Monday, February 3, 2025

The Roundup

Article Icon 1Abbott Outlines Priorities in State of the State Address

Gov. Greg Abbott delivered his biennial State of the State address last night, outlining his priorities for the current legislative session, designating seven as emergency items for immediate legislative action.

Those emergency issues include property tax reform and relief, a universal education savings account program, increased teacher pay, high school career training, water supply funding, improved cybersecurity, and bail reform.

Abbott also called for investing in the state’s power grid, strengthening school security, prohibiting ownership of Texas land by those from hostile nations, and banning DEI policies at any entity that receives public funding.

“Texas is the blueprint for the future of America,” Abbott said. “Our task this session is to be guardians of freedom.”

Article Icon 1Mavericks Dump Doncic

In a stunning move, the Dallas Mavericks traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, eliciting shocked reactions from players and fans around the NBA.

Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison sent Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. Harrison justified the trade by stating that the team wanted to avoid paying Doncic a hefty contract extension and that Davis is a good defensive player.

Head coach Jason Kidd admitted he was shocked when informed about the deal. Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki simply reacted with a sad face emoji on social media, while future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant expressed anger about sports teams not being held to the same “standard of loyalty” as players.

A Dallas Morning News columnist characterized the trade as a “nightmare” for Mavericks fans and predicted the team is “headed for a breakdown of their own device” in the near future.

Article Icon 1Video of Police Doing Donuts Ignites Social Media

After a Houston police officer was caught on video doing donuts during the recent snowstorm, the local police union responded by criticizing the driver who shared the incident on social media.

Hamon Brown posted the video on Jan. 21 with the comment, “Man look at HPD here, they out here doing doughnuts man, they got nothing else better to do.”

The Houston Police Officers’ Union responded by saying Brown was “snitching” and pointing out his broken windshield. They asked for recommendations for local auto glass repair companies and reposted videos showing Brown “ghost-riding” his own vehicle.

“We are human. We like to have a good time just like they do,” said Police Union President Doug Griffith. “You can’t do what he does in public and then go and call out others.” Meanwhile, Brown defended himself, saying, “I ain’t did nothing wrong. Y’all were in the wrong.”

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The Flyover

The facts are staggering, aren’t they? $36 trillion in national debt. Inflation’s eroding the dollar. And meanwhile? You and your cash could be caught in the crossfire. But there’s a way to prepare.

A move many people might not know exists. And you’ll be glad once you see it. Because when Elon Musk saw the national debt, he said “This amounts to over $106k per person in America.” But then he nailed it: “Terrifying.” And it’s obvious, right? Unchecked government spending likely leads to consequences for everyone. But this isn’t just a headline; it’s a wake-up call. Here’s why: many might not realize how these decisions could ripple through their finances. The rising debt isn’t just numbers on a screen—it’s a slow erosion of buying power, savings, and future plans.

But there’s a way to potentially step outside the chaos and regain control. Within the IRS code is an obscure provision… one that might not make sense unless you understand what it really means. But the important part? This IRS provision — a loophole, if you will — could help you protect your wealth from inflation and market uncertainty. It’s straightforward and might be a way to help build financial confidence for years to come. So here’s how to get it. Time may not be on your side. The debt clock is ticking. Inflation might not wait. Request your FREE IRS Loophole Kit today. It’s fast. It’s easy. And it could make all the difference. Get Your FREE Guide Here.

Around Texas

➤ Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Friday directing state agencies to eliminate active DEI programs, saying they “divide us rather than unite us and have no place in the state of Texas.” (More)

➤ Houston: A United Airlines flight was evacuated on Sunday following an aborted takeoff after one of the plane’s engines caught fire. No injuries were reported, and passengers exited the Airbus A319 on the runway using stairs and the plane’s emergency slides. (Watch Video)

➤ Fort Worth: An unnamed suspect was fatally shot by police after a standoff on Thursday. At one point, the suspect set off fireworks and threw several at responding officers. (More)

➤ Brownsville: The decommissioned USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) pulled into port Sunday morning, where it will be dismantled. Thousands of spectators, including many who previously served aboard the aircraft carrier, were on hand to witness the event. (See Photos)

➤ Houston: Saturday’s Monster Jam event drew a crowd of 50,000 people to NRG Stadium. The monster trucks will be back in action at the same venue this Saturday. (Watch Video)

➤ Pecos: The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report on the December train derailment that killed two workers. According to the report, 9,000 gallons of locomotive diesel fuel spilled, and damages incurred by Union Pacific and the trucking company involved in the crash exceed $6 million. (More)

➤ Fritch: A wildfire burned 3,000 acres over the weekend before it was contained by first responders from multiple agencies. (See Photos)

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Texas Sports

➤ No. 22 Texas Tech’s men’s basketball team beat No. 6 Houston 82-81 in overtime Saturday following the ejection of leading scorer JT Toppin and head coach Grant McCasland. (See Details)

The Houston Rockets had one of their worst performances of the season on Saturday, falling 110-98 to the 15-33 Brooklyn Nets. (More)

The WNBA’s Dallas Wings acquired DiJonai Carrington from the Connecticut Sun and NaLyssa Smith from the Indiana Fever over the weekend. The two players were teammates at Baylor and are in a relationship. (More)

 Yesterday’s Results: PGA | LPGA | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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The Business Of Texas
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that Tempur Sealy, the world’s largest mattress manufacturer, can buy Houston-based retailer Mattress Firm. Last July, the Federal Trade Commission blocked the $4 billion acquisition, saying it would allow Tempur Sealy to monopolize the market and unfairly raise prices. (More)

➤ Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has contracted with Spain-based renewable energy company Zelestra to build four solar farms totaling 595 megawatts to power its data centers in Texas. (See Details)

Poultry farms across the state have reported increased sales of eggs amid a nationwide avian flu outbreak that has reduced supply and raised prices. (More)

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Dear Fellow Americans, Dennis Quaid has a serious warning: “The future doesn’t wait, and neither should you. As someone who’s seen how quickly life can change, I believe preparation is everything. Your retirement is more than numbers on a page—it’s your legacy, your dreams, and your peace of mind. Take the first step today because your future deserves nothing less than your full attention.” – Dennis Quaid

Et Cetera

Chevron referred to the “Gulf of America” several times in a quarterly earnings report released Friday. “If Google Maps is using it—then Chevron is using it,” said a representative for the company, which is in the process of moving its headquarters from California to Texas. (More)

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is taking place this weekend, with the South Texas Trail Riders making their annual trek to the event to keep the cowboy spirit alive. (Watch Video)

Yesterday, Bee Cave Bob predicted an early spring, while Beaumont’s Big Al—a 93-year-old alligator at the city’s Gator Country Adventure Park—agreed with Punxsutawney Phil, forecasting six more weeks of winter.

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The Polling Station

How do you feel about Luka Doncic being traded to the Lakers?

  1. Love it
  2. Hate it
  3. Makes sense
  4. Don’t care
 

Saturday’s Results:

Will the armadillo Bee Cave Bob see his shadow on Feb. 2?

  1. Yes: 74%
  2. No: 26%
Texas Trivia

What is the annual salary for state lawmakers in Texas?

Show me the answer

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