Perry: A Presidential Profile
Now that Rick Perry's spokesman has made clear that the Texas Governor will be running for president, people across the country want to know more about him. During Morning Edition today, KUT News took a look back at how Perry got to where he is today, and how he may campaign for president:
“He’s got a tremendous personality. He likes people. He can talk to an individual one on one,” political operative Reggie Basher said. “He gives a good speech. He carries a strong message, and that’s all proven by his success that he’s had, never losing an election.”
You can read or listen to KUT's Ben Philpott's entire profile on Gov. Perry here. Perry will be in South Carolina and New Hampshire tomorrow. Ben will bring us the latest coverage over the weekend on KUT 90.5 and KUT.org.
Central Health to Stop Funding Abortions
The Austin American-Statesman reports the Central Health Board voted yesterday to stop spending public money on abortions for low income women in Travis County.
The move comes in response to a new state law that cuts off state funding to hospital districts that use tax money to pay for abortions — a rule that specifically targets Central Health. After convening behind closed doors, the board voted, also unanimously, to redirect the $450,000 that had been budgeted for abortions toward expanding other services. While Central Health "continues to believe that all women in Travis County, regardless of income, should and will continue to have access to pregnancy termination services, it now must respond to Senate Bill 7 in light of the other objectives that the organization seeks to accomplish," according to the board's resolution on ending the abortion spending.
The Board did include exceptions for medical emergencies, such as when a woman's life is at risk.
Back to School Bash for Austin Families
School starts in just over a week. The Austin Independent School District is holding a Back to School Bash Saturday. Parents will get information about AISD programs. Free shots, backpacks and school supplies will be given out. The event is from 9 a.m. to noon at the Austin Convention Center.
Bar Owners, Law Enforcement on Watch for Fake IDs
The new school year is about to start and that means a whole lot of new college students experiencing Austin for the first time. KXAN is reporting some 6th Street bar owners are cracking down on fake IDs:
Bob Woody owns several bars and restaurants in Downtown Austin and said Thursday his employees are prepared for a new round of fake IDs. "The first crop is coming for this time of year as far as young drinkers go," said Woody. "Short of you using your brothers (dirver's license) and looking a lot like him and you know everything about it, it's going to be real difficult to get past us."
KXAN reports APD officers and the TABC often work undercover checking IDs at downtown bars and clubs. And newer Texas driver's licenses also have special features that make them harder to duplicate.