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Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1844, President Anson Jones expelled Duff Green from the Republic of Texas after he attempted to sell Jones on a scheme to claim the northern provinces of Mexico for Texas.

A bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers is opposing a Trump executive order that preempts state regulations on the development and use of artificial intelligence. Get the details here, and let us know what you think in today's Poll.

In today's Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown takes a closer look at a handful of pivotal Senate races that could shape control of the chamber in 2026, breaking down the candidates and key dynamics to watch. Watch the episode here.

Today's sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is urging readers to take a hard look at whether their retirement savings are truly prepared for rising healthcare costs, market volatility, and an uncertain economic future.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

New Laws Take Effect Jan. 1

Several new state laws take effect on Jan. 1. Among the most consequential are a regulatory framework governing artificial intelligence and a requirement for app stores to restrict minors from downloads and purchases. However, the implementation of both laws is in question due to a recent Trump executive order and pending lawsuits.

Another significant law is Senate Bill 8, which requires sheriffs of counties with populations over 100,000 to enter into immigration enforcement agreements with ICE through the federal 287(g) program. Counties must comply with the law by Dec. 1, 2026, and grants are available for counties with fewer than a million residents.

Laws pertaining to property tax rates will take effect, including a voter-approved measure to increase the exemption amount for businesses' tangible personal property, a requirement for local taxing entities to explain how tax rates are calculated, and laws governing the implementation of heightened tax rates following disasters.

Other statutes streamline the application process for unemployment benefits, allow courts to order the eviction of squatters without a trial, and create a temporary exemption from oil and gas severance taxes for operators who revive inactive wells.

Prominent Businessman Murdered

Eddy Betancourt, a prominent South Texas businessman and appointee of Gov. Greg Abbott, was found shot to death at a McAllen business on Saturday after a 911 call from an unidentified person.

Betancourt, 61, operated a remodeling business, served as vice chair of the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors, and was appointed to the Texas Facilities Commission in 2020 and 2023. Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez described Betancourt as a "dear friend of mine."

Authorities have identified Reynaldo Mata-Rios, 60, as a suspect in the shooting. He reportedly indicated he would turn himself in, but as of yesterday afternoon, he had not yet done so. The relationship between the two men is unclear.

"People are shocked. People are very, very surprised and sad about it. May he rest in peace," Mission City Councilman Ruben Plata said.

Shaq Sponsors 7-Foot-3 Police Cadet

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has agreed to pay for 7-foot-3-inch Jordan Wilmore to attend the Kemah Police Department's academy again after the 24-year-old failed his state peace officer exam by just one point.

O'Neal, who won four NBA championships after graduating from San Antonio's Robert G. Cole High School, has held community outreach roles as a deputy and reserve officer for several agencies across the country.

If he's successful in passing the exam on his second attempt, Wilmore, 24, would become the state's tallest police officer. Police Chief Raymond Garivey has promised to have a custom squad car built for Wilmore if he passes. "He wants to serve," Garivey said.

"I wanted to just let him know he's got my full support," Shaq said. "I'm going to be on you, brother. Make sure you get it done."

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➤ Roughly 600 private schools have applied to participate in the state's new education savings account program, which received $1 billion in funding for the 2026-27 school year. The application window opened on Dec. 9. (More)

➤ College Station: The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved a tuition freeze through the 2026-27 school year. Tuition at each of the system's schools has held steady since 2021. (More)

➤ McKinney: Former city manager Leonard "Frank" Ragan, 73, and his wife Jackie Ragan, 72, were found dead in their home on Sunday. When police arrived at the residence, they encountered the couple's 34-year-old son, Bryce Ragan, who was shot after he allegedly refused to drop his weapon. (More)

➤ Grand Prairie: A police officer was injured while responding to an apparent murder-suicide involving a 62-year-old man and his wife. The couple's son called authorities after he was shot by his father. (More)

➤ Bexar County: Judge Michele Garcia, Bexar County justice of the peace for Precinct 4, has died following a battle with cancer. She was elected in 2022 and did not file for reelection. (More)

➤ Laredo: City leaders and engineering consultants met with Mexican officials before Christmas to discuss plans for expanding the World Trade Bridge and the Laredo–Colombia Solidarity Bridge. Mayor Victor Trevino called the project "one of the most significant bridge expansions in U.S. history." (More)

➤ Travis County: Elon Musk's social media platform X is funding the legal defense of Williamson County GOP chair Michelle Evans, who is the subject of a criminal investigation stemming from her sharing of a photo of a transgender activist in the women's restroom of the Texas State Capitol in May 2023. (More)

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➤ Texas Tech men's basketball defeated Winthrop 87-57 on Sunday to win their 46th consecutive non-conference home game. Their last non-conference home loss was against Kentucky in January 2020. (More)

➤ Dallas Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont is reportedly reluctant to trade Anthony Davis until he sees him play with Kyrie Irving, who's currently recovering from a torn ACL. Irving could return by late January, while the trade deadline is February 5. (More)

➤ Midwestern State University men's soccer won the NCAA Division II championship earlier this month in a 2-0 victory over Rollins College. It was the Mustangs' first national title in any sport. (More)

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➤ Austin-based suit designer Rick Soto has provided custom suits for some of the biggest names in professional and college sports, including Michael Vick, Bijan Robinson, Micah Parsons, and Arch Manning. (See Photos)

➤ Texas businesses reported year-over-year wage growth of 3.5% in December, down from 4.3% the previous year, according to a survey of 300 executives conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. (More)

➤ Union Pacific Railroad plans to build a 2,040-acre industrial complex in Rosenberg. The company has described the Mainline Texas Industrial Park as "one of the state's most robust industrial offerings." (More)

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➤ The Allen Eagle Escadrille is the only high school band from Texas that will participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day. Students left for Pasadena, California, on Sunday. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, 14-year-old Thomas Hawthorne of Sabine will march in the Rose Parade with the Bands of America Honor Band, becoming the third member of his family to do so. His father participated in the 2005 parade, and his grandfather participated in the 1971 parade. (More)

➤ Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins met with the family of 12-year-old Adrian Gonzalez before the team's last home game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Gonzalez died of cerebral palsy in September and was buried in Collins' jersey. (More)

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Should the federal government preempt state regulations on the development and use of AI?

Yesterday's Results:

Do you use an app to share your location with friends or family?

Yes: 43%
No: 57%

What science fiction action film prominently features the Fort Worth Water Gardens?

Show me the answer

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