Overdue San Antonio Library Book Returned 82 Years Late
A book checked out from the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 was recently returned by a person who found it among their late father’s belongings and mailed it back with a brief note. Titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," the borrower’s correspondent believes the original checkout belonged to their grandmother when their father was 11. The library, which eliminated late fees in 2021, confirmed no fines would apply and placed the book on display at its central branch. Officials said the volume will later be sold in a used-book sale with proceeds benefiting the library. While notable, the 82-year gap isn’t the longest on record—some library books have been returned after more than a century.
A book checked out from the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 was recently returned by a person who found it among their late father’s belongings and mailed it back with a brief note. Titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," the borrower’s correspondent believes the original checkout belonged to their grandmother when their father was 11. The library, which eliminated late fees in 2021, confirmed no fines would apply and placed the book on display at its central branch. Officials said the volume will later be sold in a used-book sale with proceeds benefiting the library. While notable, the 82-year gap isn’t the longest on record—some library books have been returned after more than a century.
Lindt May Move Gold Bunny Production to U.S. to Avoid Tariffs
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli is reportedly weighing a plan to shift production of its gold-wrapped Easter bunnies and other hollow chocolate figures from Germany to the United States to sidestep a 15% import duty. Bloomberg sources say the move could involve up to $10 million (CHF8 million) in investments and coincide with shifting Canadian-bound production to Europe to dodge retaliatory tariffs. Lindt declined to confirm specific plans but notes it has been expanding U.S. capacity—such as at its Stratham, New Hampshire site—and routinely reviews where products are made. Company spokespeople frame the steps as part of broader efforts to boost production efficiency and optimize supply chains rather than purely tariff-driven. Any decisions would reflect rising trade costs and the continued recalibration of global manufacturing footprints.
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli is reportedly weighing a plan to shift production of its gold-wrapped Easter bunnies and other hollow chocolate figures from Germany to the United States to sidestep a 15% import duty. Bloomberg sources say the move could involve up to $10 million (CHF8 million) in investments and coincide with shifting Canadian-bound production to Europe to dodge retaliatory tariffs. Lindt declined to confirm specific plans but notes it has been expanding U.S. capacity—such as at its Stratham, New Hampshire site—and routinely reviews where products are made. Company spokespeople frame the steps as part of broader efforts to boost production efficiency and optimize supply chains rather than purely tariff-driven. Any decisions would reflect rising trade costs and the continued recalibration of global manufacturing footprints.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has kicked off a second special legislative session after Democrats ended the first by fleeing the state to block redistricting. This time, Democrats promise they’ll actually show up, giving the House a quorum on Monday. Abbott blasted them for “running away from responsibility,” claiming their absence stalled everything from flood relief to property tax cuts. Meanwhile, House Speaker Dustin Burrows put ivermectin - yes, the horse dewormer turned COVID folk remedy - on the priority list, thanks to Rep. Joanne Shofner’s push for over-the-counter sales. With Democrats back and ivermectin suddenly in the spotlight, Texas politics just got even weirder.
Texas Tech’s regents have voted to keep faculty senates - but only as advisory bodies, since Texas lawmakers decided professors shouldn’t have too much say in running universities. The shift follows Senate Bill 37, which killed “shared governance” at public institutions, effectively downgrading faculty from decision-makers to consultants. Texas Tech says the senates will still exist “in the spirit and letter of the law,” which is a polite way of saying they’ll talk but regents don’t have to listen. The board also passed a resolution to comply with another new law on free expression, meant to prevent campus protests from turning into another UT-Austin-style circus
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In Texas cattle country, ranchers brace as screwworms advance north
Fifth-generation rancher Kip Dove and others are preparing for the return of the flesh-eating screwworm after decades of eradication, recalling the devastating 1970s outbreak that killed and destroyed thousands of cattle. The parasitic fly, now advancing north from Central America, threatens up to $1.8 billion in damages to Texas’ economy and could push beef prices higher by removing calves from the supply. Efforts to control outbreaks rely heavily on sterile insect release, but a Panama factory racing to breed enough sterile flies is struggling to keep pace with rising cases. Veterinarians warn infections are increasing in livestock — and occasionally pets and humans — making U.S. reinfestation more likely despite boosted surveillance and response planning. Ranchers and state agencies are coordinating preparedness measures, including rapid detection, treatment protocols and stockpiling control resources.
Fifth-generation rancher Kip Dove and others are preparing for the return of the flesh-eating screwworm after decades of eradication, recalling the devastating 1970s outbreak that killed and destroyed thousands of cattle. The parasitic fly, now advancing north from Central America, threatens up to $1.8 billion in damages to Texas’ economy and could push beef prices higher by removing calves from the supply. Efforts to control outbreaks rely heavily on sterile insect release, but a Panama factory racing to breed enough sterile flies is struggling to keep pace with rising cases. Veterinarians warn infections are increasing in livestock — and occasionally pets and humans — making U.S. reinfestation more likely despite boosted surveillance and response planning. Ranchers and state agencies are coordinating preparedness measures, including rapid detection, treatment protocols and stockpiling control resources.
Special Session 2 opens at the Texas Capitol after quorum-break drama
The special session at the Texas Capitol ended abruptly on Friday when five House members were absent, prompting Speaker Dustin Burrows to adjourn and immediately call a second special session. The break followed Democrats leaving the floor two weeks earlier to deny quorum in protest of the state's redistricting plan, and their potential return was a central question as lawmakers reconvened. Speaker Burrows framed the adjournment as a reset to advance priorities including property tax relief, protections for the unborn, and measures on women’s private spaces, while warning that civil arrest warrants for absent lawmakers would remain in effect. Democrats maintain their quorum-busting tactic was a last-resort protest against what they view as an unfair map and rushed process. Both sides signaled an intensified fight ahead as the clock restarts on contested legislation.
The special session at the Texas Capitol ended abruptly on Friday when five House members were absent, prompting Speaker Dustin Burrows to adjourn and immediately call a second special session. The break followed Democrats leaving the floor two weeks earlier to deny quorum in protest of the state's redistricting plan, and their potential return was a central question as lawmakers reconvened. Speaker Burrows framed the adjournment as a reset to advance priorities including property tax relief, protections for the unborn, and measures on women’s private spaces, while warning that civil arrest warrants for absent lawmakers would remain in effect. Democrats maintain their quorum-busting tactic was a last-resort protest against what they view as an unfair map and rushed process. Both sides signaled an intensified fight ahead as the clock restarts on contested legislation.
Fort Worth’s Modern Art Museum is turning up the heat this fall with «David-Jeremiah: The Fire This Time», a bold showcase of Oak Cliff’s own rising star. The artist-already decorated with grants, solo shows from Dallas to New York, and even a Clark Art Institute spotlight-brings a mix of ritual, humor, and yes, Lamborghinis, to explore humanity’s endless contradictions. His fiery new works, including the final pieces of his dazzling EE series, smolder with themes of transcendence and transformation. After all, when your art literally ends with a cremated painting in a Lamborghini-inspired urn, you’re not just playing with fire-you’re making it the headline act.
Air Canada’s weekend drama is coming in for a landing: flights will resume Sunday after the government ordered more than 10,000 striking flight attendants back to work. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board told both Air Canada and its Rouge crews to report for duty by 2 p.m. ET, following months of failed contract talks over pay and scheduling. Ottawa’s solution? Binding arbitration-because nothing says “labor peace” like forcing everyone to keep flying until the lawyers sort it out.
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Texas STAAR scores inch up in reading and math, sparking debates over testing
New state STAAR results released Friday show slight gains: 54% of students met grade-level standards in reading (up from 53%) and 43% did so in math (up from 41%). The exams — given in grades 3–8 for reading and math, with additional science and social studies tests — remain a key measure used by the Texas Education Agency to rate schools and districts. Critics say the year-end STAAR places heavy burdens on students and families because of its length (sometimes up to seven hours) and stress, prompting repeated but so far unsuccessful legislative efforts to replace it with shorter tests. Political gridlock, including a recent quorum break by House Democrats, has stalled STAAR reform despite talk of another special session from Gov. Greg Abbott. Educators warn that raw scores mask local disparities — for example, campuses with many English learners can suffer low ratings that carry major consequences for communities.
New state STAAR results released Friday show slight gains: 54% of students met grade-level standards in reading (up from 53%) and 43% did so in math (up from 41%). The exams — given in grades 3–8 for reading and math, with additional science and social studies tests — remain a key measure used by the Texas Education Agency to rate schools and districts. Critics say the year-end STAAR places heavy burdens on students and families because of its length (sometimes up to seven hours) and stress, prompting repeated but so far unsuccessful legislative efforts to replace it with shorter tests. Political gridlock, including a recent quorum break by House Democrats, has stalled STAAR reform despite talk of another special session from Gov. Greg Abbott. Educators warn that raw scores mask local disparities — for example, campuses with many English learners can suffer low ratings that carry major consequences for communities.
Air Quality Monitored After Elevated Sulfur Dioxide Emissions at Valero in Texas City
Texas City emergency officials are investigating an “upset” at a Valero facility after reporting higher-than-normal sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and have deployed air monitoring in surrounding neighborhoods. As a precaution, portions of FM 519 to the South Loop (605 S Loop) were temporarily closed while responders checked conditions. By 6:45 p.m. air monitors in the area had not detected dangerous readings, according to the Texas City Office of Emergency Management. The EPA notes SO2 is a reactive gas produced by fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes and can affect respiratory health at elevated levels. Authorities continue monitoring and working with Valero to identify the cause and ensure public safety.
Texas City emergency officials are investigating an “upset” at a Valero facility after reporting higher-than-normal sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and have deployed air monitoring in surrounding neighborhoods. As a precaution, portions of FM 519 to the South Loop (605 S Loop) were temporarily closed while responders checked conditions. By 6:45 p.m. air monitors in the area had not detected dangerous readings, according to the Texas City Office of Emergency Management. The EPA notes SO2 is a reactive gas produced by fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes and can affect respiratory health at elevated levels. Authorities continue monitoring and working with Valero to identify the cause and ensure public safety.
Fort Worth just got a Hollywood-sized upgrade. The new 450,000-square-foot film and TV campus-the largest in Texas-opened in AllianceTexas, already hosting the second season of Paramount’s «Landman». Founded by «Yellowstone» creator Taylor Sheridan, SGS Studios aims to prove Texas can do more than cowboys and oil: think big sets, multiple productions at once, and enough space to “dream big” without city traffic. With plans to expand further and training programs through Tarrant County College, Fort Worth is betting on turning its wide-open spaces into a media mecca. Paramount and Sheridan promise it’s all serious storytelling… with a side of Texas-sized ambition.
Texas is breaking records-and not just in BBQ consumption. The state hit 14.3 million jobs in July, adding 232,500 over the past year and outpacing the national growth rate. Governor Abbott credits the “best business climate” and hardworking Texans, while rolling out career training programs and \$1.6 million in grants for South Texas technical education. With 15.8 million people in the labor force and unemployment steady at 4%, Texas isn’t just creating jobs-it’s practically building an economy as big as its sky.
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Texas is giving its driver’s licenses and state IDs a makeover, complete with shiny new security features that are supposedly harder for criminals to copy. Starting August 18, the cards are made from tamper-proof polycarbonate, feature a black laser-engraved star (because gold stars are apparently passé), and showcase Texas pride with flag colors, horses, and even a backup photo of you. DPS insists this redesign is all about protecting Texans from identity theft-though you’ll still get to keep your old license until it naturally expires. In short: your wallet just got a little more patriotic and a lot harder to fake.
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Plano ISD just gave hundreds of parents an unwanted workout plan: getting their kids to school without a bus. The district scrapped routes once considered “hazardous,” declaring them perfectly safe now-though parents trudging miles with backpacks may disagree. Around 950-1,300 students are affected, all thanks to inflation, driver shortages, and a \$20 million transportation bill. Officials insist it’s now on parents to figure it out, which is easy to say when you’re not the one carpooling half the neighborhood at 7 a.m.
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Texas Democrat Rep. Nicole Collier Refuses to Leave House Chambers
Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier stayed in the House chambers Monday after Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered quorum‑breaking Democrats to remain until they signed a pledge to be present when the House reconvenes Wednesday. The Democrats had briefly busted quorum two weeks earlier to block the state’s redistricting plan and returned to Austin amid tense negotiations. Burrows said the pledge was needed to ensure lawmakers would resume business, while Collier declined to sign and would not leave the floor. The standoff underscores continuing partisan clashes over redistricting and legislative procedure in the Texas Capitol. Both sides signaled they still hope for a resolution when members reconvene.
Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier stayed in the House chambers Monday after Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered quorum‑breaking Democrats to remain until they signed a pledge to be present when the House reconvenes Wednesday. The Democrats had briefly busted quorum two weeks earlier to block the state’s redistricting plan and returned to Austin amid tense negotiations. Burrows said the pledge was needed to ensure lawmakers would resume business, while Collier declined to sign and would not leave the floor. The standoff underscores continuing partisan clashes over redistricting and legislative procedure in the Texas Capitol. Both sides signaled they still hope for a resolution when members reconvene.
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CDC: COVID-19 cases rising nationwide, Texas among hotspots as schools reopen
The CDC reports COVID-19 infections are increasing across 24 states, with Texas showing a higher positivity rate (11.8%) than the national average (8.9%). Emergency visits for COVID are up for all ages, including a noticeable rise in children under 12, though percentages remain relatively low. Wastewater surveillance shows nationally low viral levels but “very high” activity in Texas, signaling local hotspots. Health leaders warn that returning to school may accelerate spread and urge caution without causing panic. Experts emphasize COVID-19 is becoming endemic and will continue to circulate, requiring ongoing vigilance and targeted public-health measures.
The CDC reports COVID-19 infections are increasing across 24 states, with Texas showing a higher positivity rate (11.8%) than the national average (8.9%). Emergency visits for COVID are up for all ages, including a noticeable rise in children under 12, though percentages remain relatively low. Wastewater surveillance shows nationally low viral levels but “very high” activity in Texas, signaling local hotspots. Health leaders warn that returning to school may accelerate spread and urge caution without causing panic. Experts emphasize COVID-19 is becoming endemic and will continue to circulate, requiring ongoing vigilance and targeted public-health measures.
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Tarrant County just voted to slash the number of polling places ahead of November’s election-because nothing says “democracy” like fewer places to vote. Officials claim the cuts, which could save about \$1 million, are all about efficiency and accessibility, though critics call it what it looks like: voter suppression that hits students and communities of color hardest. The plan chops early voting sites nearly in half, though some campuses and community centers were grudgingly added back after pushback. Commissioners clashed, with one noting that people literally “bled and died” for the right to vote, while others insisted penny-pinching was the priority. Translation: fewer polling places, more political drama, and a whole lot of Texans stuck in longer lines.
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The FDA has issued a very 2025-sounding warning: don’t eat Walmart’s Great Value frozen shrimp, because it may come with a side of radiation. Customs officials flagged shipments from an Indonesian supplier after detecting Cesium-137-a man-made isotope best known for showing up after nuclear disasters. The FDA insists no shrimp has officially tested positive yet, but since the company packed seafood under “unsanitary conditions” (apparently radioactive counts as unsanitary), the products are being recalled in 13 states. Translation: if your bargain shrimp glows in the dark, don’t eat it.3
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Texas Democrats refuse surveillance “permission slips,” stay in chamber to block GOP redistricting
Texas Democrats tore up or refused to sign new “permission slips” requiring Department of Public Safety escorts as they pushed back against a Republican bid to hold a Wednesday vote on contested congressional maps. Dozens of Democrats had fled the state for other Democratic-led states to prevent a quorum and stall redistricting tied to national GOP efforts to reshape the 2026 battleground. On return, Republicans demanded round‑the‑clock trooper escorts and written consent to leave the chamber; Representative Nicole Collier and several colleagues instead remained on the floor in protest. Lawmakers reported plainclothes officers following them to homes and errands, a step Democrats called demeaning and an escalation of an already bitter map fight. The standoff underscores deep partisan tensions over redistricting and election stakes ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Texas Democrats tore up or refused to sign new “permission slips” requiring Department of Public Safety escorts as they pushed back against a Republican bid to hold a Wednesday vote on contested congressional maps. Dozens of Democrats had fled the state for other Democratic-led states to prevent a quorum and stall redistricting tied to national GOP efforts to reshape the 2026 battleground. On return, Republicans demanded round‑the‑clock trooper escorts and written consent to leave the chamber; Representative Nicole Collier and several colleagues instead remained on the floor in protest. Lawmakers reported plainclothes officers following them to homes and errands, a step Democrats called demeaning and an escalation of an already bitter map fight. The standoff underscores deep partisan tensions over redistricting and election stakes ahead of the 2026 midterms.
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Texas names Bobby Lumpkin as next TDCJ chief amid staffing crisis
Bobby Lumpkin, currently chief operations officer, was named executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and will assume the role Sept. 1, succeeding Bryan Collier, who retires Aug. 31 after nine years. Lumpkin began his career with TDCJ in 1990 as a correctional officer and will now oversee more than 100 prisons and roughly 140,000 inmates. His promotion comes as the agency faces a severe staffing shortage and high turnover that regulators say threaten employee and inmate safety. Lawmakers have proposed funding increases, pay raises and targeted salary adjustments aimed at stabilizing staffing levels. Observers say Lumpkin’s deep institutional experience will be tested by urgent operational and recruitment challenges in the months ahead.
Bobby Lumpkin, currently chief operations officer, was named executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and will assume the role Sept. 1, succeeding Bryan Collier, who retires Aug. 31 after nine years. Lumpkin began his career with TDCJ in 1990 as a correctional officer and will now oversee more than 100 prisons and roughly 140,000 inmates. His promotion comes as the agency faces a severe staffing shortage and high turnover that regulators say threaten employee and inmate safety. Lawmakers have proposed funding increases, pay raises and targeted salary adjustments aimed at stabilizing staffing levels. Observers say Lumpkin’s deep institutional experience will be tested by urgent operational and recruitment challenges in the months ahead.
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Fort Worth is rolling out a pilot program that warns drivers about flooded roads - before they barrel straight into them. Sensors at four locations now send real-time alerts to phones and car infotainment systems via apps like Waze and Apple Maps, rather than relying only on flashing lights and barricades that many motorists simply ignore. “Our crews keep watching people drive right around the barricades,” said stormwater official Jennifer Dyke, noting the hope is to reroute drivers earlier, when turning away is still an easy choice. The city’s bet: a nudge from your GPS might save more lives than a blinking light on the roadside.