SUMMARY: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has reintroduced a bill to designate Houthi rebels as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), a label removed by the Biden administration in 2021. Cruz criticized this decision, claiming it enabled Houthi attacks on civilians, Israel, and commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He argues that re-designation would impose stricter sanctions on Houthi suppliers. The Houthis, who overthrew the Yemeni government in 2014, continue to threaten regional stability and have received support from Iran. The bill, co-sponsored by several Republican senators, aims to restore sanctions to counter rising terrorist threats linked to the Houthis under Biden’s policies.

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SUMMARY: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced a projected $24 billion surplus, surpassing previous estimates. The state expects $194.6 billion in revenue for general-purpose spending in the 2026-2027 biennium, up from earlier forecasts. Despite economic challenges, Texas’ economy has outperformed the national average. Hegar stressed the importance of thoughtful spending decisions, highlighting the ongoing struggles with high living costs. Oil and gas revenues are significant, but no reserves are expected for the Rainy Day Fund due to its record-high balance. Sales taxes remain the state’s largest revenue source, projected to reach $94.2 billion in 2026-2027. Hegar cautioned about potential economic disruptions.

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SUMMARY: Orlena Mehrabian’s property in Round Rock has become a construction site due to Atmos Energy’s pipeline project, which involves replacing a 4-inch gas line with a 16-inch line. Atmos Energy claims existing easement rights, inherited from Lone Star Gas Company, which acquired the easement in 1928 for $39. This allows them to expand the easement’s width from 20 feet to 50 feet, affecting Mehrabian’s land. Concerned homeowners have circulated petitions requesting the pipeline be rerouted along roadways for safety. Atmos Energy acknowledges the disruption but asserts they are adhering to easement laws and maintaining communication with landowners.

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