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![Disaster Resource Center Opens in Bellville for Austin County Residents [VIDEO]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sba.gov/themes/custom/sba/dist/img/social/SBASEOImage.jpg?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1)
Disaster Resource Center Opens in Bellville for Austin County Residents [VIDEO]
In response to severe storms and flooding in Austin County from April 26, 2024, a Disaster Resource Center (DRC) will open in Bellville at the Bellville Police Department Training Center on 162 N Chesley St. Operating daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the center offers support following President Biden’s declaration of a major disaster on May 17, 2024, making Austin County eligible for federal assistance. Residents, homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by the disaster can access recovery resources, including low-interest federal disaster loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA), with application assistance available onsite or online at sba.gov/disaster.
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/eab61efe8ebdf11e388a2e128b4adf0b/0515%20AHS%20Opening%20MC%20TT%2033.JPG?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1 "Texas To Begin Construction This Year On Seven New Psychiatric Hospital Projects")
Texas To Begin Construction This Year On Seven New Psychiatric Hospital Projects
Texas is embarking on a $1.5 billion initiative to expand and modernize its psychiatric hospital system, aiming to address the growing mental health crisis. The plan includes constructing seven new facilities, including major projects in Amarillo, Lubbock, Terrell, Wichita Falls, Harlingen, and San Antonio, as well as expanding existing centers. These efforts are intended to enhance access to mental health professionals and high-quality treatments for Texans, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system or awaiting intensive psychiatric care.
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/5b56af6c133ad0d6836b66abfa1c3084/Austin%20Power%20Plant%20EG%20TT%2014.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Texas Electricity Demand Could Nearly Double In Six Years, Grid Operator Predicts")
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1f4a659a51788e2a7264aea24a74e630/Allred-Cruz%20Split.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Ted Cruz Leads Colin Allred By Double Digits In Latest UT Poll")
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/841a3ddc90f68b9b505c63094e276e51/Bump%20Stock%2002%20REUTERS.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Supreme Court Overturns Federal Bump Stock Ban, Siding With Austin Gun Dealer")
![Texas Victory: Federal Judge Rules $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill Unconstitutional, Backs Ken Paxton’s Challenge [VIDEO]](https://i1.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/glide/image/fetch/https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FRn5RkU0QvRs%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1)
Texas Victory: Federal Judge Rules $1.7 Trillion Spending Bill Unconstitutional, Backs Ken Paxton’s Challenge [VIDEO]
In a significant legal win for Texas and Attorney General Ken Paxton, a federal judge has declared the $1.7 trillion government funding bill passed in December 2022 unconstitutional. The ruling stems from the House of Representatives' use of proxy voting, which allowed members to vote without being physically present. This decision could pave the way for other states to challenge aspects of the spending bill.
![Record-Breaking Border Encounters Amid Worsening Crisis [VIDEO]](https://i2.wp.com/austincountynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/border-crisis.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1)
![German Farmers and Truckers Protest Against Government’s ‘Green’ Plan to End Diesel Tax Breaks [VIDEO]](https://i0.wp.com/nordictimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tractors-protest-germany.jpg?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1)
German Farmers and Truckers Protest Against Government’s ‘Green’ Plan to End Diesel Tax Breaks [VIDEO]
In a massive demonstration in Berlin, German farmers, truck drivers, and agricultural workers gathered to protest the government's 'green' plan to end tax breaks on diesel fuel. Finance Minister Christian Lindner informed the protesting farmers that the country has run out of money for further subsidies. Despite the government's justification of the cuts as 'required,' the farmers continue to demand a better solution to the government's 'green' plan that will not leave them financially strained.
![Drought Issues with the Panama Canal Are Driving Up Prices for Consumers Worldwide [VIDEO]](https://i0.wp.com/www.finnewsnetwork.com.au/newssystem/2023/Img5_360_230814.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1)
![Is Africa Becoming The New Middle-East? [VIDEO]](https://i3.wp.com/thumbnails.odycdn.com/optimize/s:1920:0/quality:85/plain/https://img.youtube.com/vi/1CTyvDffUXs/hqdefault.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1)
- Business & Economy
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![Chocolate Prices Set to Surge Amid Cocoa Supply Crisis [VIDEO]](https://i2.wp.com/austincountynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/chocolate.jpg?w=627&resize=627,376&ssl=1)
Chocolate Prices Set to Surge Amid Cocoa Supply Crisis [VIDEO]
Chocolate prices are set to rise sharply as cocoa costs soar past $11,000 per ton due to Federal Reserve policies, speculative trading, and adverse weather in West Africa. Despite previous hedging efforts, companies like Nestlé will increase prices, impacting consumers. Long-term investments in cocoa farming aim to stabilize supply, but product composition may change to adapt to higher costs.
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a0eb92fb41d595a805916ac8b2c4bb05/NY%20Stock%20Exchange%20REUTERS%20TT%2001.JPG?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Financiers Plan To Launch A Texas-Based Stock Exchange")
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b033aeb084ee5e515fb0ee2abc2a3c61/0510%20Beekeeping%20Field%20Day%20JV%2006.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "How a chance meeting helped Texas become the nation’s top beekeeping state")
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ab7acf273cbbd2e6c397740f1c5bde58/0420%20Light%20Bill%20RS%2001%20TT.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Texans Are Falling Behind On Their Light Bills — Especially During Extreme Heat")
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7a7e55d12dd7ce1a9ac10653a6d930a1/0502%20Livingston%20Flooding%20Drone%20Brothers%20TT%2007.JPG?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Plans To Spend Billions On A Flood-Prone East Texas Highway May Not Solve The Problem")
Texas To Begin Construction This Year On Seven New Psychiatric Hospital Projects
Texas is embarking on a $1.5 billion initiative to expand and modernize its psychiatric hospital system, aiming to address the growing mental health crisis. The plan includes constructing seven new facilities, including major projects in Amarillo, Lubbock, Terrell, Wichita Falls, Harlingen, and San Antonio, as well as expanding existing centers. These efforts are intended to enhance access to mental health professionals and high-quality treatments for Texans, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system or awaiting intensive psychiatric care.
Optimizing Genetics To Advance Controlled Environment Agriculture
Texas A&M AgriLife is bolstering its controlled environment horticulture program with the addition of Dr. Krishna Bhattarai, an expert in plant breeding and genetics. His research focuses on developing new cultivars optimized for controlled environment production, aiming to enhance traits like nutritional density, flavor, and growth habit. With a holistic approach, Texas A&M aims to lead innovation in this burgeoning field, offering growers sustainable and profitable solutions for premium produce.
- Agriculture
- Lifestyles
- Politics
Texas A&M’s Agricultural And Food Policy Center Key In Farm Bill Development
The Agricultural and Food Policy Center (AFPC) at Texas A&M University plays a pivotal role in shaping U.S. agricultural policy through its unbiased research and analysis, assisting legislative decision-makers in developing each new farm bill. Currently, the center is actively engaged in advising Congress on the 2024 Farm Bill, focusing on enhancing safety nets for farmers, addressing climate challenges, and supporting rural development and nutrition programs critical to American agriculture. As negotiations continue, the AFPC remains dedicated to providing essential data and insights to ensure the bill meets the diverse needs of agricultural stakeholders nationwide.
Keep Your Family Safe From Ticks
As warmer weather increases tick activity in Texas, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service urges outdoor enthusiasts to be vigilant. With 11 tick species in the state, including those that can transmit diseases like Lyme and Alpha-gal syndrome, precautions such as wearing light-colored clothing and checking pets and oneself after outdoor activities are essential. Keeping outdoor areas neat and consulting veterinarians for pet tick prevention can further reduce risks associated with these blood-feeding pests.
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0926dec47e170becb1033baf0cebead4/STAAR%20Testing%20Elsik%20High%20School%20PYH%2001.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Texas Students’ STAAR Scores Decline In Math And Science")
Texas A&M’s Agricultural And Food Policy Center Key In Farm Bill Development
The Agricultural and Food Policy Center (AFPC) at Texas A&M University plays a pivotal role in shaping U.S. agricultural policy through its unbiased research and analysis, assisting legislative decision-makers in developing each new farm bill. Currently, the center is actively engaged in advising Congress on the 2024 Farm Bill, focusing on enhancing safety nets for farmers, addressing climate challenges, and supporting rural development and nutrition programs critical to American agriculture. As negotiations continue, the AFPC remains dedicated to providing essential data and insights to ensure the bill meets the diverse needs of agricultural stakeholders nationwide.
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/599ee910cfcff1b6e40ed227110db457/0320%20TPPF%20Greg%20Abbott%20MC%20TT%2013.jpg?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "Abbott Appoints First Judges To New Appeals Court For Cases Involving State Government, Businesses")
:quality(75)/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/500258b67ea49bbbef388cd9b1fffc3c/Hugs%20Not%20Walls%20JH%20TT%2005?w=150&resize=150,150&ssl=1 "“Why Now?”: Biden’s New Immigration Policy To Limit Asylum Seekers Faces Quick Criticism In Texas")
- Blinn
- Sealy I.S.D.
- Bellville I.S.D.
- Brazos I.S.D.
- Faith Academy
Blinn Women Finish 10th, Men Place 15Th At NJCAA Division I National Tournaments
The Blinn College men's and women's golf teams showcased strong performances at their respective NJCAA Division I Championships. Led by coaches David Johnson and Gary Belt, the women's team achieved a notable 10th-place finish, with sophomore Emily Madely leading the charge at 35th individually. Meanwhile, the men's team, featuring standout sophomore Jacob Holloway's impressive 15th-place finish, displayed resilience and skill in their third-ever appearance at the national tournament.
Sealy FFA Shines at San Antonio Livestock Expo Livestock Judging Contest
Sealy FFA excelled at the San Antonio Livestock Expo's livestock judging contest, with over 1300 competitors. The Sealy Jr FFA Gold Team stood out as the SA Champion Junior Team, with individuals like Atalie Petrash and Ainsley Oliver ranking among the top performers.
Bellville High School Track Team Shines at District Meet
The Bellville High School track team excelled at the district meet, with several athletes and relay teams qualifying for the Area meet. Led by standout performances from DJ Sanders, Zamarion Thomas, and Allyson Skeen, the Brahma and Brahmanette athletes showcased their talent and determination on the track and in the field. They now look ahead to the upcoming meet, aiming to continue their success and advance further in the competition.
Brazos High School FFA Dairy Cattle Teams Excel at San Antonio Livestock Show
Brazos High School FFA Dairy Cattle teams shined at the San Antonio Livestock Show, securing impressive rankings amidst tough competition. Led by dedicated members the teams showcased their expertise in dairy cattle handling, grooming, and knowledge. Their outstanding performance highlights the school's commitment to agricultural education and excellence in livestock competitions.
Faith Academy Knights Varsity Basketball Split Games, Look Forward to Final Regular Season Matchup and Regional Tournament
The Varsity Knights had a mixed week, securing a solid win against Still Creek Christian with a score of 45-34 but falling short to Flatonia at 59-31. Players of the week were Josh Stark and Everett Yates for their outstanding contributions on the court. The Knights look forward to their final regular-season game against Shiner on February 13th before heading to the TAIAO Regional Basketball Tournament in Round Rock on February 15th and 16th.
