Texas troops to help farmers in Afghanistan
Sixty-six Texas National Guard soldiers left Central Texas Monday on their way to Afghanistan, and they have a rather unique task ahead of them. KVUE's Tom Harris reports.

Dog burned at trailer park taken in by Austin non-profit
An Austin non-profit is working to heal a burn victim. "Honey", a Labrador mix, was found in a trailer park with third-degree burns over 30 percent of her body. "Honey" was also on the city's euthanasia list. KVUE's Amy Johnston reports.

Horns ready for Fiesta
It's been more than a month since the Longhorns last football game. But the long wait is almost over. Monday night, the University of Texas 'Horns have a top 10 showdown in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. They're taking on the Ohio State Buckeyes. KVUE's Mike Barnes reports.

DOJ presents recommendations to APD
The U.S. Department of Justice has been reviewing APD policies since 2006, after complaints made regarding APD's use of force against minorities. After 18-months, the DOJ released its report -- 50 pages and 165 recommendations call for change within APD. KVUE's Jessica Vess reports.

Community leaders weigh in on DOJ report
Some members of the Austin civil rights community believe the police chief is heading in the right direction, but they also say more needs to be done. KVUE's Steve Alberts reports.

Straus says his lead for Texas speaker is growing
State Rep. Joe Straus of San Antonio today all but laid claim to the powerful office of Texas House speaker. KVUE's Elise Hu reports.

Obama sits down with congressional leaders
America's new first family members are now full-time residents of Washington. President-elect Obama's daughters started classes at their new school Monday, while their father was busy working with congressional leaders on economic issues.

Take a look: Fire rescue, Alaska celebration
Now, it's time for you to "Take a Look at This--" the video you have to see and will want to share with your friends. Today, a breathtaking fire rescue, a statehood celebration and a car dealership that's thriving, despite the down economy. Elizabeth Manresa has more.

Cogill's worst movies of 2008
Channel 8 movie critic Gary Cogill says there were some bad movies in 2008.

Food diaries could help you keep your goals
For many, losing weight is a new year's resolution that's tough to adhere to. As Jill Cordes explains, keeping a food journal can help in maintaining your goals for weight loss.

DOJ investigation findings released
The findings from an investigation into the Austin Police Department's practices were released Monday.The U.S. Department of Justice has been reviewing APD policies since 2006, after complaints made in 2005 regarding the Austin Police Department's use of force against minorities. KVUE's Steve Alberts reports.

Support grows for Straus after Craddick drops out
Republican Rep. Joe Straus says nearly two-thirds of his fellow members support his candidacy for Texas House speaker now that Tom Craddick has backed out of the race. KVUE's Quita Culpepper reports.

Scott Hamilton releases a new book
How is it that some people seem to handle challenges and adversities so well while others are crippled by them? Gold medal figure skater Scott Hamilton has always seemed to be one of those people, having battled back from testicular cancer and most recently a brain tumor. He's a true optimist but where did that come from? On the 25th anniversary of his Olympic gold medal victory in Sarajevo he's releasing a new book called, "The Great Eight: How To Be Happy (Even hen you have every reason to be miserable)."

Obama's trillion dollar economic plan
Later today, Obama meets with the democrats who run congress about spending nearly a trillion dollars to jumpstart the economy.

Death of the wallet
If you're planning on giving or getting a wallet as a gift, you might want to reconsider. As Stacy Johnson reports, they are quickly becoming obsolete.

Breast cancer patients can gain a wide range of benefits
If you're a breast cancer survivor looking to start an exercise program, you may want to get the okay from your doctor first. But as Judy Fortin reports, a daily workout may help patients get moving again.

Craddick steps down as House speaker
There will be a new House speaker presiding over the 2009 legislative session. KVUE's Quita Culpepper reports from the Capital with more.

Craddick out of speaker race
End of an era?

More in Mexico turning to private security
Private security becoming more popular on border.

State Senator seeks end to straight-ticket voting
A San Antonio state senator wants to revive efforts to eliminate the straight-ticket voting option, even after Texans hit a 10-year high in the percentage of ballots sticking entirely with one party.

Friends and family gathered today to say goodbye to an Austin icon
Friends and family gathered today to say goodbye to an Austin icon. Funeral services for Willie Kocurek were held this afternoon in central Austin.

One woman critical after south Austin house fire
A 27-year-old woman is in critical condition tonight, after a house fire in south Austin. Firefighters could see heavy smoke when they arrived at the home just after noon today.

Latest Speaker Race News
The dramatic showdown for the influencial Texas House Speaker position continues Sunday.

Pet of the week
Our pet of the week from the Humane Society of Williamson County is Charlie.

Economic predictions for 2009 from Wall Street and Main Street
Every year experts predict what's going to happen in the year ahead, especially when it comes to your money. Money reporter Stacy Johnson gets some ideas from a top economist and from regular folks as well.

The difference between good carbs and bad carbs
Some dieters may be confused about whether they should be incorporating carbohydrates into their meals. Judy Fortin tells the difference between good carbs and bad carbs.

A look back at a Five Who Care award winner
KVUE's Five Who Care and "Five Kids Who Care Community Service Awards" honos outstanding Central Texas volunteers. Nominations are being accepted right now now for this year's awards. KVUE's Olga Campos has more on an old winner of the award--a dedicated volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

New law allows couples to create new last name
Mr. and Mrs. may never be the same again. A new law in California gives couples getting married new options for what they want to call themselves. Marriage officials says the law opens the door not only to creativity, but also some potential problems. David Bienick explains.

Democrats meet to discuss choice of Straus
Behind closed doors Saturday afternoon, 40 Texas House Democrats discussed who they would support for house speaker in the 81st legislative session.

Remembering Cpt. Louis White
Friends, family, and admirers came together to remember the former APD Captain.

State completes transportation review
New findings on Texas roads.

Dems meet to discuss Straus pick
Texas Democrats met today to discuss the Republicans' choice for speaker.

Dr. Randy Fagin discuess health-related New Year's resolutions
The new year is here, and many people plan to make some healthy changes to the way they live. KVUE's Quita Culpepper talks with male health specialist Dr. Randy Fagin to talk more about health related resolutions.

Pet of the week
Our pet of the week from the Town Lake Animal Shelter is Rocky.

A higher gas tax may be in the works
A jump at the pump may soon be in the works. There's talk about an increase in the gas tax. KVUE's Tom Abrahams has the details.

Who predicted 2008 more accurately: economic experts or the average consumer?
Every year experts predict what's going to happen in the year ahead, including things that will affect your money. Last year money reporter Stacy Johnson talked to one of Wall Street's top economists, as well as people just like you. Now it's time to see who was smarter.

Last year's Five Kids Who Care award winner has a dedication to animals
KVUE's Five Who Care and "Five Kids Who Care Community Service Awards" honor outstanding Central Texas volunteers. Right now nominations are being accepted for this year's awards. KVUE's Christine Haas introduces us to a past Five Kids Who Care winner who has a big heart for the animal kingdom.

Looking towards 2009 with optimism
If you're still battling insurance claims, or if you've recently lost your job, you're probably looking forward to a better new year. But if you've gone through bad times in 2008, how do you face the new year with optimism? KVUE's Christi Myers got some answers to that question.

Republican group chooses Straus to face Craddick
A group of renegade Republicans has selected Rep. Joe Straus as their candidate to overthrow long-serving House Speaker Tom Craddick, one of the most powerful leaders in state government.

Local Muslims protest Gaza strikes
Dozens of commuters passing the south side of the Texas State Capitol building Friday evening honked their horns in a show of support for protestors who met to denounce the recent attacks from Israel on the Gaza Strip.