Before Steve Coon led a Bastrop nonprofit helping veterans keep roofs over their heads, he managed human resources for the Texas Army National Guard and served as a company commander training wounded soldiers.

Today, as executive director of Troops Need Roofs, Coon helps coordinate free roof replacements, repairs and home safety improvements for veterans, active-duty service members and military families across the county.

How it works: TNR reviews applications based on roof condition, insurance status, inspection findings and financial hardship. Homeowners insurance does not automatically disqualify applicants.

Veterans and families of service members who died while serving can apply for assistance or be nominated through the Bastrop-based organization.

Why it matters: "We want veterans to know they matter. They count. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Furthermore, it creates an opportunity for others to serve. Through generosity and teamwork, we can continue supporting those who sacrificed so much for our country."

Bastrop County veterans and their families have access to a range of services, including benefits assistance, home repairs, financial help, counseling and community programs.

What to know: Community Impact's guide highlights 12 local organizations in Bastrop, Elgin, Rockne and Smithville serving Bastrop County veterans.

Find out more: Explore the full guide to learn about available services and how to connect with each organization.

A medical research complex in Bastrop, an addition to the public works facility in Buda and a Dave’s Hot Chicken in Kyle are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. Bastrop Modular Vivarium ($19.6 million): This project involves the construction of a seven-module building complex with an added vestibule for the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

2. New Worship Building ($10.9 million): Cityview Bible Church will be constructing a new worship building featuring a 1,200-seat auditorium with a stage designed to accommodate worship services, presentations and community events.

3. City of Buda Public Works and Parks Expansion ($5.5 million): This project involves a 7,790 square-foot building addition and 2,071 square feet of renovations to the existing Public Works and Parks facilities in Buda.

4. Discount Tire ($950,000): A new Discount Tire location is coming to Hutto, with construction set to wrap up next August.

5. Dave’s Hot Chicken ($525,000): A new Dave’s Hot Chicken location is coming to Kyle.

Educators, public officials and graduates from across the state gathered in Austin on Oct. 27 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Western Governors University in Texas. The online university offers certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees, which students can complete at their own pace.

About the organization: WGU was founded in 1997 by a bipartisan group of 19 governors in Western states to provide a more affordable and flexible option for higher education. In 2011, then-Gov. Rick Perry signed an executive order making Texas an official WGU affiliate.

Since 2011, WGU in Texas has reached the following milestones:

• 38,691 total graduates

• 45,545 degrees earned

• 24,087 students currently enrolled

Quote of note: "It was definitely one of those options that was super flexible, so that kind of fit my current schedule, especially since I work full-time," 2026 WGU graduate Jacob Gomez said. "It was super convenient for me."

Texas lawmakers and legislators-elect began filing new bills on Nov. 9, unofficially kicking off the 90th state legislative session. By noon, they had submitted more than 1,000 legislative proposals that they hoped would be considered at the state Capitol next year.

The overview: When the 90th legislative session begins Jan. 12, Texas will be led by all Democratic statewide officials. Democrats also won control of the Texas House during the Nov. 3 election, while Republicans retained Senate control.

Zooming in: Democratic lawmakers were the first to file bills in both legislative chambers, signaling some of the party's priorities as Texans prepare for the first Democratic-led state government and divided legislature in a generation.

State Rep. John Bucy, D-Austin, filed bills to expand who is eligible for Medicaid in the state, while Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, proposed tightening regulations on the booming data center industry.

More details: Lawmakers had filed at least 57 constitutional amendments before press time Nov. 9, including measures on property taxes, sports betting and term limits for elected officials.