Abigail Vaerewyck

3 weeks ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Abigail Vaerewyck

AUSTIN, Texas — Monday is the last day of the 89th Texas Legislature’s regular session, and this session has already brought several changes to Texas law. A THC ban has passed the Legislature and awaits for Gov. Greg Abbott to veto or sign the bill. However, according to Texas law, the governor has until 20 days after the final adjournment on June 2 to sign or veto it. If he does neither, it still becomes a law.

1 month ago | mynews13.com | Abigail Vaerewyck

TEXAS — As tariffs continue to drive up costs for consumers, they’re also putting a serious strain on small businesses across the country — including in Texas. For Alon Bernstein, owner of B & B Diamonds in Austin, the impact has been costly. “I am seeing a mix of frustration and panic,” said Bernstein, who has operated his business since 1996. Bernstein is no stranger to economic challenges.

1 month ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Abigail Vaerewyck

TEXAS — Texas is one step closer to having its first border-to-border trail. The Cross Texas Trail, dubbed xTx, is a 1,500-mile, mixed-use route across Texas for hikers, bikers and horse riders. xTx. (Credit: Charles Gandy)The idea started with fifth-generation Texan Charles Gandy, who wanted to create a trail that showcases the state’s diverse landscapes and supports local communities. Gandy was inspired by trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails.

2 months ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Abigail Vaerewyck

AUSTIN, Texas — In late March, some international students discovered they were removed from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database, which tracks international students’ status in the U.S.When removed from this system, a student’s immigration status is no longer legal. This caused a lot of uncertainty, not only for students but also for dependents, like spouses or children.

2 months ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Abigail Vaerewyck

WASHINGTON — A federal judge has dealt a blow to religious groups pushing to reverse a policy from President Donald Trump’s administration that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to arrest people inside places of worship. After the administration reversed a longstanding “sensitive locations” policy barring arrests of undocumented migrants in places like churches and schools, nearly 30 religious groups sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in February.