Your weekend is here, Texas, and it’s time to take a look back at some of the stories that were in our headlines this week.
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The Week in Review
1. Texas moves to acquire Hill Country ranch, create new state park
A prominent Hill Country ranch is set to become Texas’ second-largest state park as the state works to bolster its parklands and outdoor recreation spaces.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on Thursday voted to approve the acquisition of 54,000-acre Silver Lake Ranch from the Moody Foundation. According to the Austin American-Statesman, the vote happened “with little discussion and no dissent,” and a closing date for the formal transfer of ownership has not yet been announced.
2. Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland dead at 24
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died. He was 24.
The team confirmed his death in a statement to Spectrum News.
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” the statement said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said that Kneeland died from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, raised $6 million in the first three weeks of his bid for U.S. Senate, far ahead of his major rival, former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who raised $4 million in three months. Talarico entered the race with the central message of taking on “billionaire mega-donors and their puppet politicians.”
But Talarico took over $90,000 from billionaires in September. His latest campaign finance report shows individual donations from billionaires. Talarico has pledged not to take coporate PAC money during his campaign.
4. Texans approve all 17 statewide propositions
During Tuesday’s elections, Texas voters were given the option to approve or reject 17 amendments to the state’s constitution.
State lawmakers voted to put these propositions on the ballot earlier this year. The different proposals cover everything from tax relief for homeowners and businesses to funding for water infrastructure and a technical college.
Texans voted to approve all of the propositions.
5. San Antonio voters approve funding for Project Marvel
Bexar County’s Propositions A and B were approved by voters in Tuesday’s election, allowing Project Marvel to move forward as planned.
Around the Nation
1. Schumer offers Republicans deal to extend health care subsidies, end shutdown
Schumer is offering Republicans simultaneous votes to end the government shutdown and extending expiring health care subsidies for one year. Democrats are also proposing to establish a bipartisan committee to address Republican demands for changes to the Affordable Care Act.
A Look Ahead
A maple tree shows off its autumn foliage in Bridgton. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
A cold snap will bring an autumn feel early next week.