SUMMARY: Bear County voters might soon consider approving the use and potential increase of an existing tax to fund a new NBA arena for the Spurs at Hemisphere, with discussions scheduled for the County Commissioner’s Court. The Spurs aim for a referendum in the May 2025 election. The venue tax combines a 5% tax on short-term car rentals and a 1.75% hotel tax, initially approved by voters in 1999 for the Spurs’ current arena. State law permits increasing the hotel tax portion to 2%. Details of the discussions remain confidential, but town halls are planned to address the Spurs’ potential relocation from the Frost Bank Center.

Bexar County voters could be asked to approve using, and possibly raising, an existing tax to build a downtown arena for the San Antonio Spurs.

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SUMMARY: The Texans secured a Week 18 win against Tennessee, solidifying their position as the AFC South champions and the 4th seed for the playoffs. This victory marked the end of the regular season, setting the stage for a challenging matchup against the Chargers. Despite most starting players limited to the first series, Houston’s offense scored a touchdown, showcasing effective execution. Facing the Chargers, known for their solid defense and top quarterback Justin Herbert, the Texans aim to continue their success. A win could mark back-to-back playoff victories for Houston, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2011-2012.

KHOU 11’s Zack Tawatari has what to expect in the matchup between the #4-seeded Texans and the #5-seeded Chargers.

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SUMMARY: Texas law enforcement continues to apprehend members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, amidst a surge of over one million illegal Venezuelan entries under the Biden administration. Recent arrests involved four suspected TdA members, identified through social media checks during an Operation Lone Star operation on Dec. 31. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has condemned the gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization, and launched initiatives to combat it. Beyond gangs, violent crimes by Venezuelan nationals persist, including a recent attempted murder case in Fort Bend County. Texas has arrested over 3,000 illegal Venezuelan border crossers since 2021.

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