Austin, TX

What to expect as the 89th Texas legislative session gets underway

Published

11 months ago

January 13, 2025

What to expect as the 89th Texas legislative session gets underway

AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) -The 89th Texas legislative session kicks off Tuesday, with lawmakers set to address major issues ranging from school vouchers and immigration to water policy and sports gambling. With a Republican-dominated legislature and more than 2,300 pre-filed bills, experts predict a high-stakes 140 days.

Legislative makeup and new members

Republicans maintain control of both chambers, holding 20 of 31 seats in the Senate and 88 of 150 seats in the House. Democrats control 11 Senate seats and 62 House seats. The Senate gained one additional Republican member since the last session, and three senators are serving their first term.

The House welcomes 32 new representatives, including Brazos Valley’s District 14′s Paul Dyson, and District 12′s Trey Wharton, while also flipping two seats in November’s elections.

“This session could bring significant changes,” said Kirby Goidel, a political science professor at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service. “What the state legislature does in Texas is probably even more important to you than what happens in Washington, D.C.”

Key issues on the agenda

Among the most debated topics this session is school vouchers, a priority for Gov. Greg Abbott. Lawmakers have struggled to pass a bill in the last session which included five special sessions, but experts say momentum is growing.

“This should be something that would be easy for them to get done,” Goidel said. “The challenge is really in the details. Should vouchers be everywhere? If they are everywhere, do they hurt rural school districts without as many private school choices?”

Bryan-College Station districts weigh in on state election results, school voucher legislation

Another focal point will be immigration. Republican lawmakers are considering creating a state agency to handle border security and immigration policies independently of federal initiatives.

“There’s a feeling, I think, on the Republican side that now that you have a Republican in the White House, maybe that maybe there’s a dividend that we that we get back because we don’t have to spend as much time as an energy on immigration,” Goidel said. “Republicans also feel like they owe their voters to show that they are addressing the immigration issue.”

Focus at Four: Sports betting to break $35 billion this football season

Sports gambling is also likely to spark debate, with advocates pushing for legalization to recapture millions of dollars currently spent in other states.

“We know people in Texas are gambling on sports,” Goidel said. “There is going to be a big push to try to make that legal.”

Infrastructure and budget surplus

Water export from the Brazos Valley is expected to be a significant issue as lawmakers address statewide water policy during the 89th legislative session. With the region sitting atop critical water resources, local leaders and residents have voiced concerns about plans to transport water to urban areas outside the Brazos Valley. These exports could strain local supplies and impact long-term sustainability for agriculture and growing communities within the region.

“This is gonna be a session that’s going to have to deal with some of the water resources confronting the state,” Goidel said.

Bryan City Council greenlights PR contract for ‘Keep Water Local’ initiative & Texas A&M and local well owners clash over groundwater rights, public hearing set

Lawmakers will also contend with a budget surplus, with a key update from the state’s revenue estimating commission expected Monday. The surplus could influence property tax relief and other funding priorities.

“Many people are expecting [the surplus] to be very big—we may all get some property tax relief,” Goidel said.

A busy session ahead

The pre-filing of more than 2,300 bills—over 1,600 in the House and 700 in the Senate—gives a glimpse of the legislative priorities. Topics such as public education funding, social issues, and infrastructure are expected to emerge alongside the core debates.

Incoming state Rep. Paul Dyson weighs in on speaker race splitting House Republicans

The speaker’s race has revealed divisions within the Republican Party, with lawmakers split between the establishment faction and the MAGA-aligned wing, a dynamic that could influence the tone and priorities of the 89th session.

“We walk into the Texas legislative session this year not really sure who the speaker is going to be because there is a division within the Republican Party—between what I don’t really like these terms, but I’ll use them anyway—sort of between the establishment side of the Republican Party and the MAGA side,” Goidel said. “That’s got to be resolved before anything gets done, and how that gets resolved could affect everything else that follows.”

Looking ahead

With a packed agenda and a Republican-controlled legislature, experts say this session will shape Texas’ future on multiple fronts. The session, which runs for 140 days, begins Tuesday. Lawmakers are required to pass a budget before the term concludes, but political observers will also watch closely to see how key debates unfold.

KBTX News 3 will have a team in Austin on Tuesday, bringing you the sights and sounds from opening day.

CONTINUING 89TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION COVERAGE

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Austin, TX

Best Indian Food In Round Rock, TX (Local Favorites)

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2025

Press Room

Best Indian Food In Round Rock, TX (Local Favorites)

Last Updated On – 21st December, 2025

Jump To: Best Indian | Buffet & Casual | Hidden Gems

Round Rock has quietly become one of Central Texas’ best places to find authentic Indian food. From comforting North Indian curries to crave-worthy South Indian dosas and vegetarian specialties, the city offers far more than just a handful of options.

Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly buffet, bold South Indian spice, or a dependable spot for butter chicken and naan, these Round Rock-area Indian restaurants are verified to be operating in 2025.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Also, check out our articles on the Best Sports Bars in Round Rock, Healthy Food in Round Rock, and Cheap Restaurants in Round Rock.

Best Indian Restaurants in Round Rock

Rock N Grill Indian Cuisine

Image Credit: Rock N Grill – Indian Cuisine and Bar – Collage FB Page

A crowd-pleasing local favorite known for bold curries, smoky tandoori dishes, and generous portions that keep Round Rock diners coming back.

Where: 300 Hesters Crossing Rd, Round Rock, TX 78681
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Tarka Indian Kitchen – Round Rock

A modern, fast-casual spot perfect for reliable Indian classics, quick lunches, and stress-free dinners with consistent flavor.

Where: 201 University Oaks Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine

The go-to destination for fiery South Indian flavors and Chettinad specialties you won’t find on most Indian menus.

Where: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N, Round Rock, TX 78681
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Indian Buffets & Casual Dining

Star of India – Round Rock

Indian Food Round Rock - Star of India Restaurant

Image Credit: starofindiatx.com

A dependable choice for familiar Indian favorites, especially when you want an easy, no-surprises meal.

Where: 110 N Interstate 35, Round Rock, TX 78681
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Curry Kitchen Round Rock

A relaxed neighborhood restaurant serving comforting Indian classics perfect for family dinners.

Where: 1700 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78664
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Teji’s Indian Restaurant (Cedar Park)

A longtime local staple offering classic North Indian comfort dishes in a welcoming, casual setting.

Where: 202 Walton Way, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

India Gate Restaurant

Image Credit: indiagateaustin.com

A casual Indian restaurant popular for its lunch buffet and approachable menu featuring familiar crowd favorites.

Where: 12636 Research Blvd Ste A110, Austin, TX 78759
Operating Hours: Sunday 7:30 am – 9:30 pm | Monday – Thursday 10 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday 7:30 am – 10 pm

Asiana Indian Cuisine

A well-rounded Indian restaurant with both North and South Indian options when Round Rock spots are busy.

Where: 801 E William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites – In and Out of Round Rock

Biryani Pot

Image Credit: biryanipotaustin.com

A must-visit for biryani lovers, known for aromatic rice dishes and bold, spice-forward flavors.

Where: 201 University Oaks Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Godavari — Local Favorite

A destination-worthy spot for authentic Telugu and South Indian regional dishes rarely found elsewhere.

Where: 12100 N FM 620, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Bawarchi Indian Cuisine

A popular choice for big menus and flavorful biryanis that satisfy a wide range of Indian food cravings.

Where: 12407 N MoPac Expy, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Planning on your next adventure after eating Chicken Biryani? Browse our events guide for festivals, markets, and more treats near you.

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.

Austin, TX

Texas Eats: Spicy ramen bowls in Austin, wok-fired fusion in SA and Houston Barbecue

Published

13 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Texas Eats: Spicy ramen bowls in Austin, wok-fired fusion in SA and Houston Barbecue

You can watch “Texas Eats” on Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KSAT 12, KSAT.com, and KSAT Plus, our free streaming app.

This week on Texas Eats:

Spicy ramen bowls at Ramen Tatsu-Ya in Austin (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Ramen Tatsu-Ya

1600 E 6th St., Austin, Texas 78702

Ramen Tatsu-ya is an Austin staple known for serious Japanese ramen, crafted by chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto. Their broths are slow-cooked, complex, and authentic, and their noodle bowls are rich, comforting, and widely praised by locals and critics alike.

David Elder grills with Levi Goode at Otto’s Ice House (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Otto’s Ice House

111 Newell Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212

Otto’s Ice House, located in the Pearl District, mixes the chill vibes of a Texas ice house with upscale touches. From street tacos and bratwurst to creative cocktails and live music, it’s a place to kick back with friends outdoors or by the river. The menu is casual but well-executed, and the owner Levi Goode brings in a reputation for quality and storytelling.

Shrimp and lemon risotto at Texas Bistro in New Braunfels (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Texas Bistro

1932 S Seguin Avenue #209, New Braunfels, Texas 78130

Texas Bistro is a New American restaurant in New Braunfels that focuses on fresh, thoughtfully prepared dishes in a relaxed but refined environment. It draws praise as one of the area’s standout places for dinner.

David Elder rips apart the brisket and eats a pork rib at Houston’s Goode BBQ. (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Goode Co. BBQ

5109 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77098

Goode Co. Barbeque is a long-standing Houston institution (since 1977) specializing in Texas-style barbecue slow-smoked over mesquite wood. They serve tender brisket, ribs, sausage, and classic sides, often paired with their signature pecan pie. The vibe is down-home, rustic, and welcoming — a place built around tradition, smoked meats, and a sense of genuine Texas BBQ hospitality.

David Elder trys the jerk chicken at Canje in Austin (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Canje

1914 E 6th St. Ste C, Austin, Texas 78702

Canje is a vibrant Caribbean-inspired restaurant founded by Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Located in East Austin, it blends Caribbean and Guyanese traditions with modern techniques, emphasizing fresh, regionally-sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with bold flavors and inventive dishes that reflect the broader diaspora of island cuisines.

David Elder explores the menu at Best Quality Daughter in San Antonio. (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

Best Quality Daughter

602 Avenue A, San Antonio, Texas 78215

Best Quality Daughter is an Asian-American restaurant in the Pearl, founded by Chef Jennifer Dobbertin. It showcases flavors from her heritage and her travels, offering dishes that blend comfort with creativity in a welcoming space. It’s earned acclaim locally and has become a key part of San Antonio’s emerging food scene.

Seafood tower at McAdoo’s in New Braunfels (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

McAdoo’s Seafood

196 N Castell Ave., New Braunfels, Texas 78130

McAdoo’s is an upscale seafood restaurant in downtown New Braunfels housed in the old post office building. They offer a mix of fresh seafood, authentic Cajun-Creole dishes, and Texas Creole favorites. The setting includes a courtyard and intimate bar, and the menu combines fine dining touches with hearty, flavor-forward preparations.

Loaded Molcajete at La Tequila in San Antonio (Copyright KSAT 12 2025)

La Tequila Mexican Restauarnt

90 Crossroads Blvd., Balcones Heights, Texas 78201

La Tequila Jalisco offers auténtica comida mexicana in Balcones Heights with a menu full of Jalisco-style dishes like enchiladas, fried shrimp, and classic tacos. Its warm, family-friendly setting makes it a go-to for locals craving hearty, approachable Mexican food.

Follow Texas Eats and David Elder on Facebook and Instagram for more food info, pictures, videos and giveaways.

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Austin, TX

Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case are unsealed

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Press Room

Records in Texas AG Ken Paxton’s divorce case are unsealed

AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) — The records in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s divorce case have been unsealed.

Judge Robert Brotherton, who is presiding over the case, signed an order Friday morning allowing the records to be made public. The decision came after Paxton and his wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, announced that they had come to an agreement late Thursday to unseal the documents.

Tyler Bexley, an attorney for a group of media organizations fighting for the records to be released, celebrated the decision as a win for transparency.

“We’re certainly pleased with the result,” Bexley said after the hearing.

The move was an abrupt about-face for the couple, who had fought to keep the records secret. It’s unclear exactly what brought on the change.

The records were released before noon. They show the Paxtons have entered mediation, and their blind trust had doled out $20,000 to each of them to pay for their attorneys. The documents also show that earlier this month, Angela Paxton asked her husband to produce records pertinent to the case. They also show multiple judges recused themselves from the case before it was given to Brotherton, a visiting judge based in Wichita Falls.

The Texas Newsroom previously published copies of several records — including Paxton’s general denial of his wife’s divorce petition — before they were sealed.

The records did not shed more light on the couple’s financial situation, division of assets or the alleged affair that led to the divorce — but additional filings will be made as the case continues. Bexley said the media organizations agreed to redactions only of personal information like Social Security numbers and home addresses.

State Sen. Angela Paxton filed for divorce in July alleging adultery. Soon after, she asked for the court record to be sealed. A previous judge handling the case agreed and put all of the records under seal. Ken Paxton initially supported the decision, filing a court document that accused the press of attempting to unfairly invade his personal life.

Eight media organizations and a nonpartisan nonprofit opposed the sealing. The media group argued Paxton’s divorce records should be public because he is an elected official running for office who has faced repeated allegations of corruption. The attorney general’s finances, which are a subject of the divorce case, have been central to the misconduct allegations against him. While he has been charged with multiple crimes during his decade in statewide office, Paxton has never been convicted.

Paxton is now challenging John Cornyn in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

Laura Roach, one of Ken Paxton’s lawyers, said after the Friday hearing that the attorney general had always wanted the record to be unsealed.

“Mr. Paxton has always wanted us to actually unseal it,” she said. “Attorneys get on a path and we think that that’s the right way to go and we were finally able to get everybody on the same page.”

When asked why he initially opposed it so strongly, she added, “that’s just legal stuff. … His attorneys said that.”

Angela Paxton had asked the records be sealed because doing so would “not have an adverse affect on the public health or safety.” Her representatives declined to respond on Friday.

Michael Clauw, the communications director for the nonprofit Campaign for Accountability that also sought the release of the records, said he does not believe Ken Paxton actually wanted them to be made public.

“It’s ridiculous to believe that Ken Paxton ‘always wanted’ his divorce record to be unsealed,” he said. “Only when it became apparent he likely would lose in court did he change his tune.”

Roach said she expects the case to be resolved amicably soon. Neither Ken Paxton nor Angela Paxton appeared at the court.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at www.texastribune.org. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans – and engages with them – about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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