SUMMARY: Governor Greg Abbott announced over $500 million in grants for public safety programs in Texas. Key priorities include border security, police safety gear, and support for crime victims. The largest funding segment, nearly $195 million, assists crime victims and addresses violence against women. The Operation Lone Star border initiative received $55.7 million to enhance security operations, which has cost Texas $11 billion since 2021. Additional funding includes $56.5 million for homeland security and grants for police equipment, such as body-worn cameras and bullet-resistant gear. These efforts aim to improve safety and security across Texas.

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SUMMARY: Lawmakers in Washington are racing to pass a new funding bill to prevent a government shutdown after a last-minute measure collapsed yesterday. The bill, opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and his allies, failed to gain support. Trump called for a clean bill without what he labeled “Democrat giveaways.” House Republicans later declared the bill dead. Democrats criticized the outcome, warning that it reflects poorly on the new Congress and administration. The White House warned a shutdown would hurt Americans who rely on services like Social Security and urged Republicans to honor their commitments.

This comes after a last-minute spending bill collapsed on Wednesday.

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SUMMARY: A monkey in a diaper was spotted roaming a Southside San Antonio neighborhood after escaping its owner. Animal Care Services (ACS) captured the monkey, which raised concerns among residents about both public safety and the animal’s well-being. Neighbors expressed sadness over the situation, noting it is illegal to own such animals in the area and worrying about the monkey’s living conditions. The owners, who are from outside San Antonio, received five citations, and a municipal court will determine fines. The incident highlights community uncertainty in handling wild animals in urban settings.

Instead of reindeer up on the housetops in a neighborhood on the far South Side of San Antonio, a monkey caused a commotion.

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