In a bold move aimed at further easing the burden on Texas homeowners, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has charged state senators with exploring the feasibility of completely eradicating property taxes. This directive follows the approval of $18 billion in property tax cuts by Texas lawmakers eight months ago, highlighting Patrick’s commitment to ongoing tax reform efforts.
With an eye on the upcoming legislative session in January, Patrick, who holds considerable influence over the Senate’s agenda, has outlined a comprehensive 57-item agenda for senators to address. Among the key priorities are housing affordability, healthcare accessibility, and increased oversight on Delta 8 and 9 hemp products.
According to Patrick, the Senate aims to hit the ground running in January 2025, with a focus on advancing the conservative agenda favored by the majority of Texans. This includes initiatives such as school choice, sustained property tax relief, and bolstering the state’s power grid resilience.
Key Points to Note
Patrick has tasked the Senate Finance Committee with evaluating strategies to further reduce property taxes, including exploring the potential costs associated with eliminating school maintenance and operations taxes, all school district property taxes, or all property taxes altogether.
Unlike many states, Texas does not levy property taxes directly; instead, homeowners are taxed by various local entities such as cities, counties, hospital districts, and school districts.
The lieutenant governor has urged senators to carefully consider the financial implications of such tax cuts, including identifying alternative revenue sources and assessing potential impacts on state emergency response capabilities.
Patrick has also instructed the Local Government Committee to explore avenues for increasing voter involvement in setting tax rates and to examine the dissolution of certain taxing entities, such as tax increase reinvestment zones.
Reflecting on Past Efforts
Last year’s efforts to reach consensus on property tax relief were marked by extensive debate between the House and Senate. Patrick advocated for increased property tax exemptions, while Gov. Greg Abbott championed reducing school district taxes through additional state funding—a compromise that ultimately prevailed.
Despite optimism from Abbott about the prospect of eliminating school property taxes, Patrick remains skeptical, citing the challenges of financing such a move without substantial increases in sales tax or utilization of existing sales tax revenue.
Looking Ahead
In addition to property tax reform, senators have been tasked with examining various policy areas, including standardized testing in K-12 education, the future of Texas’ electric grid, and the state’s regulatory framework for artificial intelligence.
Committees are expected to deliver reports outlining their findings and policy recommendations by December 1, providing crucial insights for future legislative action.
Firefighters were called Saturday morning to put out a roof fire in a Spring area movie theater.
Spring Fire Department officials said they were on scene responding to a fire on the roof of a Cinemark theater on Kuykendahl Road.
INCIDENT ALERT ONGOING
Sat, April 13 2024 | 9:55 a.m. Cinemark Spring on Kuykendahl
Manager Paul of Cinemark smelled smoke as he was taking out the trash to begin their day. Went on roof to check it out and immediately knew to call the FD. #hounewspic.twitter.com/5FBg3evgnU
WASHINGTON — U.S. officials confirmed Israel’s announcement that Iran’s retaliatory strike has begun, ABC News reported.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps earlier said that it launched extensive missile and drone operations against targets in Israel, according to Tasnim, the Iranian news-agency affiliated with the branch of Iran’s armed forces.
Over 100 drones were fired at Israel by Iran, in addition to more than 100 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran, the Israel Defense Forces said in a press conference Saturday.
The U.S. helped “Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles,” President Joe Biden said in a statement late Saturday evening.
The president also detailed his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the attacks, where Biden said he reaffirmed America’s “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.” He also said that his team would stay in “close touch” with Israel’s leaders.
Biden said his team will engage with the G7 leaders on Sunday to coordinate a “united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.”
He noted that though American forces were not impacted, forces will continue to monitor and “will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people.”
WABC Josh Einiger is reporting in Israel amid Iran’s retaliatory attack.
Before the attack was announced, a FlyDubai flight from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, Israel, turned around as it was over Saudi Arabia, flight-tracking data showed. United Airlines also canceled a Saturday flight from Newark to Tel Aviv and the return flight.
“We are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and attack,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.
The IDF said it has told Israeli residents in the occupied Golan Heights region to stay close to their safe rooms.
“In accordance with the situational assessment, residents of the northern Golan Heights, the area of Nevatim, Dimona, and Eilat are required to stay near protective spaces until further notice,” the IDF said in a statement.
“Upon the activation of sirens, it is required to enter into a protected space. If there is no protected space, it is required to find the most protected area possible. In any case, it is required to wait ten minutes, and no less,” the statement said.
“The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation. The IDF Aerial Defense Array is on high alert, along with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels that are on a defense mission in Israeli airspace. The IDF is monitoring all targets,” the IDF said in a statement.
“We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter,” the statement added.
Israel has been on heightened alert since an airstrike last week killed two Iranian generals in Syria. Iran accused Israel of being behind the attack and vowed revenge. Israel has not commented on that attack.
Iranian state television announced that Tehran had launched an attack toward Israel.
“The evil regime will be punished,” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement on X.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it has launched extensive missile and drone operations against targets in the occupied territories, according to Tasnim, the Iranian news-agency affiliated with the branch of Iran’s armed forces.
An Israeli source also confirmed to ABC News that Iran fired cruise missiles from Iraq as well.
In a post on X, the Iranian Foreign Minister said “necessary warning has been given to America.”
A U.S. official has also confirmed Israel’s announcement that Iran’s retaliatory strike has begun.
A senior U.S. official told ABC News they now think there will be anywhere from 400 to 500 drones and missiles launched at Israel from Iraq, Syria, southern Lebanon and the Houthis but that the bulk will be launched form Iran. The drones are the same kind used in Ukraine.
President Joe Biden will meet with principals of the National Security Council to discuss events in the Middle East Saturday afternoon. The meeting will take place in the White House Situation Room, the White House confirmed.
“Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel. President Biden is being regularly updated on the situation by his national security team,” the White House said in a statement.
“This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours. President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran,” it added.
The U.S. will try to help Israel intercept everything possible — not just those that pass over U.S. ships — despite Iran informing the U.S. that they should stay out of it, a senior U.S. official confirmed to ABC News.
Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations says its attack on Israel was conducted as a “legitimate defense” in response to Israel’s attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
“Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!” Iran’s permanent mission to the U.N. said in a statement.
In the coming hours, the U.S. expects missile launches from Iran and southern Lebanon — and maybe even the Houthis — as well as drones, which take longer to reach target. The Iranians are trying to overwhelm the Israeli air defenses with drones and missiles coming in at different altitudes, speeds and directions — but hitting targets at the same time, according to the official.
While the U.S. expects that most of these will be intercepted — upwards of 85% — the fear is that if any Israeli lives are lost, the Israeli response will be much bigger.
The target is believed to be three military bases, especially one where F-35s are kept. While these bases are relatively remote, there are towns nearby and these Iranian weapons are not completely accurate.
The U.S. has no doubt Israel will respond whether lives are lost or not. And that Iran itself will be targeted.
Sources at the White House say there’s deep concern that an Iranian retaliatory strike against Israel — and the possible Israeli response — will widen this war.
Biden cut his weekend vacation short to consult with his national security team in preparation for this. They’ve been on high alert and knew this attack was imminent.
U.S. officials said the military is prepared to provide assistance to defend Israel against attacks if needed.
The U.S. is already moving military assets to the region to deter Iran and help protect U.S. forces. Officials say they have been urging Iran against further escalation or attacks on U.S. forces. They’ve been stressing that the U.S. was not involved in the Damascus, Syria, strike earlier this month.
A scheduled walk-in service at the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in southwest Houston didn’t go as planned on Saturday.
Hundreds of people stood in line outside the center on South Gessner, hoping to get help with their taxes before Monday’s filing deadline.
Instead, the center closed early, and people were left to wait outside.
“We see people coming and leaving and beating on the door and acting like a fool,” Jessica Hall said.
Hall said she took three buses to get to the walk-in service in order to get some of her past tax filings.
She says she needs them ahead of her Sunday appointment with a tax preparer.
“Now we have to see what we got to tell them for not having our transcripts,” Hall said.
One man said he had been waiting outside since 3 a.m. but was still turned away.
Others said they had driven from Conroe and Galveston.
“All this stuff going on, they should have posted something so people would know so they won’t have to be driving so far,” Lacricia Ragston said.
In a statement, the IRS said the delays were caused by an increased demand for assistance.
“The IRS has surged resources to expand in-person service, opening or reopening more than 50 new walk-in centers over the past two years and ensuring they are fulling staffed. The IRS has added more than 11,000 additional hours of availability this Filing Season, making this the most hours of in-person service the agency has provided in our history. Delays on Saturday occurred due to overwhelming taxpayer demand for assistance, and the IRS is committed to serving those who weren’t able to receive in person help. For people we couldn’t serve in person, we are collecting names and numbers when possible so an IRS representative can call them back. To further assist taxpayers in the Houston area, we will be taking special steps to help on Monday and throughout the week. We will be working to fully staff our offices next week and adding more people to help on our phone lines. We also remind taxpayers there are many ways to get help from the IRS. We encourage taxpayers needing assistance to schedule an appointment by calling (844) 545-5640. Many issues can be resolved over the phone to help people avoid a trip to an IRS office. Taxpayers can also get an automatic extension to file until Oct. 15 by visiting IRS.gov.”
Alex Garland’s provocative “ Civil War ” didn’t only ignite the discourse. The film also inspired audiences to go to the cinemas this weekend where it surpassed expectations and earned $25.7 million in ticket sales in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday.
It’s the biggest R-rated opening of the year to date and a record for A24, the studio behind films like “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and “The Iron Claw.” “Civil War” also unseated “ Godzilla x Kong ” from its perch atop the box office. The titan movie from Warner Bros. had held the No. 1 spot for the past two weekends.
“Civil War,” starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Cailee Spaeny as front-line journalists in the near future covering a devastating conflict in the U.S. and trying to make their way to Washington, D.C. The story, written by Garland, who is also the mind behind “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation,” imagines a U.S. in which California and Texas have united against a president who has disbanded the FBI and given himself a third term.
Though entirely fictional, “Civil War” has been inspiring debates since the first trailer that have extended beyond the musings of film critics and traditional reviews. This weekend, The New York Times ran two opinion pieces related to the movie, one by Stephen Marche and another by Michelle Goldberg. There were also pieces on CNN and Politico.
Going into the weekend, projections pegged the film to debut in the $15 to $24 million range. The studio said “Civil War” overperformed in markets “from LA to El Paso.” The data analytics company EntTelligence reported that the film has attracted over 1.7 million patrons this weekend and that the top three markets were Los Angeles, New York and Dallas.
“The title alone is enough to spark a conversation in a year where the political discourse is top of mind,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “And they couldn’t have picked a better date. This movie is perfectly timed in a month that is very quiet.”
The film opened on 3,838 screens in the U.S. and Canada, including IMAX. It’s the most expensive movie that the studio has ever made, with a production budget of $50 million, which does not account for millions spent on marketing and promotion.
IMAX showings of “Civil War,” which was playing on 400 of the large format screens, accounted for $4.2 million, or 16.5% of the domestic total.
Reviews have been largely positive. It’s currently at 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a 77% audience score. Its CinemaScore was a B-, which has sometimes indicated that word of mouth might not be strong going forward. But that might not be the case with “Civil War,” which doesn’t have a tremendous amount of competition over the next few weeks until “The Fall Guy” opens on May 3.
“You have to take all the metrics together, including the competitive landscape,” Dergarabedian said.
But it is a notable win for the studio, which doesn’t always open films nationwide out of the gates. Before “Civil War,” A24’s biggest debut was the Ari Aster horror “Hereditary,” which opened to $13.6 million in 2018.
“This isn’t destined to be a $200 million global blockbuster. But it’s a very high-profile win for A24,” Dergarabedian said. “They’re a studio that pushes the envelope. They’re a brand associated with a certain level of quality and filmmaking expertise, pushing boundaries and taking risks. It’s well-earned over the years.”
Second place went to “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” which earned $15.5 million in its third weekend to bring its running domestic total to nearly $158 million. Another “Empire” movie, Sony’s “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” took third place in its fourth weekend with $5.8 million. It’s now at $160 million worldwide.
Rounding out the top five was Universal and DreamWorks’ “Kung Fu Panda 4,” in fourth with $5.5 million in weekend six, and “Dune: Part Two” with $4.3 million in its seventh weekend. “Dune 2” has now earned $272 million domestically.
This weekend also saw the box office year-to-date comparisons take a big hit. Last year, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” brought in over $92 million in its second weekend in theaters. On the same weekend in 2023, the top 10 accounted for over $142 million, compared to this year’s $68.4 million. The year to date is back down to 16% after seeing some recovery with the success of “Dune: Part Two.”
“The box office has been a seesaw,” Dergarabedian said. “But we all knew this was going to be a rough month for comps because of ‘Mario.’”
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. “Civil War,” $25.7 million.
2. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” $15.5 million.
3. “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” $5.8 million.
4. “Kung Fu Panda 4,” $5.5 million.
5. “Dune: Part Two,” $4.3 million.
6. “Monkey Man,” $4.1 million.
7. “The First Omen,” $3.8 million.
8. “The Long Game,” $1.4 million.
9. “Shrek 2,” $1.4 million.
10. “SUGA – Agust D Tour ‘D-DAY’ The Movie,” $990,881.
READING, Pa. (AP) — Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations, died this month in Pennsylvania, according to funeral home officials. They were 62.
The twins, listed by Guinness World Records as the oldest living conjoined twins, died April 7 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to obituaries posted by Leibensperger Funeral Homes of Hamburg. The cause of death was not detailed.
“When we were born, the doctors didn’t think we’d make 30, but we proved them wrong,” Lori said in an interview when they turned 50, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. George came out as transgender in 2007.
The twins, born Sept. 18, 1961, in West Reading, Pennsylvania, had distinct brains but were joined at the skull. George, who had spina bifida and was 4 inches shorter, was wheeled around by Lori on an adaptive wheeled stool. Despite each having to go where the other went, it was “very important” to both “to live as independently as possible,” the obituary said.
Both graduated from a public high school and took college classes. George went along for six years as Lori worked in a hospital laundry. Lori — “a trophy-winning bowler,” according to the obituary notice — gave up the job in 1996 so her sibling could launch a country music career.
“Since the age of 24, they have maintained their own residence and have traveled extensively,” the obituary notice said. Over the years, they appeared in many documentaries and talk shows, as well as in an episode of the FX medical drama “Nip/Tuck.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Lori was once engaged to be married but that her fiance died in an automobile accident.
“When I went on dates,” Lori said, “George would bring along books to read.”
The twins said in a 1997 documentary that they had different bathing schedules and showered one at a time. George spoke of giving someone you love and respect “the privacy and compromise in situations that you would want them to give you.” Lori said compromise meant “you don’t get everything you want right when you want it.”
Conjoined twins occur once in every 50,000 to 60,000 births when identical twins from a single embryo fail to separate. About 70% are female, and most are stillborn. Only a small percentage are joined at the head, with nearly three-quarters joined at the chest and others at the abdomen or pelvis.
Separation was deemed risky for the Schappell twins, but Lori Schappell told The Associated Press in a 2002 interview at the twins’ apartment in a high-rise seniors complex that she didn’t think such an operation was necessary in any case.
“You don’t mess with what God made, even if it means you enjoy both children for a shorter time,” she said. In the 1997 documentary, George also strongly ruled out the idea of separation, saying, “Why fix what is not broken?”
It isn’t immediately clear who will now take the title of oldest living conjoined twins. The oldest ever documented were Ronnie and Donnie Galyon, who died in 2020 at age 68. Eng and Chang Bunker, the 19th century “Siamese Twins” who gained fame as a circus act, lived to be 63.
The Schappell twins’ survivors include their father and six siblings. Private services are planned, the funeral home said.
CHAPPELL HILL, Texas (KTRK) — Family of the Chappell Hill man accused of driving a stolen 18-wheeler into the Brenham DPS office says he was traumatized by a car crash several years prior.
Lena Randle, who says Clenard Parker is her adopted brother, said that Parker was usually quiet in the aftermath of the crash and sometimes given to delusions.
“He asked me, do I remember when Donald Trump came here while he was talking to his grandma?” Randle said, adding that Trump never visited their home.
But Randle stressed that Parker was never angry.
“If he ever gets upset, you never know that,” Randle said.
DPS said Parker, who Randle said used to drive big rigs, went to the Brenham DPS office Thursday afternoon to renew his commercial driver’s license but the renewal was denied.
On Friday morning, troopers say Parker went to a gas station in Chappell Hill and stole the 18-wheeler used in the crash.
Law enforcement caught up with him in Brenham and briefly pursued him on Highway 290 before they say he intentionally turned the big rig into the DPS office.
HARRIS COUNTY Texas (KTRK) — A grand jury will decide if charges will be filed after an altercation in east Harris County on Friday evening between two people turned deadly.
The incident happened at a home in the 14100 block of Bonham Street near Hollywood at around 11 p.m.
Deputies arrived at the scene and discovered the victim on the ground and pronounced him dead shortly after.
According to HCSO investigators, the victim was reportedly involved in some altercation with a woman who happened to be related to the suspect in question.
Police said the suspect then arrived at the home and physically fought the victim.
The suspect then fled the scene but later returned, where he was questioned by law enforcement.
HCSO said the victim did not exhibit any visible injuries. The medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the man’s cause of death, investigators said.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Enjoy what’s left of the cooler air and comfortable humidity because change is coming next week.
After another cool start an abundance of sunshine will quickly warm temperatures toward 80 by noon with highs peaking around 83 degrees. If you’ll be joining us for the Art Car Parade downtown, make sure you protect yourself from getting a sunburn!
What’s in store for the rest of the weekend?
On Sunday, the Gulf breeze will finally push the moisture levels up, so you’ll notice it feels more humid during the afternoon as temperatures warm into the mid 80s. Despite the increase in humidity, no rain is expected Sunday.
Is there any more severe weather on the horizon?
Not at this time! While we do have rain chances returning next work week, the jet stream storm track will be so far to our north that our risk of severe weather will be greatly reduced.
Following a disappointing performance by Houston Astros’ pitcher Hunter Brown in Kansas City on Thursday afternoon, questions arise about the team’s pitching depth amidst recent challenges.
Called upon to alleviate a string of poor outings from starting pitchers, including rookie Spencer Arrighetti’s struggles on Wednesday and Blair Henley’s nightmare start on Monday, Brown faced immense pressure. Unfortunately, he faltered, allowing a staggering 11 hits and nine earned runs, including a two-run homer from rising star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.
This marks the second consecutive disappointing outing for Brown in the 2024 season, following a rough start in Arlington where he conceded five earned runs in just three innings. Despite possessing significant talent, including a high-90s fastball and strong offspeed offerings, control issues plagued Brown once again.
While catcher Yainer Diaz provided a glimmer of hope with a solo home run, the Astros ultimately succumbed to the Royals 13-3. With a record of 4-10, the team faces a crucial series against the Texas Rangers at home, starting Friday evening. Manager Joe Espada’s squad looks to bounce back from recent setbacks and regain momentum in the competitive AL West division
