A series of Lake Austin-area properties are slated to exit the city's full jurisdiction under a new state law, following years of resident complaints over lacking public services and taxation.

The details: The roughly 150 properties total nearly $300 million in combined taxable value for the city, and will likely be followed by a wave of dozens more next year. Landowners are disannexing from Austin under a new state law, Senate Bill 1844, that went into effect this year to allow waterfront properties to leave cities if they aren't connected to public infrastructure services.

Affected residents said they've experienced lengthy 911 response times and problems connecting to Austin's water systems in recent years. Those issues come after a 2019 City Council vote to add Lake Austin-area tracts to the city's tax rolls in a reversal of a 1980s decision to exclude the land from taxation.

Leander ISD superintendent Bruce Gearing announced Dec. 8 his intention to retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

The gist: Per the announcement, Gearing—who has served as superintendent since 2019—will serve as "superintendent emeritus," a role that district officials say recognizes significant contributions made to the district.

"Though retired from day-to-day responsibilities, the role keeps him connected in an advisory capacity, offering perspective and guidance when requested," officials said. 

Next steps: Officials said the board of trustees will name an acting superintendent at its Dec. 11 meeting and will later begin the search for a new superintendent, likely after winter break. 

Over the last couple decades, Home Slice Pizza has evolved from a local mom-and-pop pizzeria into an iconic Austin landmark.

What happened?: In celebration of the company’s 20th anniversary in November, the pizzeria hosted its Carnival 'O Pizza at its South Congress location—the first one since 2016, according to a news release. Judge Andy Brown kicked off the excitement by proclaiming the day as Home Slice Pizza Day.

The upwards of $50,000 raised during the event, nearly four times as much as any of the company’s previous carvicals, according to Home Slice representatives, has been donated to local nonprofit Foundation Communities for holiday gifts and emergency rent assistance.

What’s on the menu: Home Slice serves up classic New York–style pies and slices alongside calzones, subs and salads, with sodas, beer and wine available to pair with its Italian menu items.

• 1415 S. Congress Ave, Austin; 1421 S. Congress Ave, Austin; 501 E. 53rd St, Austin

Texas voters will see 18 statewide races on the ballot in 2026.

The overview: Texas will hold Republican and Democratic primary elections on March 3 to determine who will appear on the statewide ballot in November. Texas is one of 17 states with open primaries, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, meaning registered voters can cast their ballots in either primary and do not need to register with a specific party.

What to know: The 18 statewide races on the 2026 primary ballots are:

• U.S. Senate
• Governor
• Lieutenant governor
• Attorney general
• Comptroller of public accounts
• General land commissioner
• Agriculture commissioner
• Railroad commissioner
• Texas Supreme Court, chief justice
• Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 2
• Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 7
• Texas Supreme Court justice, Place 8
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 3
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 4
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 9
• 15th Court of Appeals, chief justice
• 15th Court of Appeals justice, Place 2
• 15th Court of Appeals justice, Place 3