Texas A&M University System to Launch Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies in Fort Worth
April 24, 2025 – The Texas A&M University System is proud to announce the establishment of the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing research and development in emerging aviation technologies. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) will lead the initiative, leveraging the Autonomy Research Institute’s (ARI) extensive experience as an FAA-designated UAS System Test Site. The laboratory component of the Center will be located at Texas A&M-Fort Worth.
The CAAT will leverage the region’s robust aviation sector and strong university network. The announcement comes as a result of a provision authored by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which authorized the creation of a federal research center focused on innovative aviation technologies, including drones, air taxis, and supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
“I’m grateful to see the Texas A&M System leading this initiative and cultivating the next generation of aviation leaders,” Cruz said. “When I authored the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, I wrote the language creating the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies with the express intention of bringing that Center to the Dallas-Fort Worth area because of the groundbreaking innovation occurring there. I’m confident this new research and testing center will help the private sector create thousands of high-paying jobs and grow the Texas economy through billions in new investments.”
Chairman Robert Albritton of the Texas A&M System credited Sen. Cruz for taking the lead on such an important matter.
“The researchers of the Texas A&M System are eager to take on the challenges put forth by Sen. Cruz,” Albritton said. “The airspaces of the United States soon will look very different, and I am confident that A&M System experts will make the skies as safe as possible when the newest aviation technologies take flight. The entire Board of Regents enthusiastically look forward to this project and the difference in air safety it will make for all Americans.”
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp added that he is proud that the System was selected to lead the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies.
“This initiative represents a significant opportunity to harness the expertise of our member institutions and drive innovation in the aviation industry,” Sharp said. “We are committed to fostering collaboration among universities, private organizations and government entities to advance the integration of cutting-edge aviation technologies.”
The CAAT will serve as a hub for research and testing, utilizing the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Autonomy Research Institute (ARI), which is designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a UAS test site. The institute will conduct controlled testing of unmanned aircraft systems and other advanced technologies, facilitating the safe integration of innovative solutions into the national airspace.
“Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s and ARI’s involvement in the CAAT solidifies our role as pioneers in the rapidly evolving field of unmanned flight,” said Dr. Kelly M. Miller, President and CEO of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. “The university’s vision for growth in this cutting-edge field began 11 years ago when ARI first became an FAA test site. We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the A&M System and for the steadfast support we’ve received locally from the City of Corpus Christi and the Texas Legislature, which has been instrumental in advancing ARI’s mission and cultivating the next generation of aviation leaders.”
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, who will take over as chancellor of the A&M System in July, said he is thankful to Sen. Cruz for the tireless work he put into authoring the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and creating the CAAT.
“This represents a tremendous victory for the Texas A&M System and the Lone Star State,” Hegar said. “Nearly 30 entities from across the nation fought hard to secure this opportunity, but the Texas A&M System was perfectly positioned to make this visionary endeavor a reality.”
Hegar added that he is pleased to hear Secretary Duffy citing the academic programs, strategic partnerships and innovative infrastructure when the announcement was made.
The center will bring together 19 member institutions of the Texas A&M System, as well as partners from the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, and other esteemed organizations. This collaborative effort aims to create a dynamic ecosystem that fosters innovation, supports job creation, and drives investment in the aviation sector.
“The FAA is committed to advancing new and emerging aviation technologies, as well as innovative aviation concepts and services, including advanced air mobility, powered-lift aircraft, and other cutting-edge aviation technologies — all areas where ARI excels,” said Mike Sanders, Executive Director of ARI. “As highly innovative, yet undeniably disruptive, unmanned aircraft technologies reshape our skies, we acknowledge that sharing space with manned airspace is more than a technical challenge; it’s a matter of doing it with transparency and safety.”
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $7.3 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS, the Texas A&M System educates more than 165,000 students and makes more than 25.3 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceed $1.5 billion and help drive the state’s economy.
AG Paxton Demands Epic City Documents from Plano ISD
April 24, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has demanded that Plano Independent School District (ISD) officials provide documents related to potential communications with individuals associated with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its affiliated development project, EPIC City. This request is part of an ongoing investigation into EPIC City, a proposed 402-acre Muslim-centered residential development near Josephine, Texas, initiated by EPIC and managed through its entity, Community Capital Partners.
The Attorney General’s office was informed of comments made by Plano Mayor John Muns regarding facilitating dialogue between Plano ISD board officials and individuals at EPIC. In response, Paxton stated, “My office is demanding documents from Plano ISD officials who may have communicated with individuals involved with EPIC City as part of our ongoing investigation into this development”.
Plano ISD has indicated its willingness to cooperate with the Attorney General’s request. A district spokesperson noted, “While we are unaware of the specific conversations mentioned in the Attorney General’s press release earlier today, the district will fully cooperate with any requests received from the Attorney General’s office”.
This development follows previous records requests sent to city officials in Plano, Richardson, Wylie, and Josephine, Texas, as part of the broader investigation into EPIC City. The project has attracted political scrutiny, with concerns raised about potential violations of Texas state law.
EPIC City is designed to feature over 1,000 residential units, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, a community college, and commercial shopping facilities. The development aims to create a diverse and inclusive community where people of various backgrounds can coexist harmoniously.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
Governor Abbott Signs Texas DOGE Into Law At Texas Capitol
April 24, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today signed Senate Bill 14, also known as Texas DOGE, into law at the Texas Capitol in Austin. Passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session, this law will empower the Texas government to be more efficient and less intrusive in the daily lives of Texans.
“We are putting at the forefront of legislation the shaping, formation, and recalibration of government in the State of Texas to make it more responsive and more efficient,” said Governor Abbott. “We in Texas will now have our own DOGE, known as the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office. This law will slash regulations, put stricter standards on new regulations that could be costly to businesses, and put a check on the growth of the administrative state. This will make government more efficient and less costly, ensuring that Texas operates at the speed of business. I am proud of everything the Texas Senate and House were able to achieve to get this bill to my desk, which is now law.”
The Governor was joined at the bill signing by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Senator Phil King, Representative Giovanni Capriglione, National Federation of Independent Business Texas State Director Jeff Burdett, and other members of the Texas Legislature and business leaders.
Watch the Governor’s full bill signing here.
“Texas DOGE will ensure the Texas Miracle continues long into the 21st century,” said Lieutenant Governor Patrick. “Texans understand that by cutting red tape, more money stays in the pocket of taxpayers. Our conservative approach to regulation will keep Texans prosperous and our state the best place to do business in America and across the globe.”
“A major theme of this session is government efficiency, and today the state is delivering on its promise to cut red tape and empower Texans with greater oversight of their government,” said Speaker Burrows. “As the first bill signed by Governor Abbott into law this session, the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act brings our state into the 21st century in terms of government rulemaking and will strengthen economic opportunity. Thank you to Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Chairman Capriglione, Senator King, and everyone who has worked to ensure Texas remains the best state in the nation for business and innovation.”
“Senate Bill 14 was crafted with hard-working Texans in mind,” said Senator King. “Many of our state rules and regulations are outdated and unnecessarily burdensome, creating barriers to continued economic growth. With this legislation, we can dramatically improve our regulatory system and build a stronger Texas for the long term.”
“The days of wasteful spending and government bloat have officially been DOGE’d. With the signing of Senate Bill 14, we are increasing government efficiency and saving taxpayers millions,” said Representative Capriglione. “I’m thankful to Senator Phil King for working with me in this effort and to Governor Abbott for his leadership. Together, we’re leading the charge in creating a smarter, leaner government.”
“Governor Abbott’s signing of Senate Bill 14 marks a historic step for Texas small businesses, creating the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office and building on the Small Business Freedom Council’s recommendations to reduce regulations, taxes, and workforce barriers,” said Mr. Burdett. “This legislation sets the stage for what could be the most impactful session for small businesses in Texas history.”
“As Co-Chair of the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council, I applaud the signing of Senate Bill 14 to create the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office,” said Texas Association of Business President and CEO Glenn Hamer. “This new office delivers on a core recommendation from the Freedom Council’s report: eliminate duplicative regulations, modernize outdated processes, and reduce the burdens that hold back small business growth. The Texas DOGE effort is a model for the nation. Texas is already the best state for business—but to stay on top, we must continuously improve how government works for entrepreneurs. This legislation reflects Governor Abbott’s commitment to making government move at the speed of business, and we enthusiastically support his vision. I want to thank Chairman King and Chairman Capriglione for their leadership on this important initiative. Senate Bill 14 is a win for regulatory reform, a win for small businesses, and a win for Texas.”
National Autism Registry Seeks to End Disorder
April 24, 2025 – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services, has initiated a national autism registry aimed at identifying the causes of autism through extensive data collection. This initiative involves the National Institutes of Health (NIH) compiling private medical records from various federal and commercial sources, including pharmacy chains, lab tests, insurance claims, and data from wearable devices like smartwatches.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), commonly referred to as autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. It’s characterized by differences in social interaction, communication, and behavior. These differences can vary widely, making autism a “spectrum” disorder, meaning individuals experience it in unique ways.
The registry is designed to consolidate fragmented health data into a comprehensive platform, facilitating research by providing access to a broad spectrum of patient information. NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has indicated that the platform will support studies into chronic diseases and autism, with the goal of enabling real-time health monitoring and research.
“Secretary Kennedy remains committed to working toward a society where people with autism have access to meaningful opportunities, appropriate supports, and the full respect and recognition they deserve,” department press secretary Vianca N. Rodriguez.
However, the plan has raised significant privacy concerns. Advocacy groups, such as the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, have expressed alarm over the potential use of sensitive medical data without individuals’ consent, questioning the transparency and ethical implications of the registry. citeturn0search4 Critics also challenge Kennedy’s characterization of autism as a “preventable disease,” arguing that it stigmatizes individuals on the spectrum and overlooks the complexity of the condition.
While the initiative aims to advance autism research, the lack of clear protocols regarding data privacy, consent, and the use of collected information continues to be a point of contention among experts and advocacy groups.
‘TxDOGE’ Bill Signing Set for Today
April 23, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott is set to sign Senate Bill 14 today at the Texas Capitol, officially establishing the Texas Department of Government Efficiency (TxDOGE). This new office aims to streamline state regulations, eliminate unnecessary rules, and enhance overall government efficiency.
The bill, authored by Senator Phil King and supported by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, passed the Texas House with a 97-51 vote and the Senate with a 26-5 vote. The legislation was inspired by the federal Department of Government Efficiency, created under the Trump administration, and seeks to implement similar strategies at the state level.
The new DOGE office will coordinate with both public and private sectors to advance Texas’ competitive edge in its designated area. An advisory panel, comprising regulated business owners, researchers, state agencies, and the public, will work with the governor to streamline processes. Additionally, the office plans to establish an easily accessible online portal for the public to look up state regulations.
Business leaders, including Jeff Burdett, Texas State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, and Glenn Hamer, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, are expected to attend the signing ceremony. Governor Abbott is anticipated to deliver remarks highlighting the significance of the new office for the state’s future growth and leadership.
The DOGE office is scheduled to begin operations on September 1, 2025. It will work alongside the existing House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency, which has been analyzing efficiencies in the state’s government since its first meeting on March 5.
The establishment of the Texas DOGE office represents a significant step toward enhancing government efficiency and reducing regulatory burdens in the state.
Dallas to Houston High-speed Rail Project Finds New Support
April 23, 2025 – The long-delayed high-speed rail project connecting Dallas and Houston has found new leadership under Texas investor and Republican donor John Kleinheinz. His firm, Kleinheinz Capital Partners, recently acquired a controlling interest in Texas Central, the company spearheading the project. This transition follows the Trump administration’s decision to revoke a $64 million federal grant and terminate a partnership with Amtrak, citing concerns over taxpayer expenditures and advocating for private-sector involvement.
Kleinheinz remains optimistic about the project’s future, asserting that it is “shovel-ready” and can proceed without federal funding. He envisions a model akin to Florida’s Brightline, a privately funded high-speed rail service. Kleinheinz believes that the Trump administration supports such private initiatives, emphasizing that government procurement rules can inflate project costs.
Despite these developments, the project faces significant challenges. Texas Central has secured only about 25% of the necessary land for the proposed 240-mile route, with some previously acquired options expiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Texas lawmakers are considering legislation to prohibit state or local funding for infrastructure modifications related to the rail line, potentially complicating its progress.
Nonetheless, Kleinheinz’s acquisition has revitalized interest in the project. Peter LeCody, president of Texas Rail Advocates, remarked that the involvement of Kleinheinz “puts the high-speed rail project back in the game again,” suggesting that the initiative is nearing a critical juncture citeturn0search2. While the path forward remains complex, the infusion of private capital and leadership offers a renewed opportunity for the realization of high-speed rail in Texas.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Purchases Final Acreage for New State Park
April 22, 2025 – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has finalized the purchase of 1,100 acres in Lampasas and Burnet Counties, marking the completion of the second phase of a significant land acquisition aimed at establishing a new state park. This recent acquisition brings the total acreage of the future park to more than 3,000 acres, following the department’s earlier purchase of 2,020 acres in Burnet County.
Situated across the Colorado River from Colorado Bend State Park, the newly acquired land features a diverse and scenic landscape. Among its highlights are 1.5 miles of Yancey Creek, dramatic limestone bluffs, and several natural springs—making it an ideal site for conservation and public recreation. The area’s rich natural resources and biodiversity offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and environmental education.
TPWD officials say the acquisition supports the department’s long-term goal of expanding public access to natural spaces while preserving ecologically important lands. The park will serve as a new outdoor destination for central Texas residents and visitors alike, helping to meet growing demand for recreational areas amid Texas’ rapidly increasing population.
The name and opening timeline for the new state park have yet to be announced. Planning and development efforts will include public input, as TPWD aims to balance recreation with the protection of sensitive habitats and water features.
Fire Blight is a Serious Bacterial Disease Affecting Trees by Mario Villarino
April 22, 2025 – Fire blight is a serious bacterial disease affecting apples, pears, and ornamental trees like Bradford pears, prevalent in Texas landscapes. Caused by Erwinia amylovora, it can rapidly kill branches and entire trees if not managed properly.
Symptoms of Fire Blight
- Water-soaked flowers that quickly wilt and darken.
- Leaves turning brown or black, often curling and shriveling.
- Twigs wilting from the tip, forming a characteristic “shepherd’s hook.”
- Sunken, dark cankers on branches that can girdle and kill limbs.
- Amber-colored bacterial ooze may exude from infected areas.
These symptoms often appear during warm, humid conditions, especially in spring.
Management and Prevention
- Prune infected wood 8–12 inches below visible symptoms. Disinfect tools between cuts using a 10% bleach solution or 70% isopropyl alcohol to prevent spreading the bacteria.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization and overwatering, as lush, succulent growth is more susceptible to infection.
- Select resistant or tolerant varieties such as Kieffer, Orient, Garber, or Douglas pears.
For more detailed information, refer to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension publication on fire blight
Local Assistanc
For personalized guidance tailored to your area, contact your local AgriLife Extension office by calling 903-885-3443 or email [email protected]. If you need assistance identifying symptoms or selecting resistant tree varieties for your landscape, feel free to ask!
Cooper Lake State Park Supervisor Aron Maib Stopped by for a Second Cup Of Coffee
On this interesting episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, Cooper Lake State Park Aron Maib stopped by to have a chat with John Mark Dempsey. John Mark and Aron discussed the upcoming program on Pollinators and the Stargazing event being held at Cooper Lake State Park. The two also talked about the water levels at Cooper Lake, fishing, and Swimming, and much more. Be sure to give this segment a viewing and find out what’s going on at Cooper Lake State Park!
The Basics for Growing Cucumbers From Master Gardener David Wall
April 22, 2025 – Cucumbers are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, as they’re one of the most forgiving plants. They grow fast as long as they have good soil and plenty of sunlight. There are, however, some aspects that when practiced will increase the number of fruits produced.
While the two types of cucumbers re slicing and pickling, either variety can be used for either purpose. Within each variety, there are multiple varieties, shapes and colors. Think not? Look up a gagon and Armenian cucumber! Regardless, when choosing a variety, be sure and check whether they will do good in our planting zone (8B)
A little-known aspects about cucumbers concerns watering. Cucumbers prefer early morning (before 8AM) watering. While I don’t understand why, watering at other time seems to interfere with photosynthesis. They’re also sensitive to temperatures. Outside temperature isn’t as important as spoil temperature which need to be 60°, although 65° is better. Cooler soil temps will stunt the new plants. Soil pH of 6.0-6.8 is preferred, but they will tolerate up to 7.6.
Many prefer to plant seeds or transplants in hills, which may help, but planting without mounding doesn’t seem to deter the number of fruit produced. You can buy bush or vining plants, and the difference between the two is simply whether they prefer growing vertically, which requires more room.
Cucumber plants require more room than say, tomato plants. Using 2’ diameter growing cages, the cages can touch each other in rows. For cucumbers, grow singularly in cattle pots or in 2’ diameter cages placed 12” apart. Growing plants close together favors disease and reduced quantities. In rows, water deeply once a week. In hot weather, increase to twice a week. In Cattle pots, water at least every other day in hot weather, increasing to daily as needed.
