-2021 23:14 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin and Travis County on Friday extended orders protecting residents and commercial properties from eviction through the end of the year.
  In a joint release, the city and county say the region continues to have the lowest eviction rates among major cities in the state.Texas Rent Relief Program provides $1 billion in aid, is first in country to do soAustin City Council discussed evictions Thursday night during its meeting. Mayor Steve Adler says eviction prote
  
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• Texas Longhorns kickoff: What to know about Oklahoma State football

  15-10-2021 23:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns are in a precarious spot, heading into a pivotal home game against No. 12 Oklahoma State Saturday.Texas spent a lot of physical and emotional energy only to come up short at the Red River Showdown against No. 4 Oklahoma. This week, the Longhorns host another undefeated team from Oklahoma motivated to derail Texas' season. How Texas’ defense can find consistency against Oklahoma StateNo. 12 Oklahoma State is 5-0 and coming to Austin fresh off a bye
  
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• COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Austin-Travis County this weekend, Monday

  15-10-2021 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Starting Friday through Monday, Austin Public Health and Travis County are working with local organizations to run free COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the area.
  Clinics are open to everyone who is eligible for a vaccine without pre-registration or appointments. You won't need insurance either, and all vaccinations are free, according to Austin-Travis County.Austin providers ready to give Pfizer vaccine to kids ages 5-11, once it’s approvedClinics offering Moderna and
  
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• Verde Square rezoning OK'd; Offices, stores, hotel could rise next to Q2 Stadium

  15-10-2021 22:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Austin City Council approved Oct. 14 a rezoning request for Verde Square, an ambitious development by Karlin Real Estate LLC that would bring 386,000 square feet of offices, 33,900 square feet of retail space, 280 apartments and a 160-room hotel to a property adjacent to Q2 Stadium.The rezoning was approved as part of Council's consent agenda and included all three readings.Karlin’s representatives declined to comment or provide additional project d
  
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• KXAN's Sally Hernandez recognized for leadership and impact in Latino community

  15-10-2021 22:11 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hispanic Advocates Business Leaders of Austin honored KXAN News Today Anchor Sally Hernandez this week for her leadership and impactful work for the city's Latino population.On Wednesday night, HABLA awarded Hernandez with the HABLA Con Orgullo Award in Latino Media. She was one of five finalists in the category made up of journalists from various local news outlets.
  Hernandez explained on KXAN News Today "HABLA Con Orgullo" means "speak with pride.""I'm very proud of my ro
  
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• Coldest air since April coming this weekend

  15-10-2021 21:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After our most significant rain/flood event in over two years, we get the last piece of this system today -- a strong cold front.Before and during the arrival of the cold front we'll have a mix of sun and clouds.As the cold front arrives through early to mid-afternoon the wind will pick up and we'll be at low risk for a spotty shower (10% rain chance).Most of us will squeeze in one more day of 80s before the cooler air arrives. Temperatures Friday afternoon will top out in
  
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• Lance McCullers out for Astros in ALCS against Red Sox

  15-10-2021 21:18 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (AP) — Astros ace Lance McCullers Jr. has been left off the team's roster for the AL Championship Series against Boston, a huge blow to a team looking to advance to the World Series for the second time in three seasons.McCullers was great in a Game 1 win against the Chicago White Sox in the Division Series, pitching scoreless ball into the seventh. But the right-hander left Game 4 after four innings because of forearm tightness, and general manager James Click said Thursday that he
  
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• FDA endorses Johnson and Johnson COVID boosters

  15-10-2021 20:36 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation Now) — U.S. health officials Friday endorsed a booster dose of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, saying they should be offered at least two months after immunization.J&J has asked the Food and Drug Administration for flexibility with its booster, arguing the extra dose adds important protection as early as two months after initial vaccination -- but that it might work better if people wait until six months later.The FDA’s advisory panel voted unanimously that
  
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• Texas teachers told to offer books with 'opposing' Holocaust views

  15-10-2021 20:01 via kxan.com
  SOUTHLAKE, Texas (AP) — A Texas school district administrator told teachers that if they have books about the Holocaust in their classrooms, they should also have books that offer “opposing” or “other” viewpoints on the subject.Gina Peddy, the executive director of curriculum and instruction for the Carroll Independent School District in Southlake, which is in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, issued the directive last week during a training session about which books teac
  
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• Teachers told to offer books with 'opposing' Holocaust views

  15-10-2021 20:01 via kxan.com
  
  SOUTHLAKE, Texas (AP) — A Texas school district administrator told teachers that if they have books about the Holocaust in their classrooms, they should also have books that offer “opposing” or “other” viewpoints on the subject.Gina Peddy, the executive director of curriculum and instruction for the Carroll Independent School District in Southlake, which is in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, issued the directive last week during a training session about which books teac
  
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• 'Demons, evil': Witness testimony for prosecution continues Monday for Kyle parent accused of killing young son

  15-10-2021 18:36 via kxan.com
  
  Kyle, TEXAS (KXAN) -- Trial proceedings continued Monday in what is expected to be a roughly two-week-long trial in Hays County to determine if Stevie Dwayne Williams killed his two-year-old son, Mason.
  The young boy’s mother, Dazrine Ruth Chagoya-Williams, is also facing capital murder charges.The prosecution is expected to wrap up with final witnesses on Monday.
  Tweets by RussellFalcon
  Previously in this trial
  Body camera footage of a Kyle Police Department detective's interview with Ste
  
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• 'Demons, evil': Interview with Kyle parent accused of murdering young son played in court

  15-10-2021 18:36 via kxan.com
  
  Kyle, TEXAS (KXAN) -- Testimony continued Friday in what is expected to be a roughly two-week-long trial in Hays County to determine if Stevie Dwayne Williams killed his two-year-old son, Mason. The young boy’s mother, Dazrine Ruth Chagoya-Williams, is also facing capital murder charges.Body camera footage of a Kyle Police Department detective's interview with Stevie following Mason's death took up much of Friday morning. Stevie told police in 2018 that something "evil" was behind his son'
  
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• Dept. of Justice to ask U.S. Supreme Court to take up Texas abortion law

  15-10-2021 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (KXAN) — The Department of Justice is planning to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Texas' controversial abortion law after a federal appeals court rejected its latest attempt to strike it down.
  The Supreme Court previously allowed the state to move ahead with the law, which banned abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks.Court again lets Texas continue banning most abortionsA federal judge had issued an order suspending the law on Oct. 6,
  
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• Dept. of Justice asks U.S. Supreme Court to take up Texas abortion law

  15-10-2021 18:27 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (KXAN) — The Department of Justice asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Texas' controversial abortion law Monday after a federal appeals court rejected its latest attempt to strike it down.
  The Supreme Court previously allowed the state to move ahead with the law, which banned abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks.Court again lets Texas continue banning most abortionsA federal judge had issued an order suspending the law on Oct. 6, but th
  
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• Texas 13 year-old lived with a hole in her heart, doctors gave her a new one

  15-10-2021 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — They were the perfect match from the beginning: San Antonio resident Jamie Jennings knew her heart wasn't full until she adopted a child — baby Grace's heart was missing something too.        Grace was born with endocardial cushion defect.
  "She basically had a huge hole in the middle of her heart," Jamie says.Jamie knew it would be a challenge but said she knew she wanted to raise Grace and help heal her heart.      
  F
  
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• Texas 13 year old lived with a hole in her heart

  15-10-2021 17:41 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — They were the perfect match from the beginning: San Antonio resident Jamie Jennings knew her heart wasn't full until she adopted a child — baby Grace's heart was missing something too.        Grace was born with endocardial cushion defect.
  "She basically had a huge hole in the middle of her heart," Jamie says.Jamie knew it would be a challenge but said she knew she wanted to raise Grace and help heal her heart.      
  F
  
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• Border travel restrictions to lift on Nov. 8, White House official says

  15-10-2021 17:06 via kxan.com
  
  McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) --Border travel restrictions placed during the Trump administration will be lifted on Nov. 8 for those fully vaccinated for coronavirus, a White House official said Friday.
  And, vaccination requirements will apply to not only land and sea ports, but also to all foreign air travelers coming into the United States, White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz said.Air travelers had not been previously mentioned when Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
  
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• Ride a bike or like to walk? How the city is trying to make you safer

  15-10-2021 16:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSITN (KXAN) — Austin has a reputation for its traffic. One way you can help reduce that problem is by biking and walking more. The city is trying to make those activities safer with the ATX Walk Bike Roll program. Over the next few years, they're planning to build urban trains, sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes.KXAN's Amanda Dugan spoke with Austin Transportation Director Robert Spillar about the program. You can watch the full interview above.Learn more about biking and walking aroun
  
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• Rural road among Austin's deadliest

  15-10-2021 15:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A lot has changed in the 42 years since Fred Marvin purchased his home in rural southeast Austin off Farm to Market Road 812.  “When we moved out here, there were only two houses that existed anywhere out here,” Marvin said.Now, FM 812 is home to several small communities, businesses, and event centers including Circuit of the Americas, also known as COTA.Marvin feels the development and growth on FM 812 has made traffic worse. However, there’s one th
  
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• Friday's cold front brings blast of cooler weather for the weekend

  15-10-2021 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After our most significant rain/flood event in over two years, we get the last piece of this system today -- a strong cold front.This fall cold front will blast through Central Texas Friday bringing breezy to windy conditions, a chance at a quick shower (10%) and much cooler temperatures.
  Most of us will squeeze in one more day of 80s before the cooler air arrives. Temperatures Friday afternoon will top out in the low to mid-80s before tumbling into the 60s by evening with
  
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• Blast from the past: Coldest air since April coming to Central Texas

  15-10-2021 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — After our most significant rain/flood event in over two years, we get the last piece of this system today -- a strong cold front.Before and during the arrival of the cold front we'll have a mix of sun and clouds.As the cold front arrives through mid-afternoon the wind will pick up and we'll be at low risk for a spotty shower (10% rain chance).Most of us will squeeze in one more day of 80s before the cooler air arrives. Temperatures Friday afternoon will top out in the low t
  
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• Protests greet debut of Italy's workplace COVID pass rule

  15-10-2021 11:38 via kxan.com
  
  ROME (AP) — Protests erupted in Italy as one of the most stringent anti-coronavirus measures in Europe went into effect Friday, requiring all workers, from magistrates to maids, to show a health pass to get into their place of employment.Police were out in force, schools planned to end classes early and embassies issued warnings of possible violence amid concerns that anti-vaccination demonstrations could turn violent, as they did in Rome last weekend.
  Protests by port workers in Genoa and
  
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• City pushing for flood prevention dollars, Onion Creek memorial

  15-10-2021 04:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — When the city dedicated parkland along Onion Creek, it didn't erase the painful memories Frances Acuña still holds."You see all of this, and at the same time you think of the people who used to live here," she told us as we drove through Onion Creek Metropolitan Park.The land was once a neighborhood devastated by flooding. Halloween floods along the creek killed four people in 2013 and three in 2015, damaging hundreds of homes in the process.The city spent millions t
  
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• Court again lets Texas continue banning most abortions

  15-10-2021 03:49 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (AP) — Texas can continue banning most abortions after a federal appeals court on Thursday rejected the Biden administration’s latest attempt to undo a novel law that has become the nation’s biggest curb to abortion in nearly 50 years.It pushes the Texas law closer to returning to the U.S. Supreme Court, which in September allowed the state to move ahead with banning abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks. No exceptions are made in cases of
  
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• Bill Clinton in hospital for non-COVID-related infection

  15-10-2021 03:39 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton is in a hospital in California being treated for a non-COVID-related infection, a spokesman said Thursday night.Spokesman Angel Ureña said Clinton was admitted to the University of California Irvine Medical Center on Tuesday evening.
  Ureña said Clinton “is on the mend, in good spirits and is incredibly thankful to the doctors, nurses, and staff providing him with excellent care.”
  
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• Former President Bill Clinton hospitalized in California

  15-10-2021 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Former President Bill Clinton was hospitalized in Southern California for a non-COVID related issue, spokesman Angel Ureña said in a statement Thursday.Clinton is dealing with an infection but is "on the mend" and "in good spirits" according to Ureña. Stimulus check update: A fourth payment would be critical for many, study says
  He is currently undergoing treatment at the University of California Irvine Medical Center.Ureña added that Clinton "is incredibly
  
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• Bill Clinton hospitalized in California, spokesperson says

  15-10-2021 03:28 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Former President Bill Clinton was hospitalized in Southern California for a non-COVID related issue, spokesman Angel Ureña said in a statement Thursday.Clinton is dealing with an infection but is "on the mend" and "in good spirits" according to Ureña. Stimulus check update: A fourth payment would be critical for many, study says
  He is currently undergoing treatment at the University of California Irvine Medical Center.Ureña added that Clinton "is incredibly
  
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• Texas Supreme Court puts San Antonio school district’s vaccine mandate on hold

  15-10-2021 03:15 via kxan.com
  
  SAN ANTONIO (Texas Tribune) — The Texas Supreme Court halted a San Antonio school district’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for teachers and school employees Thursday — hours before the requirement was supposed to take effect.Under the mandate, all employees of San Antonio Independent School District were supposed to get vaccinated against the virus by Friday — directly challenging Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Then-Superintendent Pedro Martinez ena
  
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• 'Nobody's applying': Checking in on Texas' truck driver shortage

  15-10-2021 02:00 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — For Jerome Woods, all roads have led to a life on the road."Since I was a little kid, I've always wanted to be a truck driver," he told KXAN.
  Woods graduated Thursday with his commercial driver's license from locally-based Community Truck Driving School. He also graduated amid a supply chain shortage that's left store shelves empty and restaurant menu items unavailable across the country. That's made Woods a hot commodity.
  "It's perfect timing for me," he said. "That means
  
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• Sexually motivated robberies targeting women in north Austin under investigation

  15-10-2021 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is asking for help in identifying a suspect involved in three north Austin robberies that began last month and are "escalating."According to APD, the suspect in each of the cases has a similar description, and the motive for each robbery "appears to be sexual in nature." All three incidents also occurred in close proximity to one another.The first incident occurred just before 8 a.m. on Sept. 22 in the 1600 block of Rutland Drive. Police say a w
  
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• Police searching for man suspected in 3 north Austin robberies

  15-10-2021 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is asking for help in identifying a suspect involved in three north Austin robberies since late September.According to APD, the suspect in each of the cases has a similar description, and the motive for each robbery "appears to be sexual in nature and is escalating." All three incidents also occurred in close proximity to one another.The first incident occurred just before 8 a.m. on Sept. 22 in the 1600 block of Rutland Drive. Police say a woman
  
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• LIVE: 'Sexually motivated' robberies targeting women in north Austin under investigation

  15-10-2021 01:53 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department is asking for help in identifying a suspect involved in three north Austin robberies since late September.According to APD, the suspect in each of the cases has a similar description, and the motive for each robbery "appears to be sexual in nature and is escalating." All three incidents also occurred in close proximity to one another.The first incident occurred just before 8 a.m. on Sept. 22 in the 1600 block of Rutland Drive. Police say a woman
  
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• Austin ISD awarded money for licensed mental health professionals to join district's police department

  15-10-2021 01:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Independent School District was awarded $248,245 in federal grants to hire licensed mental health professionals (LMHP) to join its police department.According to the district, the grant will fund two contracted, part-time LMHPs who will respond and assess high-risk crisis calls involving things like trauma, mental health and suicide.The district believes the additional crisis intervention support will result in safer resolutions for everyone involved, while givin
  
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• Extensive flooding in Fayette County raises concerns about drain effectiveness

  15-10-2021 01:41 via kxan.com
  
  FAYETTE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — Like many other areas in Central Texas Thursday, Fayette County is dealing with the aftermath of heavy rains that caused flooding and even some permanent damage.According to Fayette County, at least four homes flooded extensively due to storms Wednesday night. Fayette County crews make rescues, evacuations as flood waters riseKatina Davidson is frustrated. She said her home has flooded twice in less than a year. Davidson is spent her Thursday mopping up nearl
  
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• Austin's EMS Association opposes Prop A, says it would 'cannibalize' EMS, other city services

  15-10-2021 00:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin-Travis County's EMS Association is voicing opposition to a November ballot item that would increase Austin Police Department staffing, saying it would hurt funding for EMS and other city services.
  Proposition A would add a few hundred additional officers to APD and expand on community policing initiatives. If the measure is approved by voters, it could cost between $271.5 million and $598.8 million over the next five years. Which Austin services could be cut if Prop
  
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• Division of Emergency Management encourages Texans to report storm damage after heavy rain event

  15-10-2021 00:44 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Division of Emergency Management is encouraging Texans affected by recent severe weather to report property damages.
  TDEM says residents can use the Individual State of Texas Tool (iSTAT) damage surveys to report damage to homes and businesses.Highway 80 bridge over Blanco River reopens after helicopter evacuationsCentral Texas was hit by a line of severe storms overnight Wednesday into Thursday, bringing the most significant rainfall to our area since 2019. Rainf
  
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• Controversial trans sports bill passes Senate, heads to Gov. Abbott's desk

  15-10-2021 00:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A controversial bill that would require Texas public school student athletes to play sports based on their biological sex at birth passed in the Senate Friday night and will now head to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk where it can be signed into law.The bill passed through the House Thursday night.Similar legislation had already died three times this year, but the second reading and debate for the full House is a hurdle it didn't reach yet until earlier this week. Texas Values c
  
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• Controversial trans sports bill passes in Texas House Thursday night

  15-10-2021 00:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A controversial bill that would require Texas public school student athletes to play sports based on their biological sex at birth passed on the House floor Thursday night. The amended legislation will now head to the Senate.Similar legislation has already died three times this year, but the second reading and debate for the full House is a hurdle it hasn't reached yet. Texas Values celebrated that as a victory earlier this week."Right here with me I have 22,000 pieces o
  
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• Controversial anti-trans sports bill picks up steam at Texas Capitol

  15-10-2021 00:39 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A controversial bill that would require Texas public school student athletes to play sports based on their biological sex at birth got its first full debate on the House floor Thursday.Similar legislation has already died three times this year, but the second reading and debate for the full House is a hurdle it hasn't reached yet. Texas Values celebrated that as a victory earlier this week."Right here with me I have 22,000 pieces of paper. And those 22,000 pieces of pape
  
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