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Today’s Big Stories
1. Additional 500 miles of border barriers to be installed on Rio Grande, Noem says
Border security efforts continue to ramp up in Texas after Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced an additional 500 miles of floating water barriers will be installed on the Rio Grande.
According to The Texas Tribune, Noem said 130 miles of the buoys — which can measure up to 15 feet in length and 4 feet in diameter — are already under contract and being installed as of Wednesday.
2. A look at the Democratic primary for Texas comptroller
The Texas Comptroller has the power of the purse in Texas. The state’s economy is the eighth largest in the world, and the comptroller tracks the state’s revenue and gives guidance to the Legislature. Three Democrats are vying for the seat currently held by interim Comptroller Kelly Hancock: two-term state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, Houston Independent School District Trustee Savant Moore and finance professional Michael Lange.
3. Stars’ Roope Hintz had 12 shots in skid-ending win. That’s the most since the team moved to Dallas
Roope Hintz did all he could to make sure the Dallas Stars’ losing streak would not reach seven games.
Hintz put 12 shots on net at Washington on Wednesday night to set a record for the most in a single game since the team moved to Texas from Minnesota in 1993. His 12th and final shot with 18.6 seconds left became the empty-net goal that sealed a 4-1 victory against the Capitals.
Notes for Tomorrow
Friday, Jan. 9
Remaining Producers Guild Awards nominations announced
Luigi Mangione in court, charged in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO outside New York hotel
World Meteorological Organization annual release on 2025 global temperatures
U.S. Supreme Court convenes for a public non-argument session
In Case You Missed It
Slow rebuilding for Leander resident after July 5 flood
In northwest Travis County, residents in Leander are still recovering after the Sandy Creek area experienced deadly floods on July 5.
The area has been quiet, partly because of fewer houses on the streets after being swept away by raging waters from the creek. Leander resident Jermaine Jarmon had his leg trapped in the debris when his house was filling with water. He suffered injuries to his left leg, but it was nothing compared to the other loss he endured.