Amtrak Gets $64M for Dallas-Houston Train

Amtrak has received a $63.9 million federal grant to advance the Texas high-speed rail project, aiming to connect Dallas and Houston with a 90-minute journey.

The 240-mile route, using Japanese N700S Series Shinkansen trains capable of speeds up to 205 MPH, faces challenges, including land acquisition (only 30% secured) and estimated costs of up to $30 billion.

While Amtrak officials view the project as potentially viable, with construction possibly starting in the early 2030s, it faces opposition from rural property owners and critics questioning the use of taxpayer funds.

Texas State University Expands to Mexico 

Texas State University has approved plans to establish its first international campus in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, with classes scheduled to begin in fall 2025.

The new campus will offer American-style education to an initial cohort of 200-300 students, featuring Texas State-approved degrees in fields including computer science and engineering, with accreditation in both the U.S. and Mexico.

While Texas State will oversee academics and admissions, the 370-acre Mexican campus will provide staff and facilities, potentially generating up to $10 million for the university over 10 years.

Bee Cave to Launch Autonomous Drones for 911 Calls 

The Bee Cave Police Department is partnering with Austin startup Eve Vehicles Corporation to deploy autonomous drones for emergency response.

When a 911 call comes in, the nearest drone will launch automatically without a pilot, providing real-time video feedback to officers en route.

Chief Brian Jones says the drones will serve as first responders’ eyes and ears on the scene, with three units stationed around the city expected to be operational within weeks. See photos here.

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➤ A poll commissioned by No Kid Hungry Texas found 77% of Texas adults struggled with grocery costs in 2024, up from 73% in 2023. Rural Texans and families faced the most difficulties. (More)

➤ Texas Democrats are calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate AG Ken Paxton’s office over alleged illegal “raids” targeting Latino homes to uncover voter fraud, claiming civil rights violations. (More)

➤ El Paso: Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada will remain in Texas custody after a judge denied the DOJ’s request to transfer him to New York to face drug charges. (More)

➤ Leander: The local ISD apologized after Danielson Middle School publicly displayed the names of students missing vaccine information during lunch. (More)

➤ Medina County: A train collided with a tractor-trailer carrying pallets of boxes on Thursday morning. No injuries were reported, but the crossing will be closed for an extended period. (See Map)

➤ Longview: Customers reported vehicle damage after allegedly receiving the wrong fuel type at a Murphy USA gas station, affecting over 200 vehicles during Labor Day weekend. (More)

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➤ Olympic gold medalist gymnast Hezly Rivera executed a forward flip before throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Wednesday’s Texas Rangers game. The Rangers beat the New York Yankees 10-6. (See Pitch)

➤ The unranked SMU women’s volleyball team stunned No. 2 Nebraska in straight sets Tuesday, handing the Huskers their first loss this season and their first defeat to an unranked opponent since 2017. (More)

➤ Elvis Andrus, former Rangers shortstop, will throw the first pitch Friday against the Angels and former manager Ron Washington. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | WNBA | US Open | Paralympics 

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➤ Texas lawmakers said eliminating property taxes would be unfeasible in a Senate Finance Committee meeting Wednesday. The loss of property taxes would cost over $81 billion annually, far exceeding the state’s $47.5 billion in discretionary spending. (See Details)

➤ Verizon Communications agreed to acquire Dallas-based Frontier Communications for $9.59 billion, expanding its high-speed internet business and combining Frontier’s fiber network with Verizon’s existing fiber and wireless assets. (More)

➤ Whataburger announced its CEO Ed Nelson would retire at the end of 2024 after 20 years with the company. Debbie Stroud will become the new President and CEO in 2025. (More)

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➤ Thieves hooked a stolen ATM to their pickup truck in Tomball. Deputies quickly caught one suspect and recovered scattered cash while another escaped. (See Photos)

➤ A Houston family left cold drinks for delivery drivers during the summer heat. An Amazon driver’s joyful reaction to the kind gesture was captured on video. (Watch Video)

➤ This list looks at natural springs across Texas, highlighting popular spots, including Barton Springs in Austin, Chinati Hot Springs in Ruidosa, and primitive options in Big Bend National Park. (See Details)

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