Rick Perry’s Confirmation Hearing. Still gunning for energy secretary, the former Texas governor appeared before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Thursday. In addition to an awkward exchange with Sen. Al Franken, Perry vowed to “protect all of the science” from budget cuts. Zac had an efficient recap, too.
Planned Parenthood Will Remain Part of Medicaid For Now. U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks paused the move to oust Planned Parenthood from the program. Had Sparks not intervened, the organization would have lost funding Saturday. Sparks postponed the decision until Feb. 21, giving him more time to consider the issue. If Planned Parenthood were to be removed, the impact would reach more than two dozen clinics that serve about 11,000 low-income women.
The Man Accused of Killing a Little Elm Officer Had a History of Mental Health Issues. Rudy Garcia, who fatally shot Little Elm Police Det. Jerry Walker earlier this week, was taking medication for his Schizophrenia, family members say.
Controversial Landlord May Sell 130 Lots to Habitat for Humanity. The lots, owned by Khraish Khraish of HMK, Ltd., are located in South Dallas and West Dallas. Through this agreement, Habitat for Humanity can purchase properties HMK deems are no longer useful as rental properties. Khraish is known for his public clash with city leaders, alleging they are attempting to force him out of business in an effort to gentrify West Dallas.
It’s Inauguration Day. You can listen live through KERA. If you don’t care to watch, Keller ISD won’t force you. But if you do, maybe you’ll spot Tony Romo somewhere in the crowd.
