More homes sold in both New Braunfels ZIP codes year over year in December, according to the most recent data compiled by the Four Rivers Association of Realtors.

Some details: The average price of homes listed for sale in the two New Braunfels ZIP codes over the past six months was in the $352,000-$557,000 range. In December, 183 homes sold in the 78130 ZIP code, whereas only 102 homes sold in the 78132 ZIP code.

In December, year-over-year median home prices decreased in both New Braunfels ZIP codes. The number of homes under contract increased year over year by about 70% in the 78130 ZIP code.

Connections Individual and Family Services, located at 1414 W. San Antonio St., in New Braunfels, celebrated its 45th anniversary Jan. 16.

Some details: The nonprofit organization—which opened in 1981—provides services to runaway youth experiencing homelessness and children in foster care.

Connections Individual and Family Services has since expanded its services, with the addition of a youth shelter, transitional living for children aging out of the foster care system and a new Affordable Rate Counseling, or ARC Program, Chief Operations Officer Monika Baptista said.

Notable quote: Baptista said they are looking forward to the future.

"This is exciting because of how much we've accomplished, and how much we've expanded our reach in the 16 counties we serve," Baptista said.

• 1414 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels

A new eatery fusing American and French cuisine has opened recently on San Antonio’s North Side.

What’s new: Max’s Sister debuted at the Alon Town Center shopping area in North San Antonio on Nov. 7, according to an Instagram post from the eatery.

The exact address of the new restaurant is 10003 NW Military Highway, Ste. 2125.

Owned by chef Andrew Weissman, it’s the entrepreneur's 14th overall restaurant, according to his Instagram page.

Weissman also owns the San Antonio favorite, Mr. Juicy, with its flagship location in the Olmos Park area.

Also of note: On the menu is a mix of American and French-inspired cuisine, from chicken fried steak to pan-roasted Branzino.

There’s also a full cocktail bar, espresso bar and bread service available at the high-end restaurant.

• 10003 NW Military Highway, Ste. 2125, San Antonio

In a move to take the Sports and Entertainment District from a vision to a reality, the San Antonio City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 15 to authorize the city manager to execute a $30 million private acquisition and escrow agreement between the city, the San Antonio Spurs Holdings, LLC and Chicago Title, who will act as the escrow agent for the federal government.

In a nutshell: According to city documents, the city is making an offer to purchase three properties owned by the federal government, including the final federal office building within Hemisfair Park and two parking lots across Cesar Chavez Boulevard. Prior to authorizing the acquisition, the city contracted Valbridge to appraise the properties to determine fair market value, resulting in an appraised value of $29.95 million for all three properties.

Stay tuned: The federal government is estimated to make a decision on the city’s offer within 90-120 days.

Three Democratic candidates are running to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate during the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Jasmine Crockett, Ahmad R. Hassan and James Talarico are competing for the Democratic nomination for a six-year term in the U.S. Senate.

The details: Each state has two U.S. senators, with Ted Cruz and John Cornyn currently representing Texas. Cornyn, whose seat is up for election, is running for reelection in an eight-way Republican primary.

The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican nomination in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 2027.

Eight Republican candidates are running to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate during the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The big picture: Republican incumbent John Cornyn is seeking a fifth term as Texas' senior senator. Each state has two U.S. senators—Cornyn currently serves alongside Republican Ted Cruz.

Seven Republican candidates are challenging Cornyn for the Republican nomination: John O. Adefope, Anna Bender, Virgil John Bierschwale, Sara Canady, Wesley Hunt, Gulrez “Gus” Khan and Ken Paxton.

If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the Republican primary, a runoff election will be held between the two top vote-getters on May 26.

Looking ahead: The winning Republican candidate will face the winner of the Democratic nomination in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 2027.