By KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – A federal program that automatically checks the immigration status of arrested people has gone statewide in Texas.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Wednesday that the fingerprint sharing program Secure Communities has been activated in all 254 counties in Texas as of this week.
Many local jail bookings have used the program for years.
ICE says the program has led to more than 41,000 deportations of illegal immigrants nationwide. Critics say the program makes people fearful of reporting crimes and does not protect against racial profiling.
The Obama administration wants Secure Communities operating nationwide by 2013.
OK to 20-year DART plan with DFW airport service
Dallas Area Rapid Transit board members have approved a 20-year financial plan that includes rail service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport by 2014.
The Dallas Morning News reports the action Tuesday night delays, by one year, a proposal for completion of the Orange Line from Irving to the airport.
DART, which is the state's largest municipal rail system, in June cited the economy in announcing an indefinite delay of rail service to DFW airport.
Board members, who Tuesday also approved a 2011 budget of $1.26 billion, say the long-term plan depends on economic recovery and new sources of revenue, such as charging for parking at DART stations.
Next year's budget means nearly 150 job cuts, plus fewer trips by DART and Trinity Railway Express trains.
UT shooter described as intelligent, unemotional
People who knew the University of Texas student who opened fire on campus -- hurting nobody -- then killing himself describe the 19-year-old student as a smart, courteous guy.
Classes resume today at the Austin campus.
A motive is sought for yesterday's gunfire by sophomore math major Colton Tooley of Austin.
The Associated Press reports Tooley was known to be book smart and won raves from his high school teachers. He also was known as someone who kept his emotions in check.
A man who emerged from Tooley's family home late Tuesday identified himself only as "Marcus" -- a relative. Marcus read a statement saying that Tooley's parents were distraught and: "They've lost their child."
Marcus says Tooley was "a very smart guy, very intelligent, excellent student" who "wouldn't or couldn't hurt a fly."
The gunman's threatening demeanor on campus was far from what Tooley's teachers at Crockett High School in Austin recalled of the boy who graduated in 2009, ranked seventh in his class.
Bush Institute launches initiative for principals
The George W. Bush Institute is focusing on improving the performance of school principals.
Former first lady Laura Bush announced Wednesday in Dallas the institute's formation of the Alliance to Reform Education Leadership. It will consist of school districts, universities and foundations offering educational programs to current and future school leaders.
The Bush Institute hopes to certify at least half of the nation's public school principals by 2020.
James W. Guthrie, a senior fellow and director of education policy studies at the institute, says he wants those who participate to be better trained on how to manage schools.
The institute is part of Bush's presidential center, which will be located on the SMU campus in Dallas.