Historic Contribution - Pioneer Of Integrated Austin Schools Dies: Patch PM

Happy Friday, Patch Nation. The weekend is here, and it’s time to catch up on the news that’s worth talking about in Texas with this edition of Patch PM. While you’re catching up on the news, take a minute and sign up for your free Patch.com subscription in your neighborhood so you can stay informed all the time.

Houston Police Officer Commits Suicide At Station
Deceased was a sergeant and father of two; his identity has not been released

Driver Who Caused Central Texas Crash That Killed 13 Was Texting: Report
‘Son, do you know what you just did?’ witness said he asked the pinned driver, recalling driver's profuse apologies and texting confession

Houston Economy Rebounding With Projected Higher Growth in 2018
Economist says local economy is rebounding, which will mean a stronger economy for the remainder of 2017, and into 2018.

Race For U.S. Senate Seat From Texas Heats Up As Ted Cruz Challenger Throws Hat In Ring
Beto O'Rourke of El Paso, Texas, formally announced his candidacy for seat, while Gov. Greg Abbott announces Cruz endorsement.

Dr. Charles Akins, First Black Teacher In Integrated Austin School, Dead At 84
W. Charles Akins High School is named after the longtime educator who served the Austin ISD for 41 years.

Amazon Announces New Fulfillment Center For Houston Area
Amazon announced plans on Wednesday to build a new fulfillment center in the far western suburb of Katy in Waller County.

Nearby Shots Fired Prompts 'Reverse Lock Down' At East Austin Elementary School
Pickle Elementary officials prohibit entry into school after shots fired from the nearby Vue Apartments less than a block away.

Houston Man Killed While Paying Toll On Beltway 8
Witnesses told police, the driver of a Dodge Durango was driving erratically before he smashed into the toll plaza, killing another driver.

Houston Doctors Facing Deportation Receive Temporary Stay
Couple, from India, have worked in Texas for more than a decade, but lack green cards.

ICYMI……

Things To Do In Houston: Festival Season Kicks Off This Weekend
Festivals are happening this weekend in Houston, Tomball, Galveston and The Woodlands

University of Texas At Austin Unveils Diversity And Inclusion Plan
The 'living document' is intended to provide a blueprint toward creating a more inclusive campus, university officials said.

Woman Accused Of Assaulting Special Needs Children, Faces Judge
Adoptive mother is charged with four counts of aggravated assault, and kidnapping

Blitz, Doggedly Determined Investigator For Austin Police Department, Dies Of Cancer: Blitz spent his entire eight-year-plus career alongside partner Darrin Lahr, patrolling the streets together in making them safer.

Woodlands Board Hears Racism Claims From Hispanic Community: Many shared concerns of a shift from inclusiveness to instances of bullying and chants of “build that wall.”

The Secret Life Of Bees: Texas Researchers Find Gut Bacteria Passed On Through Millennia: Five bacteria species passed on throughout the course of 80 million years are key part of social bees' biology, scientists conclude.

Movies Out This Weekend: ‘Ghost in the Shell,’ ‘The Boss Baby’ And ‘The Zookeeper’s Wife'
Get the verdict on "Ghost in the Shell," "The Boss Baby" and "The Zookeeper's Wife." Plus, watch Patch's movie trailer mash-up.

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