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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SUMMARY: The UTSA Women’s Basketball team is having the best start in program history, with a 5-0 record in conference play, tying a school record. They could break this record in their upcoming game against Memphis. Key to their success is strong team chemistry, including the addition of Nina, which allowed Sidney Love to shift to a scoring guard position. The team’s bond was further strengthened during a Thanksgiving trip to Puerto Rico, where they experienced Nina’s culture and met her family. This trip deepened their camaraderie, creating an almost unbreakable connection that has fueled their success.

With a win against Memphis on Wednesday night, the UTSA Roadrunners would set a new school record for the best start in conference play.

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