No comments:

Monday, January 6, 2025

Good morning! On this day in 1882, Sam Rayburn was born in Kingston, Tennessee. He represented much of Northeast Texas in the U.S. House from 1913 to 1961. Beginning in 1940, he served as Speaker of the House for all but four years until his death.

We hope you're staying warm as the polar vortex descends on the state. Let us know what you've done to prepare (if anything) for this week's cold snap—and weigh in on what you think "cold" is in today's poll!

Later today, we'll be sending you a special message featuring our sponsor, GoldCo, and their strategies to help safeguard your savings. We hope you'll find their insights valuable and timely.

Achieving your life goals—both in your career and beyond—requires sustained productivity. However, let's be honest: the aging process often challenges our energy and productivity levels. That's why we're excited to introduce today's sponsor, Qualia Senolytic.

PETA Accuses Border Patrol of Animal Cruelty

The U.S. Border Patrol Union of the Rio Grande Valley is pushing back against allegations that one of its agents abused a K-9 dog in a viral video captured by a Corpus Christi resident at the Falfurrias checkpoint on New Year's Day.

In the video, an agent is seen hitting the K-9 several times with her knee. The alarmed witness, Jessica Pena, got out of her car to ask the agent to stop, but she was told to return to her vehicle.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called for an independent investigation into the incident and the removal of the dog from the handler's custody.

The agency agreed to conduct an investigation. Meanwhile, the union stated the behavior in question was not abuse and that the agent was "utilizing proper corrective techniques as she was trained to do."

Texas Has 19 of the Nation's 20 Least-Insured Counties

According to a study by SmartAsset, Texas has 19 of the 20 counties in the nation with the highest rates of uninsured individuals under age 65.

While four counties along the border in South Texas top the list for the highest rates of uninsured residents—between 29% and 32%—over 23% of the under-65 population in the following counties don’t have health insurance: Ector (Odessa), Potter (Amarillo), Dallas, Harris, and El Paso.

Bastrop County (Central TX), Nueces County (Corpus Christi), and several counties in East and Southeast Texas also made the list.

According to the study, the average annual premium for an individual was nearly $9,000 last year, while the premium for a family of four was an estimated $25,500.

Slaton Harvey House Named State Historic Site

The Texas Historical Commission named a 1912 diner in Slaton as the state's 40th historic site, capping an effort that began in 1989 to preserve it for future generations.

Slaton's Harvey House is one of several establishments that entrepreneur Fred Harvey built along the Santa Fe Railway routes between Chicago and San Francisco and from Galveston to Los Angeles, providing quality food to travelers in the sparsely populated frontier.

The Harvey House was converted to a passenger and freight depot in 1942 and abandoned altogether in the 1980s. It was slated for demolition in 1989, but a group of local residents raised funds to restore the building and turn it into a museum with a bed and breakfast.

"It's huge for West Texas and for those of us who have toiled and labored for 30-plus years. It's especially gratifying because it's gonna guarantee that it will survive for generations," Slaton Railroad Heritage Association board member Tony Privett said.

Flying together with our sponsor

As we age, our bodies accumulate "senescent" or "zombie" cells—old, worn-out cells that no longer serve a useful function but still consume space and nutrients from healthy cells. These cells contribute to aging symptoms, such as aches, slower workout recovery, and reduced mental and physical energy.

Much like pruning dead leaves from a plant, Qualia Senolytic helps remove these cells, allowing the body's healthier cells to thrive. This clinically tested formula is designed to rejuvenate cellular health and revitalize aging tissues, offering a potential breakthrough in supporting longevity and overall well-being.

Right now, use code FLYOVER for 15% off all purchases from Qualia Life.

➤ Nathan Hecht, the Texas Supreme Court's longest-serving justice, retired last week at the age of 75, as required by the state constitution. Gov. Greg Abbott, who served with Hecht as a justice from 1996 to 2001, is tasked with appointing his successor. (More)

➤ U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R-McKinney), one of three Republicans who initially refused to back Mike Johnson for reelection as Speaker of the House, reportedly switched his vote after speaking with President-elect Donald Trump. (More)

➤ Val Verde County: Four members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang were arrested on Dec. 31 after allegedly crossing the border illegally. DPS agents reported confirming the migrants' gang affiliation after obtaining consent to search their phones. (More)

➤ Dallas: Over 500 animals, mostly birds, died from smoke inhalation during a fire at a shopping center on Friday. No human injuries were reported. (More)

➤ Payne Springs: Firefighters used an oxygen mask to revive a dog rescued from a mobile home fire on Thursday. (See Photos)

➤ Houston: Social media influencer Corey Pritchett Jr. has been accused of kidnapping two women in November before fleeing the country for Dubai on Dec. 9. (See Details)

➤ Austin: Game wardens apprehended two fishermen last week for using a speargun to illegally harvest 18 black bass, weighing a total of 76 pounds, from Lady Bird Lake. (See Photos)

Enjoy reading The Texas Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family.

➤ The Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-14, finishing the regular season with a 10-7 record atop the AFC South. They'll play the Chargers in the Wildcard Round this coming weekend. (More)

➤ The Dallas Cowboys finished their disappointing season with a 7-10 record after a 23-19 loss to the playoffs-bound Washington Commanders. Trey Lance got the start at quarterback, completing 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards and rushing for 26 more. (More)

➤ Thomas Harley scored a game-winning goal in overtime to help the Dallas Stars defeat the Utah Hockey Club 3-2. (Watch Video)

➤ San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama wowed fans by crossing up former NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and sinking a deep three-point shot. (Watch Video)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Get Back Your Natural Glow! Ageless Multi-Collagen Protein Powder is a revolutionary blend of premium natural collagen that fights signs of aging and restores youthfulness to your skin, hair, and nails. It's tasteless, easy to mix (no clumps), and delivers amazing results! (See It Here)

➤ Austin is the second-best metro area for tech in the South, according to real estate website CommercialCafe. Washington, D.C., which isn't traditionally considered part of the South, came in first. (More)

➤ Colorado-based Real Capital Solutions purchased The Tower at Park Lane, a 20-story office tower in Dallas, for $66 million. The 509,818-square-foot property was sold in 2017 for around $120 million, according to sources. (More)

➤ Canadian Pacific Kansas City completed construction on the $100 million Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge in Laredo last month. The second railway connecting Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, the 1,150-foot bridge is expected to double freight capacity over the Rio Grande. (See Photo)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Losing your hearing? Don't pay $2,500+ for a prescription, try this new OTC Hearing Aid for only $189 from Audien Atom! (See It Here)

Flying together with our sponsor

Qualia Senolytic is a simple, two-day-per-month regimen that harnesses the combined power of complementary, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients. Backed by new research on aging, including clinical studies, it highlights the importance of senolytic supplementation in enhancing the aging process. With a 100-day money-back guarantee, this innovative approach provides a convenient way to support cellular health and combat the effects of aging.

Right now use code: FLYOVER for 15% off all purchases from Qualia Life.

➤ A young alligator was relocated to a freshwater habitat after a marine biologist found it on the beach in Port Aransas. "Thought it was dead until I reached down and tugged at its tail," said Jace Tunnell of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. (See Photos)

➤ Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer recently got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, entrepreneur and model Katarina Elizabeth Miketin. Miketin announced the engagement on her Instagram page last Thursday. (See Post)

➤ Corpus Christi firefighter and paramedic Mario Martinez created a YouTube channel, Amateur EMS, to share what to do in emergency situations. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Peeps™ are a revolutionary new way to get spotless lenses. They clean perfectly every time and are trusted by leading optometrists worldwide. Keep your glasses crystal clear; no cloth required! (See It Here)