Google Giving Less Weight to Reviews of Places You Stop Visiting?

I don’t consider myself paranoid, but after reading a lot of Google patents, I’ve been thinking of my phone as my Android tracking device. It’s looking like Google thinks of phones similarly; paying a lot of attention to things such as a person’s location history. After reading a recent patent, I’m fine with Google continuing […]

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Semantic Keyword Research and Topic Models

I went to the Pubcon 2017 Conference this week in Las Vegas Nevada, and gave a presentation about Semaantic Search topics based upon white papers and patents from Google. My focus was upon things such as Context Vectors and Phrase Based Indexing. I promised in social media that I would post the presentation on my […]

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Does Tomorrow Deliver Topical Search Results at Google?

At one point in time, search engines such as Google learned about topics on the Web from sources such as Yahoo! and the Open Directory Project, which provided categories of sites, within directories that people could skim through to find something that they might be interested in. Those listings of categories included hierarchical topics and […]

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Using Ngram Phrase Models to Generate Site Quality Scores

Navneet Panda, whom the Google Panda update is named after, has co-invented a new patent that focuses on site quality scores. It’s worth studying to understand how it determines the quality of sites. Back in 2013, I wrote the post Google Scoring Gibberish Content to Demote Pages in Rankings, about Google using ngrams from sites […]

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Grapevine Council adds outdoor fitness court to The REC

At the Sept. 19 Grapevine City Council meeting, Council approved an outdoor fitness area appropriate for all ages and abilities to be added to The REC of Grapevine. During the meeting Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Mitchell presented the idea of a partnership with the National Fitness Campaign, an enterprise that provides outdoor gyms called […]

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Colleyville council approves zoning for Lidl grocery store

Colleyville City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a zoning change that will allow a Lidl grocery store to open in the city. The vote comes after the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denying the zoning change for the store, which will be located at 4007 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville. Because of the denial recommendation, City […]

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UT-Austin changes automatic admissions threshold from 7 to 6 percent

By Matthew Watkins It just got a little harder to get into the University of Texas at Austin. The top-ranked public university in the state announced Friday that students hoping to enroll as undergraduates in the fall of 2019 will need to be in the top 6 percent of their Texas high school’s graduating class […]

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UT-Austin changes automatic admissions threshold from 7 to 6 percent

By Matthew Watkins It just got a little harder to get into the University of Texas at Austin. The top-ranked public university in the state announced Friday that students hoping to enroll as undergraduates in the fall of 2019 will need to be in the top 6 percent of their Texas high school’s graduating class […]

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INTERACTIVE: See how your city’s unemployment rate compares to the rest of Texas

The Texas economy continues to grow with the addition of 5,500 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in August. This is the 14th consecutive month of job growth across the state of Texas. The unemployment rate did increase slightly across the state but decreased overall compared to August 2016. The post INTERACTIVE: See how your city’s unemployment […]

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Principal association: Texas school administrators’ intense job demands put voter registration low on priority list

Texas principals have enough on their plates, and asking the state for voter registration forms shouldn’t be another job responsibility, according to a statewide voice for high school principals. Archie McAfee, executive director of the Texas Association of Secondary Principals, shared his thoughts Friday after the Texas Civil Rights Project released a report that found many […]

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Google’s HTTPS Warning in Chrome — How to Upgrade Website to SSL

 Many website owners got a message in their Google Webmaster Tools (AKA Google Search Console) regarding a new “feature” that the Chrome web browser will contain. Chrome will now notify its users if a website is not https (ssl) and the website has any input forms on it. A simple contact form counts, so this […]

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SH 121 project in Grapevine to be complete in December

With the expectation that traffic on SH 121 near Grapevine Mills will nearly double by 2025, work began in 2013 to widen about 2 miles of the roadway to relieve a years-long problem of bottlenecks in the area. After four years of construction, there is an end in sight for drivers on Grapevine’s stretch of […]

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Grapevine-Colleyville and Carroll ISDs spend summer working on bond projects

While school was out for the summer, officials at Grapevine-Colleyville and Carroll ISDs were busy working on several bond projects that are part of the districts’ five-year bond issues. In May 2017, CISD voters approved a $208 million bond that focuses on alleviating capacity issues as well as many upgrades and maintenance projects throughout the […]

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Ask the editor: Is it true that Sherelle is leaving?

By now you may have heard that I am transitioning out of my role as the editor of this edition to launch the Lewisville/Flower Mound/Highland Village edition of Community Impact Newspaper. That edition will launch in early November, so be sure to tell your friends and family who live in the area that Community Impact […]

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Festivals, films and more: 4 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake this weekend, Sept. 15-17

It is the last weekend of summer before fall officially arrives. Here are some ways to play and celebrate the season: Friday-Sunday 1. Grapefest features grape stomp, live music Sept. 15-17 The annual festival features a variety of wines, food, carnival rides, a champagne cork shoot-off and a grape stomp. Times vary. Free (age 5 […]

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Google’s Project Jacquard: Textile-Based Device Controls

I remember my father building some innovative plastics blow molding machines where he added a central processing control device to the machines so that all adjustable controls could be changed from one place. He would have loved seeing what is going on at Google these days, and the hardware that they are working on developing, […]

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3 things to do at the 31st annual Grapefest in Grapevine

Tonight at 7 Grapevine’s Main Street will close down as volunteers and city officials gather to transform Grapevine’s historic downtown into the framework for the annual Grapefest celebration. Stages will be constructed and areas marked off as the city gathers to celebrate the festival in its 31st year. “It’s really going to be a lot […]

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More than 2,900 nonprofits expect to participate in North Texas Giving Day

Approximately 2,910 nonprofits will be participating in North Texas Giving Day Thursday. North Texas Giving Day is Communities Foundation of Texas‘ annual 18-hour online giving event which benefits 16 counties in North Texas. The goal for the day is to create awareness and support for nonprofits while also making it easy for donors to donate. […]

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Del Frisco’s headquarters to leave Southlake, moving to Irving

The Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group headquarters is leaving its Southlake location at 920 South Kimball Ave., Ste. 100. The headquarters of the steakhouse chain is relocating from Southlake to 2900 Ranch Trail at Cypress Waters in Irving, Texas. The restaurant group is taking over the 31,450-foot space at Cypress Waters, which was previously occupied by the […]

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Carroll ISD sets tax rate for 2017-18 fiscal year

Following discussion from the Aug. 21 board meeting, the Carroll ISD board of trustees approved the 2017-18 fiscal year tax rate of $1.385 per $100 valuation. Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services Scott Wrehe said the tax rate takes into consideration the board’s desire to decrease the debt service fund, or the portion of the tax […]

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Grapevine marks 9/11 with ceremony

As the sun rose Sept. 11, Grapevine Assistant Fire Chief Stuart Grant began welcoming guests to a ceremony to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks. In a Day of Remembrance ceremony that took place at 1000 Texan Trail in Grapevine, flags were lowered to half-staff at 7:46 a.m. to remember the victims 16 years […]

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Grapevine taking steps to bid for Amazon headquarters

The city of Grapevine is weighing a potential bid to be the newest Amazon.com Inc. headquarters location. In a press release Thursday, Amazon announced it is opening a search for a second headquarters to operate alongside its Seattle facilities. With a $5 billion investment in the construction of Amazon’s second headquarters, the company would bring an estimated […]

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Chris Archer leads after early results in Southlake City Council Place 6 special election

After early voting totals were released in the Sept. 9 special Southlake City Council election for Place 6, Chris Archer leads with 66.54 percent of the votes for Denton and Tarrant counties. Candidates Shauna Newman and Stephen Luhrs trail with 30.22 percent of the vote and 3.22 percent of the vote, respectively. The Place 6 […]

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Archer leads in early election results

After early voting totals were released in the Sept. 9 special Southlake City Council election for Place 6, Chris Archer leads with 58.82 percent of the vote. CandidatesShauna Newman and Stephen Luhrs trail with 29.41 percent of the vote and 11.76 percent of the vote, respectively. The Place 6 seat was vacated by Gary Fawks, […]

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Harvey evacuees, tell us about getting your children back in school

As coastal Texas school districts pick up the pieces after Hurricane Harvey flooded and razed their schools, parents must make crucial decisions about how long to wait before enrolling their children somewhere else. The state is giving students who evacuated from the storm a “reasonable period of time” to decide where they want to enroll, […]

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3 things to know from the Sept. 5 Grapevine City Council meeting

At the Tuesday night Grapevine City Council meeting, the Council approved adding extra space for the Grapevine Vintage Rail and held the first public hearing for a tax rate increase. 1. Land parcel purchased Following its executive session, the Grapevine City Council approved a land purchase of more than 32,000 square feet from Dallas Area […]

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Southlake City Council approves Starbucks exterior artwork, denies drive-thru sign changes

Southlake City Council deliberated for more than 30 minutes at its meeting Tuesday regarding signage for the Starbucks store at 2155 W. Southlake Blvd. Requests for changes included an exterior piece of hanging artwork to be placed along the side of the building as well as changes to the drive-thru ordering stand to allow baristas to […]

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Grapevine Public Safety Building now open

On Tuesday morning the parking lot of the new Grapevine Public Safety Building was full as city residents and staff attended the facility’s dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting. Police Chief Eddie Salame was the master of the ceremony, introducing speakers and recognizing stakeholders in the facility. “This is an exciting time for us,” Salame said. […]

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Recovering from Hurricane Harvey: Advice from a Katrina survivor

Cherie Franz, her husband Art and their daughter Annabelle fled New Orleans in the middle of the night two days before Hurricane Katrina made landfall in August 2005. Confident in her family’s swift return, the Franzs brought only a few items of clothing, some toys and a photo album. They had no idea it would […]

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Trump ending immigration program that has impacted more than 120,000 in Texas

The Trump Administration made it official Tuesday: It will end an Obama-era program that has granted relief from deportation to hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the announcement that the administration will phase out the initiative — the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — or DACA — program — […]

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Teacher retirement fund TRS-Care approves lower deductibles with legislature-approved funding

Changes made in the Texas legislature’s special session have officially allowed the TRS-Care board to lower deductibles for Texas retired teachers. Last Friday, the board met to approve changes that lower the in-network deductible for non-Medicare retirees from $3,000 to $1,500 and in-network maximum out of pocket costs from $7,150 to $5,650 for individuals. (Both […]

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Environmental concerns persist across Harvey-ravaged Texas cities. Here's what you should know today.

As efforts to rebuild have slowly begun in areas hit hard by Hurricane Harvey, officials continue to warn of lingering environmental hazards, including the health risks posed by receding floodwater. In a news release Sunday night, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality cautioned that floodwaters can contain bacteria and contaminants, and conceal downed power lines, large objects […]

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Harvey's aftermath raises health risks for the region. Here's how to avoid them.

As it moves away from Southeast Texas, Hurricane Harvey leaves a number of public health risks along its path of flood and destruction. Even as floodwaters have started receding in some places, experts warn that residents in Harvey-affected areas could still be exposed to numerous health threats, ranging from water contamination to psychological distress. Dealing […]

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Crosby plant explosion highlights state efforts to block access to chemical information

Residents of Crosby woke Thursday morning to a 40-foot plume of black smoke darkening their sky. Don’t worry, said both government officials and personnel from Arkema, the owner of the plant emitting the fumes — there’s nothing toxic in your air. Locals had little choice but to take them at their word.Via Texas Tribune The […]

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Citations behind the Google Brain Word Vector Approach

In October of 2015, a new algorithm was announced by members of the Google Brain team, described in this post from Search Engine Land – Meet RankBrain: The Artificial Intelligence That’s Now Processing Google Search Results One of the Google Brain team members who gave Bloomberg News a long interview on Rankbrain, Gregory S. Corrado […]

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Child therapists fear new Texas policy will deepen funding cuts

Therapists who work with disabled children in their homes saw a glimmer of hope this year, when Texas lawmakers decided to restore some of the funds they cut for such services in 2015.  It was short-lived. Now these care providers argue new policies the state’s top health agency is implementing could not only cancel out […]

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Texas districts preparing to take in students displaced by Harvey

When Hurricane Harvey swept across the Texas coast, it decimated Port Aransas ISD’s buildings, forcing the district to close indefinitely — and immediately leaving more than 450 students without a place to attend school. Just 20 miles away on the mainland, Flour Bluff ISD is preparing this week to enroll every one of those students […]

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Unified response among federal agencies provide Hurricane Harvey relief

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and its federal partners are continuing to mobilize thousands of personnel and resources to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The following is a list of the updated rescue and assistance efforts, according to FEMA. FEMA has approved more than 68,000 people for approximately $37 million in financial assistance to […]

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Relax with a movie, get crafty and 2 other things to do in Grapevine this holiday weekend, Sept. 1-3

Labor Day weekend could mean friends or family will come visit. With that in mind, here are four local things to do in Grapevine this weekend to help keep guests entertained. Friday, Sept. 1 1. Friday night fireworks held The 11-minute fireworks show lights up the Texas night sky over Lake Grapevine. Grapevine’s Friday night fireworks […]

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Texas Railroad Commissioner: Gas shortage a ‘logistics issue,’ not a supply concern

Tropical Depression Harvey continues its onslaught in parts of Mississippi and Lousiana today, but Texans are faced with a new problem in the storm’s wake: an increased demand for gasoline while many Houston refineries remain offline. In North Texas, many motorists are hunting for gas stations that still have fuel, even at increased prices. Brad […]

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North Texas gas stations will resupply fuel shortly in wake of Hurricane Harvey

Motorists across North Texas are hunting for gas stations that still have fuel while eating the cost of increased prices. Brad Douglass, CEO of Douglass Distributing based out of Sherman, Texas, said Hurricane Harvey is responsible for affecting 31 percent of the refinery capacity in the United States. Many facilities have shut down, and productivity […]

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Here’s everything you need to know about Harvey today, August 30

By Alex Samuels Tropical Storm Harvey may be on its way out of Texas, but the state—particularly Houston—has a long road to recovery ahead. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Tuesday evening that he was issuing a mandatory midnight to 5 a.m. curfew on the city “to prevent potential criminal acts.” But many Texans are still […]

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Lawyers: Start filing Hurricane Harvey insurance claims by Friday to avoid implications of new Texas insurance law

Updated at 1:19 p.m. on Aug. 30 Stephanie Goodman, deputy commissioner of public affairs for the Texas Department of Insurance, reiterated in an interview with the Texas Tribune that there is no impending deadline to cut off the claims process for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Those with damage to properties will be able to file […]

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Texas "sanctuary cities" law set to go into effect Friday unless court blocks it

By Friday, Senate Bill 4, a state immigration-enforcement law that would outlaw “sanctuary” jurisdictions in Texas, will either go into effect or have been blocked by a federal district judge. But advocates on both sides are bracing for the court fight to potentially linger for years. The law would forbid police chiefs, sheriffs, constables and […]

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Harvey delays opening of many Texas schools; some become shelters

Last Thursday, Superintendent Wanda Bamberg honored Aldine ISD students who took extra classes this summer to graduate. The next morning, she and her teachers were putting library books on higher shelves, where they would be less likely to be inundated by flooding. “We were celebrating for the kids Thursday and then trying to protect the […]

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Dallas readies giant shelter for Harvey evacuees

The city of Dallas opened a “mega-shelter” today at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center for up to 5,000 Tropical Storm Harvey evacuees from Houston and the Gulf coast, the city announced. Because it was a formal request from the state, the city will receive reimbursement funds from the state for the shelter’s costs, Dallas […]

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Analysis: Four things Houston-area leaders must do to prevent future flooding disasters

An unprecedented amount of rain has fallen on the Houston area in the past few days, causing what’s likely the worst flooding event that the nation’s sixth-largest metropolitan area has ever experienced — even worse than 2001’s Tropical Storm Allison. This may seem like a freak occurrence. But it’s the third catastrophic flooding event this […]

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North Texas mobilizes to help Hurricane Harvey evacuees

North Texas is mobilizing to help those in need fleeing from Harvey, the tropical storm that has unleashed record rain totals and dangerous flooding in Houston and southeast Texas. The city of Dallas this morning opened its “mega shelter” in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center to house evacuees from Hurricane Harvey. The shelter, which […]

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Grapevine police officer to continue teaching high school criminal justice class

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is continuing a relationship with a Grapevine police officer in a class offered at Grapevine High School. At Monday night’s GCISD board of trustees meeting, the board explained that the district has offered a criminal justice class at the high school for several years. Last year the district employed a city police officer […]

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6 ways to help those in Houston affected by flooding from Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey is expected to dump more than 4 feet of rain over the city of Houston, and its residents are in need of help. Check out this list of ways you can help those in Houston and comment with additional resources. We will update the article throughout the day with more ways to help. […]

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North Texas cities pitch in for Harvey relief efforts: How you can help

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, North Texas city governments and businesses have banded together to aid the thousands affected by the record-setting flooding. Nonprofits like Red Cross DFW, the North Texas Food Bank and the Salvation Army are collecting money, food and supplies to aid victims of the hurricane. City governments such as Plano, […]

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Start filing Hurricane Harvey insurance claims by Friday to avoid implications of new Texas insurance law

Damage left by Hurricane Harvey is far from over, but those seeing immediate consequences need to file insurance claims by Friday if they hope to avoid consequences of a newly passed Texas law. House Bill 1774, passed in the regular Texas legislative session, will go into effect on Sept. 1 and will limit the penalties […]

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Texas county's long recovery from Hurricane Harvey begins

ROCKPORT — As Ruben Sazon waited out Hurricane Harvey in his apartment Friday, he was certain that his roof was going to be ripped off. “The howl of the wind was amazing,” he said, adding that “it came in with a roar.” The roof stayed in place. But the Category 4 hurricane did enough structural damage […]

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Why Houston isn't ready for Hurricane Harvey

The brunt of Hurricane Harvey is projected to miss Houston, but the sprawling metropolis is likely to face massive flooding from its third crippling storm in the past three years. It underscores a new reality for the nation’s fourth-largest city: Climate change is making such storms more routine. Meanwhile, unchecked development in the Houston area […]

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Hurricane Harvey brings catastrophic flooding to Houston; 5 reported dead

Houston and other parts of southeast Texas are experiencing “catastrophic, life-threatening flooding,” federal officials said Sunday, as Harvey, now a slow-moving tropical storm, hovers over the region, dumping rainfall. At least five people in the Houston area are reportedly dead. Across the region, rising waters stranded people in their homes and on rooftops, and entire […]

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Ahead of Hurricane Harvey, officials send Texans mixed messages on evacuations

CORPUS CHRISTI — Hurricane Harvey will reach Texas land overnight, but that is likely to be just the beginning of the powerful storm’s wrath. Some southern Texans were told to stay in place. Others were ordered to evacuate. All were warned to prepare for catastrophic flooding and power outages that could last up to seven […]

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BREAKING: Abbott requests federal disaster declaration for Texas in anticipation of Hurricane Harvey

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a request Friday for a Presidential Disaster Declaration in anticipation of destruction from Hurricane Harvey. “I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and affected local governments, and that supplementary federal assistance is necessary to save […]

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Revisit our series on the state's preparedness for emergency evacuations

Fleeing before Hurricane Rita hit land on Sept. 24, 2005, evacuees faced a separate disaster on roads like Interstate 10. The chaotic evacuation contributed to more deaths than the storm itself. Officials say they are better prepared for the next evacuation. | Beaumont Enterprise Three weeks after the world watched in horror as Hurricane Katrina […]

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Here's what you need to know about Hurricane Harvey

As Hurricane Harvey barrels toward the Texas coast, Texans are bracing for extreme flooding and potential damage to their communities. Harvey is currently a Category 2 hurricane, with winds around 100 miles per hour — but it could become nearly a Category 4 hurricane, with winds of 125 miles per hour, by the time it makes landfall this weekend. Some […]

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Beat the odds, catch a film outdoors and 4 other things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville this weekend, Aug. 25-27

Deciding how to spend your weekend? Keep an eye out for these events in Grapevine and Colleyville Aug. 25-27. AUG. 25 1. Share coffee with Colleyville’s first responders Colleyville residents can meet the men and women who work to keep the city safe over a cup of coffee. Residents and responders can discuss safety concerns and general […]

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Early voting for Southlake City Council Place 6 begins today, Aug. 23

Due to the resignation of Gary Fawks, Southlake City Council called a special election for Sept. 9, to elect a new Place 6 council member with a term to expire May 2020. Today, early voting for the Southlake City Council Place 6 election began. Early voting will end Sept. 5. Christopher Archer, Stephen Luhrs and […]

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As Houston plots a sustainable path forward, it’s leaving this neighborhood behind

Juan Parras gives one hell of a tour of Houston’s east side. He’s charming and funny. Wearing a beret, he strikes an old-world look, like he might lead you to a cafe on a plaza. He doesn’t charge a fee for his services. After all, you’re on a “toxic tour,” and Parras is on a mission. Parras […]

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El Paso City Council votes down city ID program

The El Paso City Council narrowly voted against creating a municipal identification card program amid concerns that the measure would lead to the border city being perceived as the kind of “sanctuary” jurisdiction that has been the target of President Donald Trump and Texas’ Republican leaders. In a 5-4 vote, the council voted down funding the […]

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Carroll ISD trustees approve $112 million budget

The Carroll ISD board of trustees approved a $112 million budget for the 2017-18 school year at its Monday night meeting. The approved budget is a deficit budget as expenditures exceed revenue. The district estimates that revenue will be $107.2 million, which means the district will have to take $4.8 million from its fund balance […]

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8 things to know about the solar eclipse in North Texas, plus where to view it

The total solar eclipse set to occur Monday will be the last in America until 2024, said Andrew Renshaw, University of Houston assistant physics professor. North Texas residents can attend solar eclipse watch parties in Southlake at Family Park, 1400 Main St.; McKinney at the Collin County Farm Museum, 7117 CR 166; and Grapevine at […]

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City officials approve economic incentive to bring The Trade Group’s headquarters to Grapevine

At the Aug. 15 Grapevine City Council meeting, Council approved an economic incentive agreement for the relocation of The Trade Group’s headquarters from Carrollton to Grapevine. The company provides trade show exhibit design and fabrica on services, state-of-the-art live event planning, event execution and management; general contracting services for events; interactive experiences; as well as […]

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Back to school, solar eclipses and 5 other things to know in Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake this week, Aug. 21

Between school starting, community events, and of course the solar eclipse, it’s a busy week in North Texas. Eclipses happen about once every six months, but for the first time in nearly 40 years the path of the moon’s shadow will pass through the continental United States. Here’s what you need to know to stay […]

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Gov. Abbott signs bill giving Texas maternal mortality task force more time

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill on Wednesday giving a state task force more time to study why an alarming number of Texas mothers are dying less than a year after childbirth — and how to curb the deaths.  Under Senate Bill 17, the state’s Task Force on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity would continue its […]

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Personalizing Search Results at Google

One thing most SEOs are aware of is that search results at Google are sometimes personalized for searchers; but it’s not something that I’ve seen too much written about. So when I came across a patent that is about personalizing search results, I wanted to dig in, and see if it could give us more […]

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Book passage on a vintage train and 4 other things to do in Grapevine this weekend, Aug. 18-20

Make the most of the weekend before students head back to school with these events in Grapevine this weekend, Aug. 18-20. AUG. 18 1. Astronomical Society members on hand at library Fort Worth Astronomical Society member Patrick McMahon will visit the Grapevine Public Library to help patrons prepare for Monday’s solar eclipse as they learn about […]

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5 things to know about Grapevine’s Salt Lick BBQ

On Tuesday, Grapevine City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Salt Lick BBQ to allow the restaurant to have on-premise consumption of alcoholic beverages along with outside dining and outdoor speakers. Here are 5 things to know about Grapevine’s Salt Lick BBQ: 1. The restaurant will have outdoor […]

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Dallas North Tollway to undergo full closure for second weekend in a row, Aug. 18-21

Weather permitting, crews will continue construction on the Dallas North Tollway for the second weekend in a row—shutting down an entire stretch of the busy thoroughfare starting Friday. The North Texas Tollway Authority Tuesday announced the closures to pour concrete for a new U-Turn at the Legacy Drive overpass. City of Plano officials plan to […]

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Millions consumed potentially unsafe water in the past 10 years

WOLFFORTH, Texas – As many as 63 million people – nearly a fifth of the country – from rural central California to the boroughs of New York City, were exposed to potentially unsafe water more than once during the past decade, according to a News21 investigation of 680,000 water quality and monitoring violations from the […]

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott blames House for special session shortcomings, doesn’t rule out second special session

By Patrick Svitek Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday put blame on the House—particularly Speaker Joe Straus—for the shortcomings of the special session and left the door open to calling another one. The post Texas Gov. Greg Abbott blames House for special session shortcomings, doesn’t rule out second special session appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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Texas Legislature ends special session without passing property tax measure

BY MORGAN SMITH AND PATRICK SVITEK The Texas Legislature closed out the special session Tuesday night amid a stalemate on property tax reform, leaving unfinished Gov. Greg Abbott‘s top priority. Hours earlier, the House abruptly adjourned sine die – the formal designation meaning the end of a session – after advancing a school finance compromise to Abbott’s desk […]

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Grapevine City Council votes to remove Heritage Avenue bridge from master thoroughfare plan

With a 5-2 vote on Tuesday night, Grapevine City Council voted to remove the Heritage Avenue bridge connection over Big Bear Creek from the city’s master thoroughfare plan. Council members Chris Coy and Duff O’Dell voted to keep the bridge in the plan. The removal of the bridge from the plan was prompted by the […]

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Dallas-area monthly sales tax revenue increases in August

August allocations of monthly sales tax revenue totaled $779.2 million across the state, according to a release from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The allocations are based on sales made in June by businesses that report tax monthly, and sales made April-June by businesses that file quarterly. The top cities by net payment during […]

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Colleyville council defers Glade Road phases 3 and 4

When the city of Colleyville’s new five-year Capital Improvement Plan emerges in September, residents will see Glade Road phases 3 and 4 are no longer in the city’s short-term plans. At the June 6 City Council meeting, members unanimously passed a resolution that eliminates phases 3 and 4—from Pool Road to Heritage Avenue and from […]

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When is the Colleyville Area Chamber of Commerce getting a president?

Last October, Connie Hanner, who served as the president of the Colleyville Area Chamber of Commerce, left to take another position. Since that time the chamber has been under the leadership of Erin Pedersen, who is serving as interim president. Pedersen previously served as the chamber’s program manager. The post When is the Colleyville Area […]

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Grapevine Heritage Avenue bridge, road projects scrapped from November bond ballot

One group’s effort to preserve trail systems and wildlife in Parr Park and another’s effort to increase emergency response times and mobility has been a topic of controversy since Grapevine City Council announced in June that construction of a Heritage Avenue bridge could potentially be part of a proposed bond package. Grapevine residents have been […]

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Elementary students residing in Creekside at Colleyville rezoned to O.C. Taylor

At the July 24 board of trustees meeting, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD trustees approved attendance zone changes. In anticipation of growth in the southern sector of the school district from new housing developments, trustees decided to rezone elementary students in the Creekside at Colleyville neighborhood from Heritage Elementary School to O.C. Taylor. The post Elementary students residing […]

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Election Guide: Southlake City Council Place 6 candidates

A special election has been called to fill Place 6. The term expires in May 2020. Christopher Archer Experience: Carroll ISD board president, Bob Jones Nature Center board of directors Website: http://ift.tt/2uM1qCk Top priorities: strengthening the relationship between the district and council, fiscal conservativeness Stephen Luhrs Experience: Carroll Leadership Academy for Supporting Success Website: http://ift.tt/2wbj85V […]

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An update on some of the biggest development projects happening in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake

Developers are turning dirt throughout Grapevine, Collevyille and Southlake. Some projects are for office or hospitality use, and some are large community recreational projects. The following are development highlights of different commercial and recreational projects that are under construction. 1. Ground is expected to break on a Stand Rock Hospitality project in 2018.  The $330 […]

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Independent studio, Loaded Brushes, helps customers explore art

The idea for locally-owned art studio Loaded Brushes came from Melinda Tovar’s own love of art. Tovar, who has worked as a graphic designer, a web designer and art director, said she wanted to give people a place to express themselves with a wine bar atmosphere. A personal experience she had coping with work stress […]

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Southlake’s Taverna Rossa features live music along with Tex-Italian menu

Since its opening a year and a half ago in Southlake, Taverna Rossa has intended to be the regular spot for the city’s residents, operating partner Kristin Wisniewski said.  “It really needs to feel like it’s everybody’s favorite hangout,” Wisniewski said.  She said the restaurant, which offers a happy hour, live music every weekend and […]

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Meet Colleyville’s new city manager Jerry Ducay

In June, Jerry Ducay became Colleyville’s city manager, bringing more than 26 years of municipal government experience to the city. Ducay previously served as village administrator for the village of Frankfort, Illinois, an upscale community in Chicago’s southwestern metropolitan area with a population of 22,000 residents. Ducay holds a doctorate in education from Olivet Nazarene […]

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July housing market data for Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake

Real Estate data provided by Kimberly Holt, Ebby Halliday, 214-957-1370 The post July housing market data for Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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Texas Central moves toward construction with selecting design-build contractors

Texas Central announced an agreement on Monday, Aug. 14, with Fluor Corporation, a global engineering, construction and maintenance firm based in Irving, Texas, and The Lane Construction Corporation, based in Cheshire, Connecticut, according to statements from the three companies. The agreement marks the start of the next phase for the high speed railway. According to […]

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Texas House votes to extend life of maternal mortality task force

Legislation that would extend the life of a state task force studying Texas’ high maternal morbidity rates was tentatively approved by the Texas House late Sunday night.  Under Senate Bill 17, the state’s Task Force on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity would continue its work until 2023. The task force, launched by the Legislature in 2013, […]

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Bill adding abortion reporting requirements on path to governor's desk

A bill that would require physicians and health care facilities to report more details on abortion complications to the state — and would fine those that do not comply — has now passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature. The measure, which covers one of Gov. Greg Abbott‘s three abortion-related priorities, passed the Senate on a 22-9 vote […]

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With days left in special session, Senate committee makes major changes to House's school finance bill

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the Senate Education Committee voting out House Bill 21. The Senate Education Committee voted 9-1 to drastically alter the House’s primary piece of school finance legislation Friday by stripping out $1.5 billion in funding. But with just days left in the special session, the committee’s chairman […]

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Bill requiring separate abortion insurance among those Texas House passed this week

In this week’s Texas Political Roundup: The state’s lawsuit over its new anti-“sanctuary cities” law is no more, but the legal battle over its constitutionality continues. Plus, state lawmakers advance a measure that would require women to have separate insurance coverage for abortions. And mail-in ballot fraud would be a felony if a bill that […]

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Grapevine City Council votes to remove all transportation projects from list of bond projects

At the Grapevine City Council’s special meeting tonight, council discussed staff proposed bond projects and selected which ones will be on the Nov. 7 ballot. Council voted to remove all transportation projects from consideration, including the Heritage Avenue bridge project. The $25 million bond package will include 4 projects. The post Grapevine City Council votes […]

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3 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, Aug. 11-13

This weekend there are a couple of events dedicated to children from a consignment sale to a back-to-school bash. Here are three events happening this weekend, Aug. 11-13: Thursday, Aug. 10-Sunday, Aug. 13 Just Between Friends The post 3 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, Aug. 11-13 appeared first on Community […]

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After 2015 legalization, Texans may be able to buy medical cannabis oil by January

In 2015, Gov. Greg Abbott signed the first bill allowing any growing or sale of marijuana in Texas. The Texas Compassionate Use Act legalized the selling of a specific kind of cannabis oil derived from marijuana plants for a very small group of customers: epilepsy patients whose symptoms have not responded to federally approved medication. […]

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Bond projects to be discussed at Grapevine City Council’s special meeting tonight

At the Grapevine City Council’s special meeting tonight, council will discuss staff proposed bond projects and select which ones will be on the Nov. 7 ballot. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers, 200 S. Main St., Grapevine. Projects up for consideration include: The post Bond projects to be discussed […]

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How Angela Hunt changed Dallas' mind about its divisive riverside toll road

DALLAS – The Trinity River is a relatively narrow, usually calm waterway that meanders past the western edge of downtown. It wasn’t a particularly popular recreation spot when Angela Hunt biked there one evening more than a decade ago. Fresh off her successful election to the Dallas City Council in 2005, the zoning and land […]

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Analysis: Even the losers get lucky sometimes

Editor’s note: If you’d like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey’s column, click here. The loser talk is starting to leak into public conversation at the Texas Capitol. Lawmakers who last month were gung-ho about going 20-for-20 on Gov. Greg Abbott’s legislative priorities now say, quietly, that they never really thought everything would pass […]

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Senate education chair: House school finance plan "not a long-term solution"

The Texas Senate’s education chairman said Tuesday that he would not accept a House proposal to put $1.8 billion into public schools. During a Senate Republican Caucus news conference, Sen. Larry Taylor touted his plan to create a commission to study the school finance system over the House’s plan to reform it by adding more […]

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Report: 29 Texans in Congress signed letter similar to one penned by lobbyist

More than two dozen members of the U.S. House from Texas signed on to a letter that bears striking resemblance to one penned by a United Airlines lobbyist, Politico reported Monday. The July 28 letter – signed by 29 of the 36 Texans in the U.S. House – calls on U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, U.S. Transportation Secretary […]

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Entire stretch of Dallas North Tollway in north Plano to close this weekend, Aug. 11-14

Dallas North Tollway drivers should brace for detours and slowdowns over the next two weekends as construction crews prepare to close an entire stretch of the busy thoroughfare starting Friday. The North Texas Tollway Authority on Tuesday announced the closures, which are part of a project to expand the tollway to four lanes in each […]

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Former Texas Gov. Mark White dead at 77

Editor’s note: This story has been updated throughout. Mark White, a Democrat who served as the governor of Texas from 1983 to 1987, has died at the age of 77. During his time in office, White’s most notable achievements came in education reform. In 1984, he signed landmark legislation that included the famous “no-pass, no […]

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Feds draw thousands of comments on Texas' request to renew women's health funding

Thousands of advocates have flooded the federal government with comments this week, weighing in on whether it should reverse an Obama-era decision to strip Texas of millions in federal funding for a health care program that excludes abortion providers and their affiliates.  The number of comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Texas’ request […]

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House approves $1.8 billion package of school finance bills

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a comment from House Speaker Joe Straus. The Texas House on Friday passed a package of bills that would put $1.8 billion into public schools and help out struggling small, rural school districts. House members voted 130-12 to approve the lower chamber’s main piece of school finance […]

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Texas House approves more abortion reporting requirements

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to note that the Texas House gave final approval to House Bill 215. Doctors performing abortions on minors would be required to report additional information to the state under a new measure given early approval by the Texas House Thursday. State Rep. Jim Murphy, R-Houston, said expanding the […]

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House OKs reversing cuts to disabled children's therapy services

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to note that House Bill 25 received final approval in the Texas House. The Texas House gave tentative approval Thursday to a measure that would partially reverse a controversial cut to disabled children’s therapy services that was ordered by the 2015 Legislature.  House Bill 25, authored by state Rep. […]

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4 things to do in Grapevine this weekend, Aug. 4-6

This weekend there are several ways to give back to the Grapevine community as well as some family-friendly events. Friday, Aug. 4 First Friday “Paper Crafts” The post 4 things to do in Grapevine this weekend, Aug. 4-6 appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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When school’s out, rural Texas towns struggle to feed their hungry kids

Editor’s note: This is the second of a two-part series about the declining participation in Texas’ summer meals programs for students. You can read the first story here. REKLAW — Clara Crawford tapped the horn three times. Seconds later, two young boys ran down the steps of their house, their mother waving goodbye from the […]

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In Texas House, property tax proposals range from minor tweaks to abolishment

Last week, amid a flurry of votes on more than a dozen other issues, the Texas Senate passed its main measure addressing Gov. Greg Abbott‘s call to reform the laws related to property taxes. On Wednesday, members of the House took a far more expansive approach, considering proposals ranging from the narrow (carving out a […]

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INTERACTIVE: See how your city’s unemployment rate compares to the rest of Texas

Texas’ job economy continued to grow in June with the addition of 40,200 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs. This is the 12th month in a row that the number of state jobs has increased. Without being seasonally adjusted, the unemployment rate did increase slightly across the state but decreased compared with June of last year. The […]

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U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway staking legacy on passing politically tricky farm bill

*Correction appended. SAN ANGELO – In a dusty warehouse that looks like a set from the movie “Footloose,” Brian May pulled wool out of a bail and held it up for an audience that included several members of Congress. “She would use this in her haute couture line, not DKNY, the suiting line,” explained May, president of Angelo […]

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Analysis: No, the Texas Legislature isn’t lowering your property taxes

Editor’s note: If you’d like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey’s column, click here. Voters don’t like property taxes. State lawmakers like voters and want them to be happy. But they are not going to lower your property taxes. As they enter the second half of their 30-day special session, Texas legislators are trying […]

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Texas has more kids eligible for free summer meals. Why is the state feeding fewer?

Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series about the declining participation in Texas’ summer meals programs for students. When Evelyn Delgado saw a banner outside her daughter’s Houston school advertising free breakfasts and lunches this June, she figured it was an opportunity to give her 7-year-old good food and a chance to […]

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RaceTrac gas station defeated with 5-2 Colleyville City Council vote Aug. 1

With a 5-2 vote Tuesday night, Colleyville City Council denied an application for a proposed RaceTrac at 7015 Colleyville Blvd., which is near Bear Creek Spirits & Wine. The gas station, which was denied by the Colleyville Planning & Zoning Commission on June 12, required a supermajority vote, or six votes, from council for it to […]

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House backs bill putting $212 million toward retired teachers' health care

The Texas House has approved taking money from a state emergency savings fund to pay to temporarily bolster the state-run health insurance program for retired teachers. The lower chamber voted 130-10 Tuesday to pass House Bill 20 authored by Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, which would put a one-time influx of $212 million into TRS-CARE, the […]

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After a quiet year of campus carry, community colleges get guns next

Janeera Nickol Gonzalez was shot on a Wednesday in May, in the late morning. She died in a study room in Performance Hall, a multistory brick structure on the campus of North Lake College, outside Dallas. Gonzalez was 20 years old; she would have been the first in her family to graduate from college. Starting Tuesday, […]

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Southlake-based Sabre Corp. lays off 9 percent of workforce

On Monday, Southlake-based Sabre Corp. laid off approximately 9 percent of its existing workforce of 10,000, including the elimination of certain open positions, according to a statement from Sabre. “From time to time we adjust staffing to meet business requirements and opportunities, just like any well-managed company must do,” read the Sabre statement. “Over the […]

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Bathroom bill debate highlights barriers to updating birth certificate in Texas

Though he tries to avoid restrooms “at all costs,” high school student Jason Foster says they’re sometimes unavoidable at school. Leander Independent School District requires students to use bathrooms based on their birth certificates. For Foster, who is transgender, that means using a gender-neutral bathroom or — when he can’t get across campus in time — […]

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5 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, July 28-30

This weekend residents of Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake can partake in live music events, watch movies at local venue or get active. Here are five things to do this weekend: FRIDAY 1. Enjoy a movie at the Marq with Disney’s “Moana” The movie begins at sundown. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, blanket […]

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Despite Texans' support, effort to repeal health care law narrowly defeated in U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON — The efforts of U.S. Senate Republicans to repeal former President Obama’s 2010 health care law collapsed early Friday morning, thanks to a shocking defection from U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.  Senate Republicans and Vice President Mike Pence knew the margin would be tight. They needed 50 votes, plus Pence’s tie-breaking capacity as […]

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Analysis: For lawmakers, like kids, education can be very difficult

One should avoid the word “never” when trying to describe what might happen in the Texas Legislature — even when talking about things that seem impossible. Let’s say it is unlikely, then, that the same Texas lawmakers who couldn’t solve school finance during the regular session will work it out in the current 30-day special session, […]

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Disabled Texans say bathroom bill could further complicate their lives

For Octavio Armendariz, using the bathroom while he’s home is no big deal. When the autistic eight-year-old is out in public with his mom, it’s a different story. Rosanna Armendariz isn’t comfortable with Octavio, who has the social and emotional development of a three-year-old, navigating the men’s bathroom alone. So she brings him into the women’s bathroom with her instead. […]

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Christopher Archer: A Q&A with the Southlake City Council Place 6 candidate

Christopher Archer, president of Associated Time & Parking Controls, is running for the Southlake City Council Place 6 seat in the Sept. 9 special election. The vacancy was left by Gary Fawks, who announced his resignation May 16 due to a job promotion. Community Impact Newspaper sent Archer a series of questions. His written responses, edited for publication style, […]

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Senate backs bill that would roll back cellphone safety laws in dozens of Texas cities

The Texas Senate on Wednesday gave tentative approval to a measure that pre-empts local ordinances on drivers’ mobile phone usage, effectively rolling back safety laws in the 45 Texas cities where local governments enforce stricter regulations than the state.  If the Senate grants Senate Bill 15 final approval, as expected, the legislation will head across the […]

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Texas House approves bill requiring more reporting on abortion complications

The Texas House has given early approval to a bill requiring physicians and health care facilities to report more details on abortions complications to the state — and fine those that do not comply. In abortion cases where complications arise, reporting to the state is already required. Under state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione’s House Bill 13, those requirements would get […]

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Texas universities forced to trim their budgets, even with big state cuts averted

The massive state funding cuts Texas higher education officials dreaded never materialized this year. But that doesn’t mean their public universities are out of the woods.  Most of them — even some that received slight funding boosts from the state — are asking their staffs to cut costs for the upcoming school year. University of Houston President Renu Khator has […]

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Shauna Newman: A Q&A with the Southlake City Council Place 6 candidate

Shauna Newman, an administrative assistant for Priority One, is running for the Southlake City Council Place 6 seat in the Sept. 9 special election. The vacancy was left by Gary Fawks, who announced his resignation May 16 due to a job promotion. Community Impact Newspaper sent Newman a series of questions. Her written responses, edited for publication style, are below. The […]

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5 things to know about Grapevine’s public hearing held on potential bond projects

When Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate spoke at a City Council meeting in June, he warned that putting Heritage Avenue on a proposed bond would be opening “a can of worms.” And that’s exactly what happened as more than 500 residents showed up Monday night, mostly in opposition to the bridge, at the Grapevine Convention Center for the city’s […]

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Stephen Luhrs: A Q & A with the Southlake City Council Place 6 candidate

Stephen Luhrs, who is an entrepreneur, is running for the Southlake City Council Place 6 seat in the Sept. 9 special election. The vacancy was left by Gary Fawks, who announced his resignation May 16 due to a job promotion. Community Impact Newspaper sent Luhrs a series of questions. His written responses, edited for publication style, are below. The […]

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Texas Senate approves anti-abortion bill in overnight vote

The Texas Senate gaveled in around 10 a.m. Tuesday, but it wasn’t until past midnight that lawmakers turned their attention to Senate Bill 4, an anti-abortion measure that was initially approved over objections from Democrats.  Passed in a 21-10 vote, the measure prohibits local and state government agencies from contracting with abortion providers and their […]

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Senate gives early OK to bill regulating do-not-resuscitate orders

The Senate on Tuesday gave early approval to a bill that would mandate physicians take certain steps before issuing do-not-resuscitate orders to patients. Senate Bill 11, authored by state Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, passed the upper chamber in a 21-10 vote on second reading after about an hour of discussion. The measure regulates the issuance […]

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These items will be tax-free August 11-13 during the Texas state tax holiday

Buyers can save money during the Texas sales tax holiday weekend on August 11-13, when most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks are exempt from sales tax. According to a statement from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, the sales tax holiday weekend started in 1999 and has since become an annual event. Shoppers save about $8 on […]

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Texas Senate tackles special session abortion bills

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the passage of Senate Bill 73 Texas senators tentatively approved two bills that would require physicians and facilities to report more details about abortions — and fine those who do not comply — during a grueling day of floor debate that showed no signs of stopping by early […]

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Texas to lose Galveston and Hill Country children's therapy providers

Children in the Galveston and Hill Country areas are going to be without state-funded speech, occupational and physical therapy services as two more providers prepare to leave the Early Childhood Intervention program. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission confirmed Monday that the University of Texas Medical Branch and Hill Country MHDD Centers are ending […]

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Senate approves bills on “private school choice” and school finance study

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to note the passage of legislation on studying the school’s finance system. The Texas Senate tentatively passed legislation Monday to subsidize private school tuition and a bill to study the system for funding public schools — two of six bills the upper chamber discussed Monday. After debating for […]

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Video: A conversation on Medicaid and Texas with Mark McClellan

Comment Policy The Texas Tribune is pleased to provide the opportunity for you to share your observations about this story. We encourage lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask that you refrain from using profanity or other offensive speech, engaging in personal attacks or name-calling, posting advertising, or wandering away from […]

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Texas Senate panel approves teacher bonuses, retirement benefits

The Senate Finance Committee Saturday approved a proposal Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick listed as a priority for Texas education: providing bonuses and pay raises for long-term teachers, and reduced health-care costs for retired teachers. The committee voted 10-3 to approve Senate Bill 19, authored by Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, which would provide $193 million […]

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Senate committee passes bills on private school choice and school finance study

The Senate Education Committee got two major bills out of the way Friday, passing legislation that would create a “private school choice” program and start a commission to study the school finance system. The committee voted 8-2 to pass Senate Bill 2, creating a tax credit scholarship subsidizing private school tuition for students with disabilities. […]

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Bike rallies and Hawaiian-themed fun: 4 things to do this weekend in North Texas suburbs, July 21-22

As the hot summer temperatures continue their reign over North Texas, we’ve compiled a list of things to do to beat the heat—or at least have fun in spite of it. 1. Tonight: Poolside ‘Zootopia’ screening Gates will open at 8 p.m. today for a family screening of the animated film “Zootopia” at the Frisco Water Park, 5828 Nancy Jane Lane […]

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Abortion rights groups sue Texas over procedure ban

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include Attorney General Ken Paxton’s comment and identify the lawsuit’s lead plaintiff Texas is heading to court over a state law going into effect in September banning the most common second-trimester abortion procedure.   The Center for Reproductive Rights and Planned Parenthood announced on Thursday they’re suing over […]

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RaDonna Hessel: A Q&A with the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce CEO

Tonight, the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 65 years of service with a free party at 5 p.m. at the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine. The chamber’s CEO RaDonna Hessel said the organization was formed on July 21, 1952.  Hessel said many of the past accomplishments of the organization have helped […]

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott adds school finance, retired teacher benefits to special session agenda

By Aliyya Swaby Texas legislators could end up passing bills to reform the state’s school finance system and help out retired teachers this special session. After the Senate voted early Thursday morning to pass a bill keeping several key state agencies alive, Gov. Greg Abbott immediately expanded the special session agenda by adding 19 items — […]

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7 backyard Texas plants you can put on the dinner table

Although often classified as weeds, some non-grass plants that grow wild in yards and ditches are edible, and can be used as daily nutrition. These Texas plants often grow year-round because of the warm climate, even popping up after a rare summer rain. How many of these plants do you recognize? 1.Dandelion Dandelions grow all over […]

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Texas Republicans in Congress process health care bill's collapse

WASHINGTON – It took less than 24 hours for the defection of two Senate Republicans to bring about the complete collapse of their party’s health care overhaul efforts. The unraveling began Monday evening with the announcements from U.S. Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, that they would oppose the current version of a bill overhauling former President Obama’s 2010 […]

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Colleyville City Council shows opposition to RaceTrac on first reading

On Tuesday night, Colleyville City Council heard the first reading for a proposed RaceTrac at 7015 Colleyville Blvd., which is near Bear Creek Spirits & Wine. The gas station, which was denied by the Colleyville Planning & Zoning Commission on June 12, would require a supermajority vote from the council for it to be approved. That […]

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Texas Senate moves to fast-track special session agenda

By Morgan Smith On the opening day of the special session of the Texas Legislature on Tuesday, over the cries of Senate Democrats, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick took a step to fast-track two bills reauthorizing the Texas Medical Board and four other state agencies jeopardized by inaction during the regular session. The post Texas Senate moves […]

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5 things to know about Grapevine’s potential bond projects

When Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate spoke at a City Council meeting in June, he warned that putting Heritage Avenue on a proposed bond would be opening “a can of worms.” And that’s exactly what happened as more than 500 residents showed up Monday night, mostly in opposition to the bridge, at the Grapevine Convention Center for the city’s […]

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Texas teachers voice opposition to education-heavy special session

The day before the start of Texas’ special legislative session, teachers and educator groups flooded the south lawn of the state Capitol to stand against the governor’s schools agenda. Their message? They’ll be active during the special session and the 2018 Republican primaries — speaking their minds and casting their votes based on issues, not on political party.  “We’re distracted by […]

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says property taxes are his top issue for special session

Naming property taxes as his top priority for the upcoming special legislative session during a Monday appearance at an Austin-based conservative think tank, Gov. Greg Abbott said that he would publicly call out lawmakers who didn’t support his 20-item legislative agenda. “We are hearing stories about people who are being taxed out of their homes […]

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A Pass to Poison: Texas regulators largely fail to crack down on top air polluters

DEER PARK — For more than two decades, Dennis Gallagher was a proud Shell employee. During his 22 years working at the energy juggernaut’s sprawling, 80-year-old complex in this Refinery Row suburb of Houston, he learned to oversee different parts of the massive chemical plant and refinery. The facilities manufacture not only oil but a variety of […]

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At some Texas universities, students accused of rape can transfer without a record

When Sierra Smith told Baylor University she’d been sexually assaulted by a classmate during a 2016 spring break trip to South Padre Island, she hoped administrators would move to protect her and other students. It took several months of investigation, but the university eventually did, suspending the male student for three semesters for violating Baylor’s […]

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The Gatehouse breaks ground on its Early Learning Childcare Academy

It has been two years since The Gatehouse in Grapevine opened its doors to women and their children who were leaving a crisis and in need of a safe place to stay. However, the campus is still evolving and expanding to include new services for its families. On Friday, Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate and […]

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Public hearing set for Monday for potential Grapevine bond projects

The Grapevine City Council along with city staff will host a public hearing on proposed bond projects on July 17 at the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 S. Main St., Grapevine. The doors will open at 6 p.m. and the hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. At the hearing, residents can speak on projects pertaining to […]

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Revised Senate health care bill draws Cruz's support but still short votes

WASHINGTON – At first blush on Thursday, Senate Republicans were no closer to passing a new health care bill than they were two weeks ago when their first bill collapsed.  Republican senators met late in the morning to unveil a new overhaul of former President Obama’s 2010 health care law that had much input from […]

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4 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, July 14-16

This weekend, there are several outdoor events happening in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake. Here are some of them: Friday, July 14 Movies at the Marq The post 4 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, July 14-16 appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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Home Renovations Guide 2017: Best Bang For Your Buck

Updating your home does not have the break the bank. Small projects, from installing new fixtures to landscaping, can improve the look and value of a home. The post Home Renovations Guide 2017: Best Bang For Your Buck appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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Making sense of the market: Buy new, buy old or rent?

Homeownership is part of the traditional American dream, but for many families and individuals, it makes more sense to lease a single-family home rather than to make a long-term commitment. Professionals in homebuilding, buying and renting have identified potential considerations that homeowners should take into account. The post Making sense of the market: Buy new, […]

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Four real estate trends to know in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake

Luxury multistory housing becoming an option in Southlake For many years the only housing option available for people looking to live in Southlake was single-family homes. However, in Southlake Town Square, there are now brownstones available for purchase as well as condominiums that are being constructed. The brownstones were built in two phases with the […]

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Ask the editor: Where are my property taxes going?

Almost all property owners in Tarrant County will pay taxes to at least five local taxing units: the county; the county college district, Tarrant County College; the county hospital district, John Peter Smith Health Network; a city; and a school district. Some residents will also pay taxes to the Tarrant Water District and/or the emergency […]

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Recent home sales spur increase in property appraisals

Homeowners in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake are seeing increased home values in their annual appraisals this year. This is not the first time, however, that area homeowners have experienced higher valuations. Since 2015 the total appraised value of homes in Colleyville has increased by approximately 24 percent and by 25 percent in Grapevine and 26 […]

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6 Gymboree Corp. stores to close in DFW

On June 11, San Francisco-based Gymboree Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As a result of the bankruptcy, the retailer is closing 350 stores, including three in Plano and one in Southlake. Gymboree Corp. has three brands: Gymboree, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8. The company said a majority of the closures would be Gymboree and […]

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3 candidates vie for Southlake City Council Place 6 seat

The filing period for the Southlake City Council Place 6 seat ended July 10. Here are the candidates who filed: • Christopher Archer, president of Associated Time, filed June 9. Archer is the Carroll ISD board president and has lived in Southlake for 19 years. For more information on Archer, click here. • Stephen Luhrs, […]

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Here are a few tips for obtaining a home loan

The post Here are a few tips for obtaining a home loan appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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Dreamers grateful efforts to repeal in-state tuition benefit never materialized

[embedded content] Listen to Samuel Cervantes explain why state lawmakers should not repeal in-state tuition for undocumented students. Houston is the only place Samuel Cervantes considers home. His parents brought him to the United States from Monterrey, Mexico, at the age of five.Via Texas Tribune The post Dreamers grateful efforts to repeal in-state tuition benefit […]

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Colleyville City Council passes resolution to block Oncor’s proposed rate increases

At Tuesday night’s Colleyville City Council meeting, the council passed a resolution to deny Oncor Electric Delivery Company’s application to increase rates charged to customers in Colleyville. The application, which was filed March 17, asked the city to approve an 11.8 percent increase in residential rates and a 0.5 percent increase in street lighting rates. […]

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H-E-B's Butt pledges $50 million more to education efforts

*Correction appended Charles Butt, the chairman and CEO of H-E-B and one of Texas’ most prominent philanthropists, made another splash Monday, pledging $50 million to a program that will train public school teachers. The donation comes in the form of a new scholarship program, Raising Texas Teachers, which will be run by the Butt-founded Raise Your […]

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Baylor Scott & White Health names new president, Pete McCanna

Baylor Scott & White Health has appointed Pete McCanna as the health care system’s next president, effective in mid-September. Current President and CEO Jim Hinton announced Monday the creation of a new office of the president to serve the organization. Hinton has been serving as both president and CEO since he joined Baylor Scott & […]

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Calling all songwriters: Texas Songwriter U contest opens 4th season

For the 4th year, Texas Songwriter U is taking applications for the Nov. 1-3 program where selected applicants will get to work with award-winning songwriters Jon Randall and Liz Rose. Texas songwriter U is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of songwriters in Texas and has the combined support of  Texas Heritage Songwriter’s Association, the […]

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott officially calls special session, allowing lawmakers to begin filing bills

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a declaration for a special session of the Texas Legislature Monday, formally inviting lawmakers back to Austin to pass “sunset legislation” that will keep several key state agencies open. The long-awaited procedural move allows lawmakers to begin filing bills for the special session set to begin on July 18. In addition […]

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Federal judge throws out effort by UT professors to overturn campus carry

A federal judge has dismissed a longshot lawsuit filed by three University of Texas at Austin professors seeking to overturn the state’s 2015 campus carry law, which allows people to carry concealed handguns inside most public university buildings.  District Judge Lee Yeakel wrote in his decision that the professors — Jennifer Lynn Glass, Lisa Moore and Mia Carter […]

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5 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake this weekend, July 7-8

July 4th may be over, but the fun events don’t stop there. Here are five events happening locally this weekend, July 7-9: Friday, July 7 First Friday ‘Keeping Cool’ Come to Nash Farm to experience how residents on the Grape Vine Prairie kept cool in the warm summer months. Registration is required. Participants of all […]

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Lawmaker urged Abbott to veto bill legalizing hot air balloon hog hunting

A Republican lawmaker trying to convince Gov. Greg Abbott to veto a bill allowing the hunting of wild pigs and coyotes from hot air balloons wrote that it could lead to “future catastrophes” because of lax regulation of commercial ballooning.  “The serious problems that currently exist with hot air balloon flights were not adequately addressed during this bill’s […]

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Hall-Johnson area in Grapevine to be sprayed for West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitos

Due to a July 5 mosquito sample testing positive for carrying the West Nile Virus in the 1800 block of Hall-Johnson Road in Grapevine, the area will be sprayed within a half-mile radius on three consecutive nights. Spraying will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m. According to city officials, residents in the […]

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Here’s how Texas’ proposed spending cap on cities would affect move to limit property taxes

One of Gov. Greg Abbott’s special session charges is taking aim at the spending habits of the state’s cities and counties. The bill, which Abbott said would limit the growth in local spending to population growth and inflation, will be filed by Sen. Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls, and Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas. Ashley Juergens, Villalba’s chief […]

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Things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville, Southlake and the Metroplex for Independence Day

1. Grapevine fireworks show The city of Grapevine celebrates Independence Day with the 35th annual July 4th fireworks extravaganza. Free (note some private businesses or private docks/parks may charge a parking or entrance fee of which the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau or City of Grapevine has no control over). 9:30 p.m. Lake Grapevine. For suggested viewing […]

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Texas is putting troubled nursing homes on notice

Texas nursing homes beware: The state’s tolerance for mistakes is dropping fast. In September, a new state law takes effect that will make it more difficult for long-term care facilities cited for repeat violations to avoid hefty fines from regulators. It’s an effort by legislators and advocates for the aging to crack down on bad […]

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As Baylor regent, top Austin lobbyist called drinking female students “perverted little tarts”

*Clarification appended.  As a Baylor University regent, prominent Texas lobbyist Neal “Buddy” Jones described female students who he suspected of drinking alcohol at parties as “perverted little tarts,” the “vilest and most despicable girls” and a “group of very bad apples,” according to emails he sent in 2009. The emails, first reported by the Waco […]

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Texans in Congress head home as Trump muddles health care negotiations

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump threw a curveball at Republicans in Congress on Friday, just as many were trekking home for what could be yet another recess of negative feedback from constituents.  “If Republican Senators are unable to pass what they are working on now, they should immediately REPEAL, and then REPLACE at a later […]

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Learn SEO Through Forums

I had someone who was reading my previous entries in my Learning SEO series ask about using forums to learn SEO. I promised that I would write a post about the value of forums in learning SEO. Back in 1998 I became a moderator of a couple of forums on small business and website promotion […]

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Trump slow to fill judicial seats in Texas (video)

In the Texas Political Roundup: Six months into President Trump’s presidency, several judicial posts still sit empty in Texas. Plus, the trooper involved in the Sandra Bland case vows to never serve in law enforcement again. And, it’s official: top public university leaders in Texas make bank. Read related Tribune coverage: The Trump administration has […]

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Analysis: The political play behind Gov. Abbott’s call for $1,000 teacher pay raises

Editor’s note: If you’d like an email notice whenever we publish Ross Ramsey’s column, click here.  What’s an unfunded mandate look like? Is that when the state tells school districts to give teachers at $1,000 pay raise and doesn’t send the money to cover it? The $120 million Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed from the state budget […]

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3 things to do in Grapevine this weekend, June 30-July 2

If you are looking to have some fun locally this weekend, check out these three events happening in Grapevine: Friday, June 30 Wine & Yoga at Wine Fusion Winery The post 3 things to do in Grapevine this weekend, June 30-July 2 appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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Ted Cruz proposes amendment with aim to salvage Senate health care plan

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is pushing hard to keep the Senate health care bill’s prospects alive, amid a rollercoaster weak at the U.S. Capitol.  On Tuesday, Senate Republican leaders postponed taking up a major overhaul of the health care system as several Republicans and all of the chamber’s Democrats maintained opposition.  Cruz, a Texas Republican, […]

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The Texas solar industry is growing. Some fear an international trade case could end that.

*Correction appended. After oil prices cratered two years ago, leading to lost jobs across the energy industry, many West Texas workers found relief in what seemed an unlikely place: solar power. Instead of the boom-and-bust cycle of the oil and gas market, these workers sought stability in longer-term construction projects building facilities that harness solar power. Those opportunities, fueled […]

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Is Europe coming to Southlake? Here are 5 things to know about The Village at Carillon Parc

Developers on June 28 gave Southlake officials and residents a first look at the proposed plans for The Village at Carillon Parc, which sits on 42 acres between North White Chapel Boulevard and Carroll Avenue on SH 114. The development team, lead by former Southlake mayor John Terrell, gave a presentation on the development. Terrell […]

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Gov. Greg Abbott names legislators who will tackle local control issues in special session

Ever since Gov. Greg Abbott announced the 20 items that would be taken up during the coming special session, pundits have been speculating who would be responsible for each individual bill. Abbott has answered the majority of the lingering questions, announcing before any bills can even be filed who will take up the charge for […]

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Two of the three highest-paid public university leaders are from Texas

Texas’ top public university administrators remain among the highest paid in the country, according to a nationwide survey released Wednesday. University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven and Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp ranked second and third in the nation, earning $1.5 million and $1.3 million respectively, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education’s annual Executive Compensation […]

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Senate Republicans halt health care overhaul as Cruz maintains opposition

WASHINGTON – After days of arm-twisting, Senate Republican leaders on Tuesday essentially conceded that they had not secured the votes to move forward on a massive overhaul of the American health care system and would pick up the issue again in July.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky emerged with the updated plans from […]

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5 tips to avoid heat-related illness in Texas this summer

As summer sets in, temperatures are on the rise and more people are at risk to heat-related illness. Heat waves are the leading cause of extreme weather-related deaths in the U.S., the CDC says. Texas had 74 counts of heat-related deaths in the summer months of 2014, according to the CDC. In 2008, 2009 and […]

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Texas Association of Business chief identifies one major loss of regular session: Senate Bill 4

At Tuesday’s Round Rock Chamber Power Lunch, Texas Association of Business President Chris Wallace summarized the 85th legislative session as being the most anti-business and anti-economic development in years due to the filing of major discriminatory legislation. Wallace said in the future, TAB must adapt by becoming involved on a local level and running pro-business […]

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House education leaders won’t budge on school finance, private school choice

The top House education leader said Sunday that “private school choice” is still dead in the lower chamber. “We only voted six times against it in the House,” House Public Education Committee Chairman Dan Huberty said. “There’s nothing more offensive as a parent of a special-needs child than to tell me what I think I need. I’m prepared to have that […]

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We asked Texans who should regulate Uber and Lyft. Here’s what they said.

Over the past few legislative sessions, lawmakers have voted to override several local ordinances with new statewide measures on everything from ride-hailing services to sanctuary cities. The Texas Tribune wants to know what you think about these issues — and how decisions made in the Capitol affect you.  More in this series Via Texas Tribune The […]

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House education leaders won't budge on school finance, private school choice

The top House education leader said Sunday that “private school choice” is still dead in the lower chamber. “We only voted six times against it in the House,” House Public Education Committee Chairman Dan Huberty said. “There’s nothing more offensive as a parent of a special-needs child than to tell me what I think I need. I’m prepared to have that […]

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California's Texas travel ban creates confusion in college sports

The politicians running Texas and California continue to prove that they want nothing to do with each other. But athletes in the two states are inextricably linked. As a result, the latest salvo in the Texas v. California culture wars has created widespread confusion in the college sports world. That confusion stems from a decision […]

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20 things Gov. Greg Abbott wants lawmakers to address in a special session

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that he’s calling lawmakers back for a special legislative session starting July 18. But he’s not just calling them back to finish up must-pass legislation that keeps agencies afloat. And he added a lot more to the call than two issues that were anticipated — property tax relief and bathroom restrictions for transgender […]

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California bans state-funded travel to Texas, no one in Texas seems bothered by it

For years, Texas politicians have warned of the looming influence California is trying to exert through liberal policies and economic maneuvers. In 2015, Gov. Greg Abbott warned Texas was on its way to becoming more like its West Coast large state counterpart with the adoption of city-level ordinances that restricted individual actions. “The truth is […]

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Citing religious refusal of adoption rule, California bans state travel to Texas

Saying that a new Texas law allowing child welfare providers to deny adoptions to parents based on “sincerely held religious beliefs” is discriminatory, the attorney general of California on Thursday banned state-funded travel to the Texas. The attorney general’s office said in a news release that Texas’ House Bill 3859 “allows foster care agencies to […]

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Cruz declines to support Senate GOP health care bill, while Cornyn defends it

WASHINGTON — Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate on Thursday unveiled their plan to overhaul President Obama’s 2010 health care law. Within hours, Texas’ two Republican senators took opposite positions on the measure. While U.S. Sen. John Cornyn took to the floor early Thursday to defend the bill against Democratic criticism, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz joined […]

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4 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, June 23-25

This weekend there are several events happening locally; here are four of them: Friday-Sunday Buy a new handbag The post 4 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, June 23-25 appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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New in Trib+Edu: Helping refugees get an education

A plurality of Texas voters think the state should be spending more on public and higher education, but those numbers hide differences between conservatives and liberals, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Full Story  Via Texas Tribune The post New in Trib+Edu: Helping refugees get an education appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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Texas A&M reigns, UH gets a boost in Texas college sports revenue

The rich keep getting richer in Texas college sports, and the little guys keep having a harder time keeping up. That’s one of the key takeaways from Ballpark Figures, The Texas Tribune’s visualization of money for athletics at the state’s top university athletics programs.  We analyzed the NCAA financial reports for the eight public schools […]

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Ride-hailing nonprofit struggles to survive in Austin

The return of Uber and Lyft to Austin has put the city’s only ride-hailing nonprofit in a fight for survival. RideAustin, one of several small companies that started operations in Austin after the ride-hailing giants left the city in May 2016, is now seeing its ridership cut in half since the two returned to town. […]

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Congress is eyeing big Medicaid cuts. Here’s why it matters to Texas families.

Despite years of sleepless nights, emergency room trips and long stares into the financial abyss, Kate Robinson-Howell and Bob Howell of Austin are adamant that they are a Medicaid success story. Their second child, Apollo, was born with a malformed esophagus and trachea. He had emergency surgery to reconstruct his airway when he was just […]

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Grapevine residents to ultimately decide the fate of a Heritage Avenue bridge

Among the items up for consideration on the Grapevine City Council’s agenda Tuesday night was the removal of the construction of a Heritage Avenue bridge from the list of proposed bond projects. In a report by City Manager Bruno Rumbelow, it was stated the recommendation to remove the project came after hearing several residents speak […]

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UT/TT Poll: Few Texas voters believe education spending is too high

While small numbers of Texas voters believe spending on public and higher education is too high, pluralities think the state is not spending enough, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. In both cases, 27 percent of voters said the state is spending about the right amount. Almost half of Texas voters — […]

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Ted Cruz on health care overhaul: “Of course I'll compromise”

WASHINGTON – Five years ago, Ted Cruz was running for an open U.S. Senate seat in Texas. One of his biggest talking points: repealing President Obama’s 2010 health care law. “Now is not a time for conciliation,” he said at the time. “The Senate will be the battleground on Obamacare, and I intend to lead […]

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GCISD trustees pass $172 million budget for 2017-18 school year

At tonight’s Grapevine-Colleyville ISD board of trustees meeting, members adopted a $172 million general operating budget, which is a $15 million increase from last year’s budget. Revenue for the general operating budget is $165.6 million, which leaves a deficit of $6.4 million. The deficit will be covered with the district’s fund balance. The general operating […]

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What language curriculum should a Texas high school student be able to master? State Board of Education to decide this week

The State Board of Education will decide Friday whether to approve the new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, curriculum for high school English Language Arts and Reading, Spanish Language Arts, and Reading and English as a Second Language. Curriculum in the latter two subjects has not been amended since 2014. If approved, the […]

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Google Patents Extracting Facts from the Web

When Google crawls the Web, it collects information about content on the pages it finds as well as links on pages. How much does it collect information about facts on the Web? Microsoft showed off an object-based search about 10 years ago, in the paper, Object-Level Ranking: Bringing Order to Web Objects.. The team from […]

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The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a Wisconsin redistricting case. What does that mean for Texas?

The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it was taking up a case from Wisconsin on partisan gerrymandering — the first time in more than a decade the court will consider the constitutionality of redrawing political maps based on partisanship. What could the move mean for Texas, which is in the middle of its own legal […]

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Portion of Glade Road in Colleyville to be closed for 2 months

Phase 1A of the Glade Road project in Colleyville is expected to begin today and take four months to complete. Beginning today, Glade Road will be closed to through traffic west of the Bransford Road intersection for approximately two months while the new bridge is being installed. Phase 1A consists of rebuilding the existing road […]

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6 bills Gov. Abbott vetoed and what it means for Texas going forward

On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott broke out his veto stamp to nix a total of 50 bills, more than he did last session, and more than any governor has done since former Gov. Rick Perry, who vetoed 56 bills in 2007. Abbott cited a number of reasons for rejecting the work of legislators, a number […]

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Portion of Main Street in Grapevine to be closed next week for TEX Rail construction

Main Street, between Dallas Road and Hudgins Street, in Grapevine will be closed beginning Monday at 7 a.m. and is expected to reopen by 7 a.m. on June 24 due to TEX Rail construction. TEX Rail is a 27-mile commuter rail line that will extend from downtown Fort Worth through Colleyville and Grapevine and into Dallas-Forth […]

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Despite “Texas miracle,” affordable housing difficult for many urban dwellers

A new Harvard study found that Americans — especially poorer ones — are having a harder time find a suitable place to call home. Texas lawmakers, experts and development industry leaders say there are plenty of reasons why that’s true here, too. Via Texas Tribune The post Despite “Texas miracle,” affordable housing difficult for many […]

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Gov. Abbott signs bill that seeks to end “lunch shaming”

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law Thursday that includes a measure addressing one of the most fractious issues of the 85th legislative session: “lunch shaming” for Texas public school students who run out of money in their lunch accounts. Over the course of the session, state Rep. Helen Giddings, D-DeSoto, repeatedly clashed with a group […]

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Amazon to buy Austin-based Whole Foods Market

Update 8:58 a.m.: Whole Foods Market announced today that Amazon will purchase the Austin-based natural and organic foods supermarket. Amazon, which, according to Forbes, is worth $427 billion, will buy the supermarket for $42 per share, or about $13.7 billion, according to a news release. “Millions of people love Whole Foods Market because they offer the best […]

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4 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, June 16-18

Whether you are adventurous or someone who likes to watch a movie, there are several events happening this weekend in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake. Friday, June 16-Sunday, June 18 Camp Jeep The post 4 things to do in Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake this weekend, June 16-18 appeared first on Community Impact Newspaper.

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INTERACTIVE: Here is how much area school district superintendents earn

Every year the Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Association of School Administrators conduct an annual survey of superintendent pay and benefits in Texas public schools. TASB sent the superintendent survey questionnaire to 1,023 Texas public school districts and 750 districts responded for the 2016-17 school year, or 73 percent of districts in […]

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Straus needles Texas Senate on public education funding, “bathroom bill”

SAN ANTONIO — Speaking to educators Wednesday, House Speaker Joe Straus took some jabs at the Senate for focusing on a bill to regulate public bathroom use instead of putting more than a billion dollars into public schools. The lower chamber’s leading politician spoke about the upcoming special session to hundreds of school board members […]

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Beverly Powell announces candidacy for Texas Senate District 10 seat

Burleson ISD board of trustees member Beverly Powell announced June 7 her intention to seek the Democratic nomination for state Senate District 10. “I am proud to announce my candidacy to serve the people of Senate District 10 in Tarrant County,” Powell said.  “I’m running because it’s time for elected officials to listen, work hard […]

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Carroll ISD board President Chris Archer files for Southlake City Council

Carroll ISD board President Chris Archer has filed to run for the Southlake City Council Place 6 seat. The vacancy was left by Gary Fawks, who announced his resignation May 16 due to a job promotion. In a Facebook post, Archer wrote that he will be giving up his board of trustees position. The post […]

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Texas taps private vendor to run first state-run gold depository in U.S.

Two years after Gov. Greg Abbott announced Texas would build the country’s first state-run gold depository, the project took a major step forward Wednesday. Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced at a press conference at the Capitol that his office had selected Austin-based Lone Star Tangible Assets as the private vendor tasked with building and operating the Texas Bullion […]

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Cruz’s fragile alliance with GOP leaders now pivotal in health care push

The Republican attempt to reshape the nation’s health care system has grown increasingly dependent this week on the fragile alliance between Senate GOP leaders and a man they have clashed bitterly with for years: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. Senate leaders are struggling to build conservative support for their emerging bill, with GOP aides and […]

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Learning SEO through Books

There are a few books and courses online that are free and really helpful when it comes to learning some of the things that will make you a better SEO. Knowledge can make a difference, and having an idea of how search engines work can possibly give you a competitive advantage over others who haven’t […]

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‘MasterChef’ contestant to host viewing party at Grapevine’s Back Porch and Tavern Grill

When the eighth season of “MasterChef” began, 40 chefs entered the competition hoping to make it to the top 20. Over the course of two episodes, they went straight to work in the kitchen. Celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay, Christina Tosi and Aaron Sanchez judged their dishes, and 20 were given a white apron and advanced to the […]

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Experts: Tarrant County growth warrants more trauma centers

As Tarrant County’s only Level I trauma center, John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth sees nearly 4,000 trauma patients a year. Combine those trauma patients with patients who have less severe injuries and the hospital is between 87-92 percent full on a daily basis, according to JPS CEO and President Robert Earley. Although Tarrant […]

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Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Carroll ISD vaccine exemptions on the rise in recent years

State and local public health officials say they are concerned about the rising risk of disease in schools as more parents across the state each year have opted their children out of otherwise mandatory vaccinations. A growing number of parents in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and Carroll ISD have filed for vaccine exemptions since 2003, when state […]

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Ask the editor: How soon can Tarrant County residents expect to see a bond from JPS?

Last year there was talk of an $809 million JPS Health Network bond package being on Tarrant County residents’ November ballot. However, when met with strong opposition at town hall meetings, Tarrant County Commissioners Court chose to hold off. The post Ask the editor: How soon can Tarrant County residents expect to see a bond […]

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