Bird Flu Discovered in Texas Egg Farm

The largest fresh egg producer in the U.S. has found bird flu in its West Texas egg farm and will have to kill nearly two million chickens—about 3.6% of its total flock.

The Cal-Maine egg farm halted operations under USDA protocols, and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged Texas farmers to increase bio-security measures and watch for signs of poultry infection. A USDA fact sheet can be found here.

Earlier this week, a Texas rancher contracted the bird flu after contacting infected dairy cows. The individual’s only symptom was eye inflammation, and officials say the risk to the public remains low.

Houston PD Internal Investigation Update

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner told reporters in a closed-door session that the internal investigation of 264,000 crime cases never investigated would be completed by April 30.

Finner said roughly a fourth of the cases have been re-visited by officers, with an emphasis on sexual assaults, domestic abuse, and other violent crimes. He said “some” charges have been filed as a result.

The police chief also confirmed the resignation of Assistant Chief James Jones and described him as a “witness” in the ongoing investigation.

121-Year-Old Ranch for Sale

Rancho Blanco, a 2,800-acre estate owned by one family for 95 years, has been put on the market for the first time for $6.35 million. You can see the property here.

The estate, established in 1903, is located outside the small town of Sonora, 200 miles west of Austin. The family that owns it has not been identified.

The ranch includes a 7,000-square-foot home and is known for its Angora goat herd. It also boasts a wide range of hunting prospects, including populations of dove, quail, deer, and turkeys. 

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➤ Pampa: Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd is calling for the creation of a statewide firefighting air force consisting of six aircraft. The proposal would cost around $50 million to enact. (Read More)

➤ Tarrant County officials recently put the brakes on a judicial reorganization plan after receiving backlash from lawyers and judges. Opponents argued county leadership should address specific issues individually instead of overhauling the entire system. (Video)

➤ League City officials voted to expand the area’s water supply for the first time since 2018. The Southwest Water Reclamation Facility expects to increase the city’s water use from four million to eight million gallons per day. (More)

➤ Shenandoah: City council members recently approved a new $800K veterans memorial park. Design plans include life-sized silhouettes of soldiers and a battlefield-cross statue. Construction is set to begin in the summer. (More)

➤ Brownsville: School district officials are planning to consolidate three elementary schools due to a $14 million cut in state funding. The consolidation would save $3 million and is scheduled for a trustee vote on April 19. (Get the Details)

➤ Abilene: The state’s first ‘Baby Box’ was installed at Fire Station No. 7. The temperature-controlled boxes allow an anonymous option for handing over newborns under 60 days old. (Watch the Video)

➤ Houston Astros’ right-hander Ronel Blanco threw baseball’s first no-hitter of the season in only his eighth career start, resulting in a 10-0 win against the Toronto Blue Jays. (Get the Scoop)

➤ Buffalo Bills’ star receiver Stephon Diggs is joining the Houston Texans in a trade for draft picks. Diggs had 107 receptions and eight touchdowns last season with Buffalo. (More)

➤ The Chiefs’ Rashee Rice admitted his involvement in the six-car Dallas car crash caused by a street race between a Lamborghini and a Corvette. Rice confirmed the Lambo was leased under his name and that he owned the ‘Vette. (Watch the Dashcam Footage)

➤ TV therapist Dr. Phil has opened a new studio in Fort Worth. The facility is expected to host a revamped version of his popular show with additional content from Nancy Grace and Steve Harvey. (More)

➤ Austin: The Intercontinental Terminals Company reached a $6.6 million settlement with state and federal officials for damages caused by a chemical plant fire in 2019, a blaze that lasted for three days. (See the Details)

➤ Montgomery County officials announced the San Jacinto River Authority will be rebating around $12 million to cities and utility districts from back payment of water fees from Quadvest Water & Sewer and the Woodland Oaks Utility. (More)

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➤ U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) recently got smoked by fellow Texans after he posted an example of his smoked brisket, covered with bacon, on X. Thousands of horrified brisket lovers replied with photos showing what “real” brisket should look like. (Check out the Photos)

➤ Fort Worth: The city’s Botanic Gardens is partnering with Lighthouse for the Blind to offer an eclipse experience for the visually impaired. The Gardens will use a special device that translates data into sound and narration. (Video)

➤ Bedias: An arrest warrant was issued to a homeschooling mother of five after she failed to return a book to a nearby library. The woman paid a $570 fine and is fighting the criminal charges. (Watch the Video)

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 What’s your favorite part of a smoked brisket?

1. The Lean Flat Cut
2. The Fatty Point Cut
3. Burnt Ends
4. Other

Wednesday’s Results:

What’s your favorite pie to have as a Texas desert?

1. Pecan: 21.3%
2. Coconut Cream: 15.9%
3. Apple: 14.1%
4. Cherry: 14.0%
5. Other: 12.7%
6. Lemon Meringue: 12.2%
7. Pumpkin: 9.8%

What was the first public university in Texas?

Show me the answer