News

Two Senate lawmakers and the chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court are asking the state to look into the possible disparity of minority children being criminally ticketed for misbehaving in the classroom. 

"An estimated 300,000 misdemeanor tickets are issued in our state’s schools each year," said Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson. "We are criminalizing our children for non-violent offenses."

Much like laws in the other states that ban restaurants and food eateries from using trans fats, Texas senators are now considering a similar measure in House Bill 1359.  

"The bill prohibits the use of any trans fats above .5 grams, and it doesn’t have any enforcement provisions in it, but it does allow the food inspection department to provide some grading on the restaurants using or not using trans fats," said Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, who authored the bill.

In response to a request by state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has issued an opinion on domestic partner benefits.

Abbott said cities, school districts and other "political subdivisions" who allow benefits to domestic partners are in violation of the Texas Constitution.

Lawmakers in the Texas Senate wasted no time passing a bill to fund the future of Texas’ water needs, passing Senate Bill 4 by unanimous vote within the stretch of just a few hours. 

Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, authored the bill that sets up the structure of awarding 500 water projects over the next 50 years.  

A bill winning favor in the Senate provides protection to anyone with a smartphone or other camera while filming the police. 

Senate Bill 897, which was authored by Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, reinforces protection for a citizen's first amendment right if they are arrested for filming the police.

Update, 6:30 p.m. Friday: Announced on Twitter, KSTX's signal has been restored to full power. Huzzah! Thank you for your patience.

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Update, 8:30 a.m. Friday: After receiving the wrong part from the manufacturer on Thursday, we have verified that the *correct* part is in house this morning, and will be installed today. Cross your fingers (and toes, if you can).

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In the first segment:

The American Lung Association has released it's annual report on the state of the country's air, giving letter grades to states and counties. Bexar County get's an F in ozone pollution.

• Check your State of the Air at: www.stateoftheair.org

Ozone is that chlorine-smelling molecule that can lead to some serious health issues with prolonged exposure.