Appeals court says Texas State Fair can ban guns

Attorney General Ken Paxton asked for a Tuesday ruling to give the Texas Supreme Court time to weigh in, if needed. By Juan Salinas II Children enjoy a ride at the State Fair of Texas on Oct. 20, 2016 in Dallas. Credit: Allison V. Smith for The Texas Tribune A newly created state appeals court denied Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton request to temporarily block the State Fair of Texas’ policy banning all firearms from its fairgrounds as the event is set to start Friday. The ruling comes after a Dallas County District Court struck down a similar request from Paxton on the new policy. The District Court Judge agreed with State Fair officials that they could enforce a gun ban as a private nonprofit. Paxton says the fair’s gun ban violates state law, which bars most government bodies from prohibiting weapons. State Fair officials say it has the right as a private nonprofit, and the city of Dallas says it has no role in the fair’s gun policy. Paxton said on social media Tuesday evening that he will next ask the Texas Supreme Court to overturn the ban. The State Fair begins Friday. Here’s what you need to know....