SUMMARY: Many domestic violence victims hesitate to leave their abusive relationships due to concerns for their pets. The Battered Women’s and Children’s Center has addressed this issue by establishing a dog kennel, allowing survivors to bring their pets during their stay. As part of Courtney Friedman’s series on domestic violence, she highlights how pets can sway survivors’ decisions to leave dangerous situations, especially when abusers threaten harm to the animals. The kennel is well-equipped to ensure pet comfort, providing food, water, and essential care. Plans for accommodating cats are also underway, emphasizing the shelter’s commitment to supporting both survivors and their pets.

Many domestic violence victims struggle to leave dangerous relationships, often because they don’t want to leave a pet behind — a reason several people don’t think of.

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SUMMARY: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has reintroduced a bill to designate Houthi rebels as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), a label removed by the Biden administration in 2021. Cruz criticized this decision, claiming it enabled Houthi attacks on civilians, Israel, and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He argues that re-designation would impose stricter sanctions on Houthi suppliers. The Houthis, who overthrew the Yemeni government in 2014, continue to threaten regional stability and have received support from Iran. The bill, co-sponsored by several Republican senators, aims to restore sanctions to counter rising terrorist threats linked to the Houthis under Biden’s policies.

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SUMMARY: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced a projected $24 billion surplus, surpassing previous estimates. The state expects $194.6 billion in revenue for general-purpose spending in the 2026-2027 biennium, up from earlier forecasts. Despite economic challenges, Texas’ economy has outperformed the national average. Hegar stressed the importance of thoughtful spending decisions, highlighting the ongoing struggles with high living costs. Oil and gas revenues are significant, but no reserves are expected for the Rainy Day Fund due to its record-high balance. Sales taxes remain the state’s largest revenue source, projected to reach $94.2 billion in 2026-2027. Hegar cautioned about potential economic disruptions.

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