Austin news

• What you need for a Texas summer emergency kit

  13-06-2023 23:52 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 13, 2023TEXAS (KXAN) -- While it's technically not summer yet, the raw and "feels like" temperatures are near boiling outside.But while Austinites relish air conditioning, cold drinks and access to local pools and waterways, it's critical to be prepared in case of a power outage or a broken air system. Here's what you should keep on hand to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of a summer emerg
  
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• ERCOT issues weather watch, potential for peak demand

  13-06-2023 23:49 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 13, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a weather watch from June 15-June 21 due to forecasted higher temperatures and higher electrical demand, according to a news release from ERCOT on Tuesday. Is ERCOT ready for the coming summer?“ERCOT has issued its first Weather Watch to let Texans know that we are forecasting increased demand due to the higher temperatu
  
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• Houston George Bush airport A/C outage continues during heatwave

  13-06-2023 23:02 via kxan.com
  
  HOUSTON (KIAH) — Since Sunday, the air conditioning system at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston has experienced unexpected issues, causing uncomfortable situations for travelers moving through the airport.Bush Intercontinental Airport A/C systems. Courtesy of Houston Airports​Bush airport said it's "beyond our control," and that the demand has reduced the capacity of the air conditioning system. As a result, the temperature inside the airport is impacted.Folks in charge
  
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• Texas 'panic alert' school safety bill signed by governor

  13-06-2023 22:40 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new law will require Texas schools to have silent panic alert systems in placeto notify law enforcement and first responders of an emergency within seconds.
  The bill requires Texas schools to have alert devices that immediately notify first responders of an emergency. The technology would lock down a school campus in cases of shootings, medical issues or other emergencies.PREVIOUS: Texas House initially passes school safety ‘panic alert’ legislationThe bill is
  
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• Travis County eyes $5M investment in FM 812 upgrades

  13-06-2023 22:38 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Amid Travis County's ongoing population boom, voters could decide this fall on nearly $500 million worth of transportation and park improvements -- including work on substandard roads.One of the roads earmarked on Travis County's recommended bond package proposal is FM 812, a 21-mile rural road that spans Travis and Bastrop counties. Less than two years ago, a KXAN investigation found FM 812 joined I-35, U.S. Hwy. 183, U.S. Hwy. 290 and SH 71 as the top five Austin
  
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• Record-setting June heatwave builds

  13-06-2023 22:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- We are forecasting Austin's hottest June 14-20 period on record with daytime highs reaching or exceeding 100° and little chance of rain.A ridge of high pressure dominates our weather pattern for the next week or more, leading to unseasonable and at times record heat, from day to night.A Heat Advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. this evening and again from 1-8 p.m. Wednesday for a dangerous combination of heat and humidity leading to heat indices as hot as 113°. We expect t
  
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• $50M listed Austin home may become the most expensive ever sold in the state

  13-06-2023 22:16 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) –  A Lake Austin home will become the most expensive residential property ever sold in Texas if an interested buyer meets the asking price. In early June, Sotheby’s International Realty listed a nearly six-acre Lake Austin waterfront property for $50 million. The living space – which includes a house and guest house – amounts to 10,505 square feet. Between the two houses, there are nine bedrooms, eight full bathrooms and three partial bathrooms, ac
  
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• Texas Lottery app temporarily offline due to technical issues

  13-06-2023 21:55 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 13, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Lottery App is currently offline Tuesday after it became inaccessible due to vendor-related issues while repairs are made, according to a news release from the Texas Lottery.Following the release of the application's latest update (version 3.1.0) on June 5, Texas Lottery said users experienced issues with some of the app's features not functioning correctly. Despite troubl
  
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• Taylor makes changes after birds die in July 4 fireworks show, some say it's not enough

  13-06-2023 20:21 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) -- Fireworks are a traditional part of marking Independence Day, but some people in one Williamson County community are concerned the loud bangs and flashing lights will once again impact birds nesting in a park. In 2022, a fireworks show hosted by the City of Taylor in Murphy Park caused nesting egrets to scatter when the fireworks went off. Many of the birds were killed in the chaos, as birds flew into power lines and baby birds were knocked out of their nests. 
  
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• City of Taylor making changes after birds killed in July 4, 2022 fireworks, some say it's not enough

  13-06-2023 20:21 via kxan.com
  
  TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN) -- Fireworks are a traditional part of marking Independence Day, but some people in one Williamson County community are concerned the loud bangs and flashing lights will once again impact birds nesting in a park. In 2022, a fireworks show hosted by the City of Taylor in Murphy Park caused nesting egrets to scatter when the fireworks went off. Many of the birds were killed in the chaos, as birds flew into power lines and baby birds were knocked out of their nests. 
  
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• 'It's a game changer': ATCEMS' water response times down to 3 minutes

  13-06-2023 19:52 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Austin-Travis County EMS' new pilot program on local lakes has dramatically cut down response times out on the water.
  "17 minutes, 17 and a half minutes down to three to four minutes. We've already seen just a fantastic improvement in our response times," ATCEMS Assistant Chief of EMS Operations Michael Wright said.NEXT: EMS’ new pilot program speeds up water rescues on Lake Austin, Lady Bird LakeWright said ATCEMS medics are out on the water alongside Austin Police Depart
  
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• Gov. Abbott signs bill eliminating mandatory vehicle inspections in Texas

  13-06-2023 19:26 via kxan.com
  
  Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN coverage after the Texas vehicle inspection bill passed the Texas House and Senate.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday signed a bill that will eliminate the annual vehicle inspection requirement for most vehicles in Texas.
  Texas lawmakers passed House Bill 3297 earlier this month, eliminating the inspections for vehicles in all but 17 Texas counties.DETAILS: Texas passes bill eliminating mandatory vehicle inspectionsTexans living in the most-p
  
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• Texas governor signs major patient safety bill into law, sparked by KXAN investigation

  13-06-2023 19:05 via kxan.com
  
  Democratic Rep. Julie Johnson and Republican Sen. Bob Hall hold HB 1998. (Courtesy Rep. Julie Johnson)
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 13, 2023. Watch Matt Grant's investigation tonight on KXAN.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott signed a major patient safety bill into law Tuesday, capping a bipartisan achievement that will reform the Texas Medical Board and, supporters believe, save lives.
  "This bill will absolutely save lives," said Rep.
  
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• 'JU$TICE NOW': New campaign aims to address systemic economic inequalities in Austin-area

  13-06-2023 18:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Justice Coalition has been a long-time advocate for equality, often speaking out about injustices in Central Texas and beyond.
  On Tuesday, it will officially launch its 'JU$TICE NOW,' campaign — a widespread effort to do something directly about some of the issues hitting marginalized communities the hardest.
  "The JU$TICE NOW Economic Justice Campaign represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to dismantle oppressive systems and ensure that a
  
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• What's the latest on Travis County's mental health diversion center?

  13-06-2023 18:06 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 13, 2023TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Back in late March, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to move forward with recommendations made by the Dell Medical School's forensic mental health report -- including the creation of a mental health diversion center.The report was the culmination of a 10-month project that looked at people within the Travis County Jail system with mental health and substance
  
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• Travis County to fly Pride flag for third consecutive year

  13-06-2023 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — County commissioners voted Tuesday to officially recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and they'll follow that with an event to raise the rainbow flag outside the Travis County building in downtown Austin.
  The proclamation they approved reads, "Travis County recognizes the critical need for education and awareness to end discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community, and is committed to supporting dignity and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community."
  
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• Travis County flies LGBTQ+ Pride flag for third consecutive year

  13-06-2023 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — County commissioners voted Tuesday to officially recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and they'll follow that with an event to raise the rainbow flag outside the Travis County building in downtown Austin.
  The proclamation they approved reads, "Travis County recognizes the critical need for education and awareness to end discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community, and is committed to supporting dignity and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community."
  
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• LIVE: Travis County flies LGBTQ+ Pride flag for third consecutive year

  13-06-2023 17:45 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — County commissioners voted Tuesday to officially recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and they'll follow that with an event to raise the rainbow flag outside the Travis County building in downtown Austin.
  The proclamation they approved reads, "Travis County recognizes the critical need for education and awareness to end discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community, and is committed to supporting dignity and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community."
  
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• More than 50,000 cases of elder abuse in 2022, Texas DFPS confirms

  13-06-2023 16:58 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, or DFPS, recently released statistics on its 2022 investigations into reports of elder abuse or neglect.
  Nearly 120,000 Texans filed a report of elder abuse last year, according to DFPS. Of those, 85,000 were investigated by DFPS Adult Protective Services staff, and 50,958 were validated.
  June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and Adult Protective Services staff throughout the state are urging community members
  
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• Trump to appear in court Tuesday over charges he hoarded secret documents

  13-06-2023 16:08 via kxan.com
  
  MIAMI (AP) — Donald Trump is expected to become Tuesday the first former president to face a judge on federal charges as the city of Miami prepared for possible protests by crowds that officials said could number in the tens of thousands.Trump approached his history-making court date with characteristic bravado, insisting as he has through years of legal woes that he has done nothing wrong and was being persecuted for political purposes. But the gravity of the moment was unmistak
  
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• Trump pleads not guilty in Miami federal court

  13-06-2023 16:08 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 37 counts tied to a federal investigation alleging that he violated both the Espionage Act and obstructed justice, The Hill reports.Trump, who polls show is the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential primary, was indicted Thursday afternoon for the second time this year.Speaking recently with radio host Howie Carr, Trump gave a preview of the court appearance.“I just say, ‘not guilty.’ I did
  
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• Trump pleads not guilty in federal court

  13-06-2023 16:08 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 37 counts tied to a federal investigation alleging that he violated both the Espionage Act and obstructed justice, The Hill reports.Breaking story: please find previous story belowMIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump arrived Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Miami to surrender to authorities ahead of a historic court appearance on charges that he illegally hoarded classified documents at hi
  
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• Trump arrives at Miami court to face charges in secret documents case

  13-06-2023 16:08 via kxan.com
  
  MIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has arrived at the federal courthouse in Miami to formally surrender to authorities ahead of his court appearance on charges accusing him of illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.Trump’s motorcade arrived Tuesday afternoon at the federal courthouse shortly before he’s scheduled to appear before a magistrate judge, a stunning moment in American history days after he became the first former president
  
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• CPSC warns 1 portable generator can release as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars

  13-06-2023 15:10 via kxan.com
  
  (KXAN) -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission is reminding people carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators doesn’t just happen during the winter months. Summer storms can also knock out electricity, causing some people to use a generator for power.“We want to let people know that the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases in those summer months with those power outages,” said Patty Davis with the CPSC.More than 150 people in the United States die every year fr
  
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• 11 people shot in downtown Denver after Nuggets win NBA Finals

  13-06-2023 13:24 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (KDVR) — Multiple shootings sent 11 people to the hospital early Tuesday morning after thousands flocked downtown in celebration of the Denver Nuggets' historic NBAFinals win, celebrating into the early morning hours.Just before 1 a.m., the Denver Police Department tweeted that they were investigating a shooting in the 2000 block of Market Street.
  DPD said nine gunshot victims were located and that they identified a suspect who also had a gunshot wound.
  Three victims were in critica
  
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• 11 people shot in Denver after Nuggets win NBA Finals

  13-06-2023 13:24 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (KDVR) — Multiple shootings sent 11 people to the hospital early Tuesday morning after thousands flocked downtown in celebration of the Denver Nuggets' historic NBAFinals win, celebrating into the early morning hours.Just before 1 a.m., the Denver Police Department tweeted that they were investigating a shooting in the 2000 block of Market Street.
  DPD said nine gunshot victims were located and that they identified a suspect who also had a gunshot wound.
  Three victims were in critica
  
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• Austin Police investigating overnight shooting involving Travis County deputy

  13-06-2023 12:58 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating an overnight shooting that involved a Travis County Sheriff's Office deputy.
  According to APD, a deputy opened fire on someone shortly after midnight in the 6200 block of the south I-35 frontage road.
  A public information officer with TCSO confirmed a deputy was involved, and APD is currently the lead agency investigating since the incident happened within the department's jurisdiction.
  APD said the person the deputy shot at d
  
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• Austin Police investigating overnight shooting involving off-duty Travis County deputy

  13-06-2023 12:58 via kxan.com
  
  TRAVIS COUNTY (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating an overnight shooting that involved an off-duty Travis County Sheriff's Office deputy.
  According to APD, officers responded to a call for service to assist TCSO shortly after midnight in the 6200 block of the south I-35 frontage road.
  APD's initial investigation showed an off-duty deputy was "involved in an altercation in his personal vehicle with another driver" while driving on I-35.
  During the incident, a weapon or weapons
  
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• Person dead after being hit by vehicle on SH 130 in Pflugerville

  13-06-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) -- Northbound State Highway 130 was shut down early Tuesday morning after a person was hit and killed on the road.
  Pflugerville Police said on Twitter at 5 a.m. the highway was shut down at mile marker 428A and traffic was being diverted onto the service road.
  That area is just north of East Pflugerville Parkway. Police said the lanes of the highway will be closed for the next several hours.
  Drivers can subscribe to Pflugerville traffic alerts by texting PfTraffic to 3
  
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• No immediate end to dangerous heat and humidity

  13-06-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Mother Nature throwin' us on the grill and turning the heat on high this week... and it'll get worse before it gets better.Afternoon highs will near 100° again this afternoon, but with the addition of humidity, will bring 'feels like' temps well above the century mark. Expect heat index values to range between 103°-113° -- a HEAT ADVISORY is in effect 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.A few isolated storms may clip our northern counties this evening, but the coverage and intens
  
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• Dealing with haze and heat

  13-06-2023 12:30 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Much of the morning into the early afternoon was spent under a mostly cloudy to overcast sky and haze. The haze comes from residual smoke coming from the seasonal agricultural burnings in northern Mexico and Central America.
  This has lead to some regional air sensors showing the air to be unhealthful for sensitive groups so if you are sensitive to the fine particles, like the dust, you should limit your outdoor activities.This afternoon's Air Quality ForecastThe other "H" word d
  
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• Fly ball lost in twilight gives Stanford berth in Men's College World Series, ends Texas' season

  13-06-2023 06:35 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — In a game that deserved extra innings, a high fly ball that Texas outfielders lost in the Bay Area twilight kept the game from getting there.Stanford topped Texas 7-6 to win Game 3 of the Stanford super regional Monday, and the run that sent the Longhorns back to Austin came home on what appeared to be a routine pop-up to shallow right-center field.Texas pitcher Tanner Witt throws against Stanford in the first inning of an NCAA college baseball tournament super regional gam
  
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• Heat and humidity reach dangerous levels this week

  13-06-2023 02:50 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Following isolated severe thunderstorms in the Hill Country Monday night, heat and humidity become the main story through Father's Day weekend with one of the hottest mid-June periods Austin has ever recorded.A Tornado Watch expires at midnight in Lampasas County as strong thunderstorms gradually weaken and dissipate overnight.A stationary front parked northwest of Austin fired severe thunderstorms Monday evening that produced baseball size hail and a rotating wall cloud near Br
  
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• Pat Sajak to retire from 'Wheel of Fortune' next year

  13-06-2023 01:48 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – Beloved "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak announced Monday that he will be retiring as host of the game show.A four-decade run will come to a close at the end of the upcoming season.“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak said in a statement. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all” The producers of ‘
  
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• GoFundMe launched for 14 year old killed in north Austin shooting

  13-06-2023 01:20 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- GoFundMe has verified a new campaign launched to support the family of the 14-year-old girl killed in a north Austin shooting last week.The Austin Police Department is investigating the shooting as a homicide. Police responded around 1:30 a.m. June 6 at the Bridge at Harris Ridge Apartment Complex on East Howard Lane. 14-year-old girl dies in north Austin overnight shootingWhen officers and EMS arrived on scene, they found a girl with head trauma. She was transported by ambulanc
  
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• Longhorns women's hoops to play in U.S. Virgin Islands tournament over Thanksgiving

  13-06-2023 01:02 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team is trading Paradise Island for the Paradise Jam this coming season.The Longhorns are scheduled to play Nov. 23-25 in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam on the island of St. Thomas at the University of the Virgin Islands. They'll play Arizona State on Thanksgiving, High Point on Nov. 24 and South Florida on Nov. 25. All games will tip off at 9 p.m. CT.MORE THAN THE SCORE: Stay up to date on sports stories like these, and sign up
  
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• Austin Creative Reuse receives $66K to support mobile school supply shops

  13-06-2023 00:48 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Nonprofit Austin Creative Reuse was named a recipient last week of an education grant from Impact Austin, an Austin-based women's collective giving organization that gives back to Central Texas nonprofits.
  The nearly $66,000 awarded grant will help fund ACR's Materials Mobile. The mobile pop-up initiative will travel to school campuses and allow educators to shop new and gently-used classroom supplies.RELATED: Local non-profit looking for storefront before new school yearThe mob
  
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• Two years after Sixth Street mass shooting: What's happened since?

  13-06-2023 00:43 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Monday marks two years since the June 12, 2021 shooting on Sixth Street where one person died and 14 others were injured.
  Since then, the city launched Safer Sixth Street initiatives to improve safety in the entertainment district. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: One year since 6th Street mass shootingHere's a look at what has happened over the last year in the Sixth Street shooting's aftermath:Court proceedingsPolice arrested shooting suspect De'ondre White, 21, in Killeen June 24, 202
  
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• Texas House Speaker announces new education committee ahead of anticipated special session

  13-06-2023 00:37 via kxan.com
  
  Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for June 12, 2023AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Speaker of the House announced Monday a new committee to begin working ahead of a special session tackling education.In a tweet, Speaker Dade Phelan said a special session on education matters was “all but certain.”It comes after a regular session ending with no movement on giving raises to a dwindling public education workforce in Texas or on the governor
  
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