The First Draft - There is only one thing state lawmakers are required to do in their regular session: pass a budget. Now, we're getting a closer look at what battles could be brewing when it comes to this year's budget. The first drafts released this week from the House and Senate have significant similarities, but also some key differences in how to handle the state's record surplus.
The First Draft - There is only one thing state lawmakers are required to do in their regular session: pass a budget. Now, we're getting a closer look at what battles could be brewing when it comes to this year's budget. The first drafts released this week from the House and Senate have significant similarities, but also some key differences in how to handle the state's record surplus.
A recent expedition to Patagonia by researchers from the University of Texas may give us a better understanding of the last days of the dinosaurs. Fossils, including those of a Megaraptor, were found in the dig. The species existed between 66 to 75 million years ago in the Late-Cretaceous period, shortly before the species was killed off.
Cedar Park police have already reported three guns stolen from cars this past January. Officials are warning people to take certain actions to prevent this crime from happening.
City departments, partner agencies and community organizations are launching a series of information centers and multi-agency resource centers to help the community recover from the recent winter weather storm, according to a news release from the City of Austin. Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/local/city-partners-launch-series-of-resource-centers-to-help-people-recover-from-recent-winter-storm/
Senate Bill 737 would create the Texas School Patrol with 10,000 officers — enough to add an additional officer to every public school in Texas. Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/political-news/bill-in-response-to-uvalde-would-add-extra-officer-to-every-texas-school/
‘Multi-month ordeal’: Austin Resource Recovery has 13K+ debris requests
While Central Texas is still dealing with the aftermath of last week's ice storm, state lawmakers are still addressing different problems revealed two years ago, after a severe winter storm in February 2021 led to the state power grid's near-collapse.
While Austin Energy continues restoring power to customers across Austin there are some who will have to pay for the repairs themselves.
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/almost-20000-some-austin-energy-customers-to-pay-out-of-pocket-for-repairs/
Austin nonprofit We Are Blood is encouraging blood donations this month with a sweet reward for donors: a free box of Girl Scout cookies. Read more https://www.kxan.com/news/local/we-are-blood-giving-free-girl-scout-cookies-to-blood-donors/
Last week's ice storm left behind lots of broken trees and branches, the city of Cedar Park is asking the public to stay clear of its parks for visitor safety and to help crews work more quickly.
Gov. Abbott already banned the app on state-issued devices and at public universities in December. This plan does not appear to significantly expand the ban already in place and only applies to state employees, contractors, and "devices used to conduct state business." Read more: https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/gov-abbott-moves-toward-statewide-ban-of-tiktok
Austin police arrested a Texas state senator overnight on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Republican from Georgetown, represents Williamson County. Read more here: https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/austin-police-arrest-texas-senator-on-dwi-charge-records-show/
