Monday, July 31, 2017

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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Friday, July 28, 2017

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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Thursday, July 27, 2017

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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Wednesday, July 26, 2017

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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Tuesday, July 25, 2017

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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Monday, July 24, 2017

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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Sunday, July 23, 2017

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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Saturday, July 22, 2017

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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Friday, July 21, 2017

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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Thursday, July 20, 2017

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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Wednesday, July 19, 2017

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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Tuesday, July 18, 2017

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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Monday, July 17, 2017

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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Friday, July 14, 2017

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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Thursday, July 13, 2017

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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Wednesday, July 12, 2017

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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Tuesday, July 11, 2017

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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Monday, July 10, 2017

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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Saturday, July 8, 2017

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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Thursday, July 6, 2017

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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Wednesday, July 5, 2017

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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Monday, July 3, 2017

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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Sunday, July 2, 2017

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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Saturday, July 1, 2017

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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