Austin, TX
Watch live: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott delivers the 2025 State of the State address
AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will deliver his 2025 State of the State address on Sunday, Feb. 2. Abbott is expected to discuss his main priorities for the 89th session of the Texas Legislature, which is underway until June 2.
One of Abbott’s biggest priorities is funding his school choice program, which would provide public tax dollars to most families to send their children to private schools.
The issue has been important to most state Republicans for the past few Legislatures, but it has not passed the House of Representatives. Until now, Republicans from rural areas have joined with Democrats in opposition. They argue that vouchers will mainly benefit wealthier families in bigger cities that have more access to private schools while cutting funds available to public schools.
In the 2024 election cycle, Abbott led successful primary challenges against many of the GOP legislators who have opposed his school choice plan in the past. Abbott has said he believes there are now enough Republican votes to pass his plan, but it has not yet faced a vote.
Budget proposals from both the House and Senate include money for the voucher plan. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the Senate will pass its version in the coming days.
Abbott is also expected to discuss property tax relief and border security.
“This 89th Legislative Session brings new opportunities for the Texas Legislature and statewide leaders to strengthen our national and global position as the beacon of economic opportunity, prosperity, and individual liberty. From becoming the eighth-largest economy in the world to safeguarding the freedoms that make Texas great, we are working tirelessly to accomplish what seems impossible. Working together, we will continue to build a stronger Texas for generations,” Abbott said in a statement.
How to watch the State of the State address
- What: Gov. Greg Abbott delivers the 2025 State of the State address
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 2
- Time: 5 p.m.
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Online stream: Live on the CBS News Texas YouTube channel in the player above and on your mobile or streaming device.
Note: Streaming plans are subject to change
Austin, TX
Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps
As the Austin area prepares to plunge into freezing temperatures Sunday night, the city is initiating its Cold Weather Shelters protocol.
Those wanting to use the emergency shelters, which open when overnight temperatures reach 35 degrees or lower, must register between 6-8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC) on Barton Springs Road, according to a release from the city. Those interested and in need of transport can reach the OTC via bus lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105 and 801. Anyone who can’t pay bus fare but needs shelter will still be allowed to ride, a Facebook post from the city said.
Following registration, CapMetro shuttles will take guests from the OTC to a cold weather shelter. The addresses for these shelters are kept confidential due to “safety, privacy and capacity concerns,” according to the Austin American-Statesman.
The Statesman also reported that shelters provide meals and allow leashed, friendly pets.
All parks and libraries are meanwhile serving as warming centers during regular operating hours, except for Austin Public Library’s Old Quarry Branch and Willie Mae Kirk Branch.
Austin, TX
Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin
AUSTIN, Texas — A Downtown Austin building was cleared after a bomb threat was made Saturday night.
Police say that the call came in at 9:38 p.m., after which officers arrived to the scene and cleared a nearby building at 311 E 6th St.
ALSO: H-E-B delights Austin airport travelers with surprise gift vending machine pop-up
The threat was found to not be credible, and no one was injured.
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Police say no one is in custody and they will be clearing the scene shortly.
Austin, TX
The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson held a press conference Friday to discuss a new deal with Southwest Airlines and its expected impact on the city.
The deal, approved Thursday by the Austin City Council, awards Southwest $2,750 for each new Austin-based hire over the next five years. In exchange, the airline plans to add 2,000 high-paying jobs with an average salary of $180,000 and invest in local workforce initiatives, including the city’s new Austin Infrastructure Academy.
Officials say the deal will strengthen Southwest’s presence at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where the carrier already handles more than 40 percent of all passenger traffic.
The partnership is expected to bring in nearly $20 million in local tax revenue, and the incentive program will last for five years and pay Southwest up to $5.5 million.
Mayor Watson said the agreement will not only create new jobs in Austin but will improve the overall experience at AUS.
“We’re building lives and careers at the same time we’re building tarmacs and terminals,” Watson said. “Southwest is choosing Austin because our people, our workforce, and our future make us a smart investment. This deal creates thousands of good-paying jobs, improves the passenger experience, and ensures the benefits flow directly to Austin workers, families, and tourists. This agreement is proof that Austin means business and cares about the success of its people.”
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Read the full story at KVUE.com.
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