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Roundup: Dallas Commissioners Take Delayed Vote To Cut Constable Jobs

By KERA News & Wire Services

Dallas, TX – Dallas County Commissioners have voted to eliminate more than 30 Constable jobs as a budget-cutting measure. That vote was put on hold last month by a federal judge.

Several Constables went to court claiming the job cuts were retaliation for blowing the whistle on alleged corruption involving cars that had been towed, and KwaanzaFest, a non-profit event hosted annually by Commissioner John Wiley Price.

Last week, the federal judge lifted his order that barred the vote.

County Judge Clay Jenkins says he's not worried about another court challenge.

Jenkins: I'm confident that what we're doing is legal and appropriate. Look, the last thing I want to do is abridge anybody's First Amendment rights or hurt a whistleblower.

Constable Roy Williams, a whistleblower lawsuit participant, says those involved will confer with their attorney about the next legal step.

Rangers Win Division Title!

The Texas Rangers will play for the American League pennant again this year!

Adrian Beltre exploded for three homers to lead the Rangers to a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays - winning Game Four and the American League division title.

The Rangers will play for the American League Championship against the winner of the Detroit Tigers-New York Yankees match up.

Tyler Students Injured In Bus Crash

Most of the 18 Tyler middle school students involved in a bus crash yesterday had whiplash and ankle injuries.

State Troopers say the bus they were riding in was hit by a station wagon that crossed into the middle of the road. It was drive by a Dallas man. Investigators say he was going too fast, crested a hill, and drifted to the middle of the road where he collided with the bus carrying 26 students home following an afterschool program.

The injured students were treated and released. No word on any charges against the drive of the station wagon.

DFW Airport In The Express Passenger Screening Program

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is one of four airports to test a new "express" screening system.

The Transportation Security Agency is launching a pilot program to speed up security screening for select travelers. Passengers who volunteer more information about themselves before a flight will get expedited screening.

The TSA says the program has the potential to improve the traveler's experience while allowing the TXA to focus on higher-risk and unknown passengers.

Farmers Branch Takes Anti-Immigrant Ordinance To Appeals Court

Farmers Branch is asking that the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals overturn a judge's ruling that the city's restrictions on renting homes to illegal immigrants is unconstitutional.

A three judge panel heard arguments Tuesday, but did not immediately rule.

Attorneys for the city say denying illegal immigrants access to rental housing is not fundamentally different than denying them employment or public benefits.

Dallas federal judge Jane Boyle ruled the Farmers Branch ordinance is preempted by federal immigration law.