SUMMARY: Texas lawmakers will begin their 89th legislative session on January 14, with over 2,400 bills filed, setting a new state record. Key priorities include education reform, healthcare, immigration, housing, and LGBTQ+ issues. Notable proposals include education savings accounts, bills on border security, and housing affordability measures. Controversial topics like transgender rights and diversity bans in education are also on the agenda. The state’s budget, HB 1, is mandatory for passage, and other proposed laws range from AI regulation to the legalization of sports betting. Despite a busy agenda, a House speaker conflict may slow initial progress.

Read the full article

The post What KXAN is watching during the 89th Legislative Session appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: A Houston woman’s emotional support dog, Isabella, has been missing for 10 days after a man stole her car on New Year’s Eve. The dog was inside the car, which was left running while the owner, Chelsea Vogler, went into a convenience store. A private investigator hired by the family has made progress, discovering surveillance footage showing the suspect. Flyers are being distributed, and the family is offering a $11,000 reward for information. Houston Police are involved, and the investigator continues to track leads. Vogler is desperate for the safe return of her dog.

9-year-old Isabella was in Chelsea Vogler’s car when a man jumped inside it and drove off on New Year’s night. Vogler was hurt when she tried to stop him.

Source

SUMMARY: The Southstone subdivision in south Austin is struggling with unfinished luxury homes, featuring broken windows, tattered roofs, and graffiti-covered exteriors. Tall weeds choke the driveways, while neighbors express safety concerns due to vandalism and the abandoned state of the area. Construction began years ago but halted abruptly, leading to over 16 complaints to the City of Austin about issues like illegal dumping and unsafe structures. The city’s Development Services Department has been conducting regular inspections and working with the property owner to address these concerns, including clean-ups and surveillance to monitor illegal activities.

Read the full article

The post Unfinished homes vandalized and abandoned in south Austin appeared first on www.kxan.com