Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

The Roundup

Article Icon 1 Feds Halt Natural Gas Exports

The Biden administration announced a pause on future exports of liquefied natural gas, directly impacting all facilities along the Gulf Coast. The decision is part of a policy review to evaluate how natural gas impacts energy costs, security, and climate change.

While the move has been praised by environmentalists, it’s being criticized by some who view it as a costly political maneuver. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham had this to say in response:

“This reckless federal decision made merely a day after Texas took a bold stand in defending our border against foreign invaders appears more like retaliation than a sound policy decision.”

Texas ranks as one of the largest exporters of natural gas in the nation. The pause is expected to last for several months with no confirmed end date.

Article Icon 1Merit-Based Funding for Community Colleges

Texas is implementing a new performance-based funding model for community colleges, allocating $683 million to institutions that embrace merit-based metrics in student success.

The model, introduced through House Bill 8, will reward colleges with additional funding for helping students complete high-demand credentials on time. The list of high-demand careers will be created by the Texas Workforce Commission, the Governor’s office, and impacted colleges. The list is expected to be updated every two years.

This approach is unique to Texas and is designed to address the state’s workforce needs by supplying more students who are qualified to fill critical jobs.

Article Icon 1 Visit Germany in Texas

If you want to visit Germany without paying for the expensive travel, you might consider visiting these unique Texan towns steeped in German culture.

One popular spot is Fredericksburg—a vibrant city filled with German history and wineries.

Walburg may not be as large as Fredericksburg, but it boasts unique Bavarian food and music in its classic beer hall.

Check out the whole selection to see if there’s a German town for you.


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Around Texas

➤ A San Antonio woman is retiring from the federal government with full benefits despite being charged with ten counts of embezzling over $100 million from the U.S. Army. She worked as a Finance Manager at Fort Sam Houston. (More

➤ Austin: A local family escaped a burning apartment thanks to their air purifier. The smoke-filled air caused the purifier to emit a loud beeping sound that persisted while the smoke alarms stayed silent. (Video)

 Abilene: An ongoing investigation into a B-1 Supersonic Bomber crash in South Dakota forced an undisclosed number of B-1 bombers and supporting personnel to relocate to Dyess Air Force Base. (More)

➤ The Fort Worth City Council approved $182M for transportation projects on the east side of town. The city’s plan includes improved roadways, electric vehicle charging stations, internet fiber, and high-speed rail stations. Residents worry that construction would damage historical buildings in the area. (Video

➤ A Houston man has been arrested for posing as a funeral director and mortician. He allegedly mishandled bodies and forged signatures to obtain life insurance funds, stealing thousands from over 50 people. (More)

 Longview: Students in LeTourneau University’s LUNAR Project have qualified for NASA’s National Launch Challenge. For the first time, LeTourrneau students will launch rockets against other schools for a $5,000 prize. (More)

Texas Sports

➤ Louise Virginia Owen of Lubbock celebrated her 102nd birthday by watching the Texas Tech Lady Raiders last weekend. Family and well-wishers sent “Virginia” 178 cards to commemorate the accomplishment. (More

➤ Johnell Davis of Florida Atlantic University capped off a 28-point effort with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in a 66-63 victory over North Texas. (See Video

The San Antonio Spurs mascot, The Coyote, donned a Bat-Man costume and ran onto the court with a net in hand and captured a real bat. (See Video

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➤ Kailo is the future of pain relief. It’s an all-natural pain patch that works in 60 seconds. (Video)

The Business Of Texas

Jumbo Beverages, a North Texas beer and beverage distributor, has announced plans to close its distribution center and lay off 109 employees. The company services 4,000 customers in the DFW area and offered no explanation for the action. (More

➤ Texas factories had a weak start to 2024 as facilities suffered a dip in new orders and shipments. The January decline reduced manufacturing to the lowest levels since 2020. (More

Church’s Texas Chicken, a fast-food chain started in San Antonio, was featured on Hulu’s “Superhot: The Spicy World of Pepper People.” Church’s search for the perfect pepper appears in episodes eight and nine. (More)  

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Et Cetera

➤ Farmers Branch: The Dallas Police Department and Fort Worth Firefighter hockey teams faced off in a fundraiser for a Dallas officer who had a stroke. (Video)

➤ Houston Methodist Hospital staffers were invited to attend the 2024 Arab Health Conference in the United Arab Emirates. The hospital is expected to share its ongoing bone density research at The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center. (More)

➤ The Texas Department of State Health Services has created a new online dashboard that provides real-time updates on the main three respiratory viruses: Influenza, COVID-19, & RSV. (More)

The Polling Station

 Which is Your Favorite Six Flags park in Texas?

  1. Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington
  2. Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio

Friday’s Results:

  Which fast food chain makes the best burger?

  1. Whataburger: 28%
  2. McDonalds: 26%
  3. Wendy’s: 12.8%
  4. In-n-Out: 12.1%
  5. Sonic: 8.1%
  6. Burger King: 8.0%
  7. Other: 4.9%
Texas Trivia

What popular soda was invented in Waco, Texas?

Show me the answer

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