SUMMARY: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced 25 priority bills for Texas’ 89th Legislative Session, focusing on education, water supply, bail reform, and traditional values in schools. Key proposals include Senate Bill 1, the 2026-2027 budget, and Senate Bill 2, which seeks to establish education savings accounts with $1 billion in funding. Other priorities include requiring local law enforcement to assist in federal deportation, increasing water supply investments, and various public education initiatives addressing religious expressions, parental rights, and restricting certain books. Additional bills target issues like banning THC, supporting dementia research, and promoting Texas as America’s Film Capital. Governor Abbott will outline his legislative priorities in an upcoming address.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. government advises against traveling to certain Texas-Mexico border areas due to security risks from recent gun battles and IED discoveries. Texas’s state of Talis is notably under a “do not travel” warning by the State Department. President Trump issued an executive order to restrict gender transition procedures for minors, asserting the need to protect children. A federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze on federal grants linked to this action. In Florida, a principal and teacher were arrested for hosting underage alcohol parties. Meanwhile, reading scores for students have declined post-pandemic, and Boom’s XB-1 aircraft successfully broke the sound barrier. Additionally, the Louvre will require separate tickets for the Mona Lisa amidst renovations.

The 9@9 features some of the biggest stories making headlines at home, around the country and across the globe. Here’s what’s trending.

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SUMMARY: The Texas school choice Voucher Program is gaining momentum, with the Education Committee voting 9-2 to advance the bill. Supported by many lawmakers, the proposal would enable families to use taxpayer dollars for private education through education savings accounts providing at least $10,000 per student. Advocates argue this could enhance access to diverse educational options, while opponents claim it could undermine public schools by diverting funds to private institutions. Bill author Senator Brandon Kreit, emphasizing strong anti-fraud measures, faces pushback despite support from Governor Greg Abbott, who may prioritize the bill in his upcoming State of the State address.

This morning the controversial school choice or voucher program may be one step closer to becoming a reality across the state of …

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