Austin, TX
Texas Senate passes bill to allow prayer in schools
AUSTIN, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 18: The exterior of the Texas State Capitol on February 18, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, Texas – A Texas Senate bill that would give schools the ability to dedicate a block of time for prayer during the school day, sailed through the Senate Tuesday and now heads to the House.
What they’re saying:
Senate Bill 11 would allow school districts and public charter schools to establish a time for prayer in schools.
The time would require a signed consent from for participation, which could include time for prayer and time to read religious texts.
“Religious freedom is a bedrock principle upon which America was founded, recognizing our rights come directly from God, not the government,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said.
Students and staff could opt out of participation. The time for prayer can not be during class time.
The bill passed on a 23-7 vote.
Big picture view:
The bill now heads to the House where a matching companion bill is already filed.
The move wasn’t the only push for religion in public schools Tuesday.
A bill that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed faces a final vote Wednesday.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Lt. Gov. Patrick’s office.
AUSTIN, Texas — APD SWAT responded to a barricaded subject in East Austin Saturday afternoon.
According to police, the incident took place near the 3400 block of Kay St., and officers responded to the call at around 1:30 p.m.
Once officers arrived, they made contact with a victim who “advised of circumstances that met the state law requirement of assault with a deadly weapon family violence.” Shortly after, the suspect barricaded themselves inside the residence.
ALSO: National Weather Service warns of storms with gusty winds
Austin Police officers, SWAT, hostage negotiators, and Austin-Travis County EMS were still on the scene and the suspect was still barricaded as of 6:15 p.m.
People are being encouraged to avoid the area due to increased police presence, or stay in a safe location if they are unable to avoid the area.
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This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
A 27-year-old Pflugerville man faces capital murder charges for allegedly killing his parents and his brother, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. The bodies of 62-year-old Armand, 63-year-old Jami and 31-year-old Noah Dahan were found by deputies conducting a welfare check Thursday at their home on Civorno Drive. Deputies said the victims had suffered gunshot wounds. https://www.kxan.com/news/crime/tcso-pflugerville-triple-homicide/
AUSTIN, Texas — The Long Center just dropped details on The Drop-In, a free summer concert series on the outdoor H-E-B Stage.
The Levitt VIBE Austin Music Series, which is partnered with KUTX 98.9, begins May 21 and takes place every Thursday except July 2.
On Friday, the center released the 23 artists performing:
- Bonnie Montgomery
- CAZAYOUX
- Como Las Movies
- Fastball
- Felt Out
- francene rouelle
- Girl Guitar’s Rhinestone Renegades
- Grace Sorensen
- Gus Baldwin & The Sketch
- Hayden Butler
- Jackie Venson
- Je’Texas
- KindKeith
- Lew Apollo
- Lindsay Beaver
- Los Desechos
- LUCIRI
- Mean Jolene
- Paige Plaisance
- Ruthie Craft
- Sue Foley
- Sweet Limb
- The Magic Rockers of Texas
A social media poster for the event also featured a redacted performer’s name, hinting at a surprise guest.
On Monday, the Long Center will open RSVPs for The Drop-In, with Long Center members getting first dibs on those RSVPs. Members also enjoy early entrance and a special lounge.
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