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Katy businesses on high alert as string of bar burglaries escalates, with Texas Borders latest victim. Three suspects smash window, steal safe, and flee with thousands. Surveillance footage captures the quick heist. Owners increase safety measures. Similar incidents at JJs Bar, Skoltz Bar, and Five-ten Bar. Fort Bend and Harris County Sheriffs Offices investigating, seeking publics help to solve cases.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton files lawsuit against North Texas housing development, The Meadow, alleging violations of Texas securities laws and claims of illegal reservation for Muslim residents. Paxton accuses developers of embezzlement and a radical plot to harm Texans. Developers retain high-profile Texas lawyer, suggesting racial profiling. Governor Greg Abbott and Paxtons office investigate communications between EPIC and city officials. Legal proceedings continue as both sides maintain their positions.

In Crosby, Texas, residents are warned about scammers posing as water company employees. Unidentified men in a white Audi and silver/gray Toyota SUV are going door-to-door, claiming to be from a water or filtration company. The legitimate water company denies sending employees for door-to-door visits. Constable Eagleton advises residents to stay vigilant, keep doors locked, and not let strangers into their homes without proper identification.

In Harris County, Texas, Cesar Martinez, 40, is arrested for child exploitation charges. Hundreds of explicit child files found at his Grandridge Drive home. He faces three charges: possession of child pornography and alleged sexual assault of a child. Investigators suspect he shared illicit material and had in-person interactions with minors. Community help needed to identify potential victims and ensure child safety.

The Houston Astros, following a playoff absence, are embarking on a roster overhaul, focusing on their next core around prospect Cam Smith. Theyve agreed to a deal with pitcher Ryan Weiss and outrighted Taylor Trammell and Logan VanWey to Triple-A, creating room for new acquisitions. VanWey, a 26-year-old rookie, and Trammell, an outfielder, struggled in their time with the Astros. The team is now actively seeking new talent, aiming to return to playoff contention with a busy offseason ahead.

New data reveals a significant trend in Houston Independent School District: a substantial number of students are leaving New Education System campuses, with nearly seven thousand departing compared to just over one thousand three hundred from non-NES schools. This shift is occurring across one hundred thirty NES campuses and one hundred forty-three non-NES campuses. Families like Dana Ladners are making tough decisions, with her son leaving for private school due to low test scores and negative reactions to changes. Officials attribute these losses to struggling schools, but also highlight academic improvements in reading, math, campus culture, and instructional support. Other parents, like Christine Hurley and Brianna Van Borssum, are keeping their children within HISD, advocating for their needs at board meetings.

Former teacher James Anderson, accused of murdering his wife, died by suicide in a courthouse holding cell just before pleading guilty. He was found with nitrates and Benadryl in his system.

Houston man pleads guilty to bail bond fraud, helping criminals escape jail: AABLE Bail Bonds employee Oscar Wattell admitted to conspiring to commit wire fraud, recruiting friends, family, and strangers to sign false paperwork. This scheme, along with another employees actions, secured bail bonds for defendants charged with serious crimes, including murder, allowing them to avoid jail ahead of trials. The conspiracy defrauded an insurance company, and Wattells guilty plea involved the bond of a man accused of killing his wife. Wattell and another employee face sentencing in 2026, with potential prison time of up to 20 years.