No More Paper Vehicle Tags

Car buyers in Texas will no longer get temporary paper tags when they purchase a vehicle as a new state law goes into effect today. Paper tags issued before July 1 can be used until they expire, but dealerships are now required to issue permanent plates to in-state buyers.

House Bill 718 was passed in 2023 to combat widespread fraud involving fake paper tags, which have been used in crimes or to evade toll cameras. In 2021, at least 1.8 million vehicles on Texas roads weren’t properly registered, costing the state $125 million in revenue.

Now, vehicles must display permanent metal plates or one of several temporary metal plates for specific uses. Dealerships can issue blue plates for business use, green plates for out-of-state buyers, red plates for single-trip or 30-day permits, and purple plates for special cases when permanent plates are not available.

Private sellers must remove their plates and registration stickers when transferring a vehicle, and buyers must apply for new plates through their county tax office. “This will make it a lot more efficient, a lot cleaner, combat crime, all the things,” said Alan Helfman of Helfman River Oaks Jeep.

Houston Flood Projects Face $1.3B Shortfall

A Harris County official told commissioners Thursday that a $2.5 billion bond approved by voters in 2018 isn’t enough to pay for all 181 flood control projects it was intended to fund. The $1.3 billion shortfall is blamed on rising construction costs and changes in project scope.

Less than 30% of the allocated funds have been spent, and while 43 projects have been completed, most are still in the early planning or design stages. The news elicited finger-pointing and contentious discussion about funding priorities and the project approval process.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis complained that projects had not been prioritized according to a “people-first equity framework” adopted by the court in 2019. County Judge Lina Hidalgo suggested that the county’s procurement process is convoluted, expressing frustration that a security detail had not been provided for her recent trip to Paris.

Despite criticism from Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey that the “formula is flawed,” the court voted to prioritize projects according to the previously adopted framework. Staff was directed to compile an updated list of feasible projects and create an online dashboard where residents can track project status.

Big Bend Fossils Belong to ‘Gigantic’ Possum

Researchers at the University of Kansas have determined that fossils discovered decades ago in Big Bend National Park belong to a previously unknown species of marsupial-like mammals resembling “gigantic” possums.

Originally collected by the late Judith Schiebout of Louisiana State University, the molars and jaw fragments were recently analyzed by Kristen Miller, a doctoral student at Kansas, who reported her findings in a study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

The new species, Swaindelphys solastella, was about the size of a hedgehog—much larger than others in its genus. “Since everything is bigger in Texas, this is perhaps not surprising,” said Chris Beard, the study’s co-author.

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➤ Pasadena: Bianca Valerio was declared the winner of the June 7 runoff election for the District B seat on the city council after she won a coin toss yesterday. Valerio—the incumbent since 2021—and challenger Bruce Leamon each received 272 votes. (More)

➤ Diana: Walnut Creek Baptist Church celebrated 175 years of ministry this past weekend. “The church is constantly growing, and we’re so happy about that, and we know that’s the work of the Lord,” said 91-year-old member Lois Yocom. (Watch Video)

➤ Austin: The State Board of Education renewed its approval for the elective American Indian/Native Studies course in a bipartisan 9-5 vote on Friday. Several Republican members claimed the course conflicts with a new state law that prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public schools. (More)

➤ North Richland Hills: Malibu Jack’s, the state’s largest indoor theme park, opened last week. The 137,000-square-foot park’s attractions include go-karts, duckpin bowling, laser tag, two miniature golf courses, and a rollercoaster. (Watch Video)

➤ Dallas: A man driving an SUV with a damaged wheel led police on a slow-speed chase yesterday morning before he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The vehicle was inexplicably filled with volleyballs. (More)

➤ Georgetown: Homeowners next to a limestone quarry operated by Espinoza Stone and JB Stone have sued the two companies over unresolved complaints about dust and noise. “When you talk about being a good neighbor, they’re anything but a good neighbor,” said homeowner John Bivona. (See Details)

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➤ The Dallas Stars are bringing back Glen Gulutzan to fill their head coaching vacancy. Gulutzan last led the Stars 12 years ago, compiling a 64-57-9 record over two seasons. (More)

➤ The Houston Rockets signed forward Jabari Smith Jr. to a five-year, $122 million contract extension. (More)

➤ Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin will co-star in a Christmas movie with Stephen Baldwin set to release later this year. He will play the role of Pastor Dave Williams, who helps a Colombian woman find faith after drug lord Pablo Escobar orders her to kill her husband. (More)

➤ Texas A&M basketball’s Zhuric Phelps has signed a Summer League deal with the Dallas Mavericks, where he’ll compete for a spot on their G-League roster this upcoming season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ DoorDash has partnered with Israeli drone company Flytrex to deliver orders in parts of Granbury, Little Elm, and Frisco. Other service areas in DFW are expected to be added to the rollout soon. (More)

➤ Austin-based startup Hiro Technologies recently launched MycoDigestible Diapers, which use fungi to help break down the plastic after disposal. The company sells diaper bundles for $35 a week. (More)

➤ SpaceX is planning to build a new 700,000-square-foot gigabay facility at its Starbase complex to support production of its reusable Starship rocket. The facility is expected to cost $250 million. (More)

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➤ School bus drivers from across the country and Canada competed in a national skills competition at the Hays CISD transportation facility this past weekend. (See Details)

➤ Cassidy McCarthy, an incoming eighth grader at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s iUniversity Prep, won the National History Day contest last month. For her project, she built a website about the West Virginia Mine Wars in the early 1900s. (More)

➤ The 3,173-acre Spring Mesa Ranch 20 miles southeast of Abilene has been listed for $23.5 million. The estate includes a 2,182-foot mountain peak, 12 water wells, and a 16,770-square-foot hilltop residence with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms. (See Photos)

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Yesterday’s Results:

Are you in favor of building the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir?

1. Don’t care: 42%
2. Yes: 36%
3. No: 22%

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