Austin news

• Lawmakers file bills to create Texas Cyber Command

  14-03-2025 23:46 via kxan.com
  
  MATAGORDA COUNTY, Texas (Nexstar) -- Matagorda County Judge Bobby Seiferman is used to handling emergencies as his county sits in hurricane alley, but he and his colleagues faced a different type of emergency at the beginning of 2025."Everything was knocked out," Seiferman explained. "So the county clerk was down. You couldn't file deeds -- you couldn't close on any property." His county of a little more than 36,000 people was hit by a cyberattack.It started when an employee in the county jail c
  
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• Deadly I-35 pileup comes amid push to make it harder to sue trucking companies

  14-03-2025 23:33 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The arrest of a semi-truck driver in connection to Thursday night's deadly pileup comes a day after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick laid out his priority list at the Capitol. Among them, two bills he describes as "protecting Texas trucking" and "curbing nuclear verdicts."The driver, Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, was charged with five counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and two counts of intoxication assault with vehicle involving serious bodily injury in connection with the c
  
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• Rainey Street bar makes comeback after 2022 closing

  14-03-2025 22:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Austin Business Journal) — Bungalow is making a comeback on Rainey Street three years after shuttering.This time around, Bungalow — which originally opened in 2012 as part of a budding party district in Austin — is replacing Icenhauer’s at 83 Rainey St.The approximately 1,400-square-foot bar will open March 23 — a date picked because it's a Sunday, the same day of the week that the bar closed back in 2022.Read the full story in the Austin Business Journal.
  
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• 21 removed from southeast Austin homeless camp, but issues remain

  14-03-2025 22:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) —  For months KXAN has been telling you about a homeless encampment in southeast Austin that has posed a problem to people living nearby.The camp is filled with trash, people openly use and sell drugs and there are open fires."It is horrible," said a woman driving by. "I am even afraid to drive through here at night."Last week KXAN stopped by to find more people and trash piling up on the property, so we reached out to the city."I have had outreach staff go to the proper
  
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• Multiple crashes and pileups reported on major roads across the South Plains

  14-03-2025 22:10 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- Lubbock County and the surrounding areas were on a High Wind Warning, Red Flag Warning and Blowing Dust Warning on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.Flights at Lubbock Airport cancelled due to dangerous winds, officials confirmMultiple accidents were reported on Interstate 27 northbound and southbound between Abernathy and Hale Center. The Texas Department of Public safety said a pileup was reported, and visibility is low. The main lanes of the interstate were c
  
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• Multiple crashes and pileups reported on major roads across Texas South Plains

  14-03-2025 22:10 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- Lubbock County and the surrounding areas were on a High Wind Warning, Red Flag Warning and Blowing Dust Warning on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.Flights at Lubbock Airport cancelled due to dangerous winds, officials confirmMultiple accidents were reported on Interstate 27 northbound and southbound between Abernathy and Hale Center. The Texas Department of Public safety said a pileup was reported, and visibility is low. The main lanes of the interstate were c
  
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• Is RFK Jr. cracking down on poppers?

  14-03-2025 22:00 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) — This week, several brands who create amyl nitrite products — known commonly as the sexual enhancement drug "poppers" — abruptly shut down operations, with all claiming that the closures stemmed from intervention by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.On Thursday, Double Scorpio, a popular manufacturer of these products, posted a notice to its website, reading: "Double Scorpio has stopped all operations following a search and seizure at our offices by the FDA." Wha
  
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• Feds are opening more detention centers in Texas as Trump administration steps up deportations

  14-03-2025 21:52 via kxan.com
  
  (The Texas Tribune) -- After watching news reports of seemingly random immigration raids and hearing White House officials encourage undocumented immigrants to self-deport, a Venezuelan family decided to heed the government’s advice and leave the United States for Canada a few weeks ago.They were arrested trying to enter Canada, said their San Antonio lawyer, Laura Flores-Dixit.Now the parents, who are in their 30s, and their two children, ages 6 and 8 — who through Flores-Dixit decl
  
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• APD investigating fatal crash on Airport Boulevard

  14-03-2025 21:42 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving three vehicles that happened in east Austin earlier this week, the agency said in a news release.APD officers responded to the crash in the 3800 block of Airport Boulevard early Sunday morning. The driver in one of the vehicles was pronounced dead on the scene, according to police. 1 dead, 6 injured after overnight crashThe person who died was not identified by police. The other two drivers and passengers were
  
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• International Delight coffee creamer shipped to 31 states is recalled

  14-03-2025 21:08 via kxan.com
  
  NEW YORK (WPIX) – Popular coffee creamers sold in 31 states are being recalled, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Danone, the distributor, issued a voluntary recall on some International Delight coffee creamers on Feb. 21 following reports of potential spoilage and illness related to the products' use.The FDA initiated a Class II recall on Wednesday. “Class II recalls are issued for products that have a lower chance of causing serious injuries or death, but whe
  
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• Texas softball, baseball adjust SEC road openers due to stormy forecasts

  14-03-2025 21:07 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Southeastern Conference softball showdown is being shuffled around due to potential inclement weather.Texas and Florida, ranked Nos. 2 and 3 in the latest ESPN/USA Softball Top 25 poll, will play a doubleheader Saturday and finish their 3-game series Monday. Storms forecast for the Gainesville, Florida, area Sunday caused the schools to adjust the games from the original Saturday-Monday one-game-per-day schedule.Here's the adjusted schedule for the series:
  Saturday, March
  
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• PHOTOS: Moon turns red over Central Texas during total lunar eclipse

  14-03-2025 20:59 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Central Texans up in the early hours of Friday morning were treated to a celestial sight: a total lunar eclipse.The moon appeared to turn red as it passed through the darkest part of Earth's shadow, called the umbra. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called "blood moons" because of the red color.During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth is perfectly positioned between the sun and moon, blocking most of the sunlight — especially colors with shorter wavelengths like blues and
  
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• Education Department investigating dozens of universities after DEI warning letter

  14-03-2025 20:40 via kxan.com
  
  (The Hill) -- The Education Department announced Friday it is investigating more than 50 colleges and universities over what it called "racial preferences" in academics or scholarships, a move that comes amid the Trump administration's wider crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.The department said 45 schools are under investigation for partnering with the Ph.D Project, which it says is “an organization that purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obt
  
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• Newborn kittens rescued from wrecked car in New York moments before demolition

  14-03-2025 20:31 via kxan.com
  
  MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (WPIX) – A litter of kittens were rescued from the inside of a wrecked car at a junkyard moments before it was scheduled to be demolished Wednesday, according to the vice president of Long Island Cat Kitten Solution (LICKS)."These baby's were found in a car at a tow-yard after being towed from an unknown location and desperately need a bottle-feeder, ASAP!" said John Debacker, the VP of LICKS. The organization works to control the feral cat population.
  The five newborn kit
  
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• Measles confirmed in 3 more states as cases multiply

  14-03-2025 20:23 via kxan.com
  
  (NEXSTAR) – More than 300 cases of measles, one of the most contagious viruses in the world, have now been confirmed across more than a dozen U.S. states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday.
  The actual case count is likely higher. The agency said it's aware of more "probable" measles cases that are still under investigation.
  As of this week, the virus is now confirmed in three additional jurisdictions: Maryland, New York and Vermont. (Previously, measles had be
  
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• 12 taken to hospital with minor injuries after plane catches fire at Denver airport

  14-03-2025 20:11 via kxan.com
  
  DENVER (KDVR) — A fire on an American Airlines plane after it diverted mid-flight and landed at Denver International Airport sent passengers fleeing onto a wing in a fraught evacuation amid billowing clouds of smoke. Airport officials said 12 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.The country has seen a recent spate of aviation disasters and close calls stoking fears about air travel, though flying remains a very safe mode of transport. Recent on-the-ground
  
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• Inside the Investigation: Texas bill could unlock ‘mystery’ of what happens to students in truancy court

  14-03-2025 19:19 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A Texas senator is taking action after a KXAN investigation revealed that no state agency is tracking the thousands of students school districts send to court over absences. This week on Inside the Investigation, we explain how the proposed legislation could shed light on what is happening in Texas’ truancy courts.Related reading
  New Texas bill could unlock ‘mystery’ of what happens to students in truancy court12,000+ Texas kids sent to court for missing class,
  
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• Stretch of I-35 in Thursday night's crash has seen 14 traffic fatalities since 2022

  14-03-2025 18:37 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A deadly crash on Interstate 35 in north Austin on Thursday night is the latest in a series of fatal crashes in the area over the past few years.Since 2022, 10 fatal crashes have been reported on I-35 main lanes or service roads between Wells Branch Parkway and Tech Ridge Boulevard, according to Austin Police Department data.Fourteen people were killed in those crashes, including five in Thursday's crash. MAP: Where have Austin's fatal crashes occurred in 2025?Fatal crashes
  
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• Texas measles outbreak: 259 cases reported, 34 hospitalized

  14-03-2025 17:38 via kxan.com
  
  LUBBOCK, Texas -- In its latest update, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) said there were 259 cases of measles across the South Plains.Thirty-four patients were hospitalized, according to DSHS. According to DSHS, a combined 257 of the cases either did not have a measles vaccine, or had an “unknown status.”An unvaccinated school-aged child passed away due to the measles in late February. Officials said the child did not have known underlying conditions.The case
  
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• Rolling Stone spotlights Latin music during night 3 of SXSW showcase

  14-03-2025 14:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Rolling Stone has quickly established itself as a major showcaser over the last few years at South by Southwest.
  The music, pop culture and politics magazine first appeared at SXSW in 2023 with its “Future of Music” showcase, which has become one of the more sought-after music events of the festival since then. Rolling Stone announces lineup for SXSW music showcaseThe four-night concert series aims to “celebrate the trailblazing artists shaping the music o
  
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• Air taxis flying over Austin? Public piloting vehicles that could redefine commutes

  14-03-2025 13:09 via kxan.com
  
  KXAN reporter Eric Henrikson pilots Hexa, a single person aircraft. The company says it could redefine our commutes. (Credit: Todd Bailey/KXAN)
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- In the skies over Lady Bird Lake this week, members of the public got their first chance to get behind the joystick of a new type of personal flying machine. They could cut a commute from 45 minutes down to just eight minutes in some parts of the country.Built by Lift Aircraft, Hexa is one man vertical lift transport. Carried into the a
  
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• 'It was hard to see this': Bystanders help after fatal 17-vehicle crash

  14-03-2025 12:38 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — A witness of a fatal 17-vehicle crash Friday morning on Interstate 35 in north Austin spoke with KXAN about the incident. RELATED | At least 5 dead, 11 hurt in 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north AustinEdgar Viera, who was at a nearby store and heard the crash, claimed an 18-wheeler was going 80 mph and did not stop for half a mile as it hit other vehicles.Viera said traffic was already completely stopped when the 18-wheeler crashed into the other truck, which slowed it down.
  
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• At least four killed in multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in north Austin

  14-03-2025 06:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said at least four people died in a crash involving ten vehicles on Interstate 35 in far north Austin late Thursday night.
  Austin Police posted at 11:58 p.m. that all southbound lanes of the interstate were closed in the area between Parmer and Howard Lanes. It said the lanes would be closed for several hours. APD said the crash happened around 11:20 p.m.Austin-Travis County EMS said there were 11 patients in total and that the crash involved a sem-truck.
  This
  
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• At least five dead, 11 hurt in multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in north Austin

  14-03-2025 06:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said at least five people died and 11 are hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles on Interstate 35 in far north Austin late Thursday night.Austin Police posted at 11:58 p.m. that all southbound lanes of the interstate were closed in the area between Parmer and Howard Lanes. It said the lanes would be closed for several hours. APD said the crash happened around 11:20 p.m.Austin-Travis County EMS said there were 17 patients in total and that the crash inv
  
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• At least five dead, 11 hurt in 17-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 in north Austin

  14-03-2025 06:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night.According to first responders, the five people who died included three adults, one child and one infant. The other 11 people who were injured included:
  four adults with critical, life-threatening injuriesthree children - one with potentially life-threatening injuries & two with minor injuries
  
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• At least 5 dead, 11 hurt in 17-vehicle crash on I-35 in north Austin

  14-03-2025 06:51 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police said at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night.According to first responders, the five people who died included three adults, one child and one infant. The other 11 people who were injured included:
  four adults with critical, life-threatening injuriesthree children - one with potentially life-threatening injuries & two with minor injuries
  
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• Arrest made after crash kills at least 5 people, shuts down I-35 in north Austin

  14-03-2025 06:51 via kxan.com
  
  For anyone needing to speak with APD Victim Services regarding the crash, call 512-974-5037 or email [email protected]. APD said Victim Services counselors were available to assist.AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police said at least five people died and 11 were hurt in a crash involving at least 17 vehicles, including semi-trucks, on Interstate 35 in north Austin late Thursday night.Police sources confirmed with KXAN at least one arrest has been made related to the crash. RELATED | '
  
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• John Feinstein, one of country's foremost sports writers, dies suddenly

  14-03-2025 04:39 via kxan.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — John Feinstein, one of the country's foremost sports writers and the author of numerous bestselling books, including the groundbreaking “A Season on the Brink” about college basketball coach Bob Knight, died unexpectedly Thursday. Feinstein was 69.He died of natural causes at his brother's home in McLean, Virginia, according to Robert Feinstein, who said he discovered John's body.John Feinstein was a full-time reporter for The Washington Post from 1977 to
  
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• Megastorm may bring blizzards, tornadoes, flooding and even fires across much of US: Where, when it will hit

  14-03-2025 04:37 via kxan.com
  
  More than 100 million people in the U.S. will be in the path of an intense March storm starting Friday as the sprawling multi-day system threatens fires, blizzards, tornadoes, and flooding as it tracks eastward across the Great Plains.Scientists said the storm's strength and potential for far-reaching impacts is notable, but its timing isn't particularly unusual. Extreme weather can pop up in spring because storms feed on big temperature differences between the warmth that’s starting
  
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• 200% Trump tariff: Which types of alcohol would cost more?

  14-03-2025 04:27 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — Under a 200% proposed tariff on imported alcoholic beverages, many summer favorite cocktails could become significantly more expensive.
  The 200% tariff could more than double the cost of European wine and other alcohol for U.S. distributors, which would almost assuredly trickle down to U.S. bars and restaurants and eventually to American consumers, Michael Bilello, the executive vice president of strategic communications for Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of America, told NewsN
  
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• Luigi Mangione's defense fund raises over $722K

  14-03-2025 04:20 via kxan.com
  
  (NewsNation) — An anonymous donor gave $36,500 to the defense fund for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year in New York City.This brings the total amount raised to over $722,000, the New York Post and Newsweek report. The $36,500 gift is the biggest donation Mangione has received yet.The anonymous donor said they were inspired by the swelling of support Mangione got and how "unified folks’ responses are regardless of strata,"
  
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• DOGE eyeing Social Security Administration, some worried about impacts

  14-03-2025 02:55 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the Department of Government Efficiency— or DOGE— continues to make cuts across many federal agencies, some people worry the moves could cause some issues for services.DOGE is currently eyeing the Social Security Administration (SSA), where it has identified more than $800 million in cost savings for fiscal year 2025.Areas DOGE has identified to cut back on include payroll, information technology, contracts and grants, space savings and other savings thr
  
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• Who will fill the open spot in the Rangers' rotation?

  14-03-2025 02:39 via kxan.com
  
  SURPRISE, Ariz. (KFDX/KJTL) — We are two weeks away from opening day at Globe Life Field. And that means manager Bruce Bochy has some decisions to make as far as who will make the team. Decisions, such as nailing down a starting rotation.Texas Rangers set sights on World Series with high hopesJacob deGrom was scratched from his start Thursday as he is battling some sort of stomach bug.Tyler Mahle was scratched from his start Tuesday, but he returned to throwing on the backfields Wedne
  
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• 'Just horrifying': Noise from nearby industrial business disrupts east Austin tiny homes

  14-03-2025 02:26 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A tiny house community in east Austin said the sights and sounds coming from a nearby property is more than they can bare.The noise started when a new industrial business moved in next to Village Farm Austin. Tiny home resident, Lisa Apfelberg, said the community is centered around their organic farm.
  "We all have fabulous porches around our houses. We spend a lot of time socializing and sitting out on those and we have a lot of amenities," Apfelberg said. "Hammock areas, outdoo
  
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• Texas outlasts Texas A&M 94-89 in 2OT, keeps March Madness hopes alive

  14-03-2025 00:47 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) — There was some madness before March Madness for the Texas Longhorns in the Southeastern Conference men's basketball tournament Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee.The Longhorns kept their NCAA Tournament hopes alive with a massive 94-89 double-overtime win over Texas A&M in the second round, setting up a quarterfinal matchup at 2:30 p.m. CT Friday against the Tennessee Volunteers and former Texas head coach Rick Barnes at Bridgestone Arena.Texas A&M guard Wade Taylor I
  
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• RRPD: Suspect detained after possible attempted abduction reported

  14-03-2025 00:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A suspect was detained after a reporting a "possible attempted abduction" in a Round Round neighborhood, according to the Round Rock Police Department.Around 6 p.m., RRPD said on social media there was "increased police activity" in the 1500 block of East Mesa Park Drive, which is close to East Palm Valley Boulevard.Police remained in the area, and the incident remained under investigation Thursday.
  
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• RRPD: 1 arrested after attempted abduction reported near RRISD schools

  14-03-2025 00:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A suspect was detained Thursday after a 911 caller reported a possible attempted abduction in a Round Rock neighborhood, according to the Round Rock Police Department.In an update Friday, RRPD identified the suspect as 30-year-old Joel Maske, who police said was arrested and booked into the Williamson County Jail on charges of attempted aggravated kidnapping.According to police, Maske approached a 16-year-old girl and attempted to force her into his vehicle. The girl was able to
  
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• Round Rock police investigating possible attempted abduction

  14-03-2025 00:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Round Rock Police Department is investigating a "possible attempted abduction" reported in a neighborhood Thursday, according to the agency.Around 6 p.m., RRPD said on social media there was "increased police activity" in the 1500 block of East Mesa Park Drive, which is close to East Palm Valley Boulevard.Those nearby should continue to avoid the area until further notice.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• 'Increased police activity' reported in Round Rock neighborhood

  14-03-2025 00:12 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The community is being asked to avoid the area in a Round Rock neighborhood due to "increased police activity" reported Thursday, according to the Round Rock Police Department.RRPD said on social media that police presence was in the 1500 block of East Mesa Park Drive, which is close to East Palm Valley Boulevard.Those nearby should continue to avoid the area until further notice. We are working to learn more details.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
  
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• Over 800 bills filed in the Texas legislature as deadline approaches

  14-03-2025 00:08 via kxan.com
  
  AUSTIN (Nexstar) — As of 6 p.m. Thursday, 834 bills were filed in the Texas legislature, one day before Friday's deadline to file. In Texas, lawmakers only have the first 60 days of each regular legislative session to propose new laws, typically leading to a mad rush at the end -- particularly for those newer to the State Capitol."There's sort of a dual experience. There's priority bills usually being filed by people in the majority party that controls the legislative process where you can
  
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