By BJ Austin, KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – The Sunset Advisory Commission has recommended that the once-troubled state youth prison system remain open at least six more years. The Austin American-Statesman reported that the commission, which reviews state agencies, said in a report issued Friday that the Texas Youth Commission should continue to operate for six more years instead of the usual 12.
Reformers who are pushing to merge the TYC with other agencies said they will still attempt to zero out its budget.
In recent months, critics of the agency have called for it to be downsized significantly or merged with correctional duties turned over to other agencies or managed by a new division of a new agency combined with the juvenile probation commission.
Southwest attendants approve deal for bigger jets
Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines have approved contract changes that would clear the way for the Dallas-based carrier to buy bigger jets.
The changes include a one-year extension of the attendants' union contract with Southwest through May 2013, and provide raises of at least 2 percent based on the airline's 2010 profit.
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft would require an additional flight attendant on Southwest flights. For Southwest, which carries more U.S. passengers than any airline, the new plane would mean more revenue from additional seats.
Also, Southwest yesterday declared a quarterly dividend of 0.45 cent per share, payable Jan. 6 to shareholders of record Dec. 9. It's the carrier's 137th straight dividend.
Dallas D-A Investigators Shut Down "ID Stores"
Four men are under arrest for making fake ID's and selling them at Dallas County flea markets and bazaars.
Yesterday, Dallas County District Attorney investigators -- part a federal Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force -- busted four foreign nationals for making and selling fake Texas driver's licenses and social security cards.
The four ran what District Attorney Craig Watkins calls "ID stores" at two bazaars in Garland and two in Dallas. If convicted, each could get up to 20 years in prison.