SUMMARY: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages 85 state parks, natural areas, and historic sites across seven natural regions. The Prairies & Lakes region has the most parks (21) and summer visitors (about 854,000), while Big Bend Country has the fewest (7 parks, around 102,000 visitors). On average, Texas state parks see 2.6 million summer visitors. The top 3 most-visited parks in 2024 are Ray Roberts Lake State Park (239,885 visitors), Garner State Park (233,677), and Palo Duro Canyon State Park (112,481). Least-visited parks include Devil’s Sinkhole and Fort Leaton. The list excludes some parks closed for renovations or other reasons.

Read the full article

The post Top 10 countdown: These are the most popular Texas state parks each summer appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: Texas lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved “Pancho’s Law” (HB 285), aimed at protecting pets from negligence by adding criminal negligence to the Texas Penal Code for cruelty to non-livestock animals. The law was inspired by Pancho, a dog who died in 2021 at a Dallas daycare, highlighting loopholes allowing pet service businesses to evade accountability. Advocates, including families who lost pets like Kali and Roland, stress the need for legal recourse and industry regulation. While some pet service operators worry about criminal liability, many support the bill to hold negligent parties accountable. The bill now awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature.

Read the full article

The post Dog daycare, boarding deaths prompt push to protect pets from negligence under Texas law appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: Austin police arrested 19-year-old Jack Bellington for posting AI-generated pornographic images of female juveniles on X. Bellington paid someone overseas to alter photos of underage girls, creating nearly 100 illicit images. This crime, increasingly common with generative AI, challenges law enforcement as it becomes harder to identify altered photos. Eleven victims have been identified. In 2024, reports involving AI imagery increased by 1300%, prompting Texas lawmakers to include AI-modified images in child pornography laws. Bellington faces multiple felony charges and was released on the condition he avoid social media, continue therapy, take medication, and have no contact with minors.

Austin police have arrested a man who they say posted AI generated explicit photos of female juveniles on social media. Police say they’ve seen an increase in this type of crime in recent years.

FOX 7 Austin brings you breaking news, weather, and local stories out of Central #Texas as well as fun segments from Good Day Austin, the best from our video vault archives, and exclusive shows like the Good Day Austin Round-Up and CrimeWatch.

Source