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Deadly winter outages continue to weigh on Texans

University of North Texas expands free tuition to more Texas families

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The University of North Texas in Denton will launch a free tuition program for eligible Texas families starting in the fall 2026 semester, according to a university press release. The initiative will cover tuition for qualifying Texas resident undergraduates who meet income and other requirements that the university will define in upcoming guidelines. The program will use federal, state, and institutional aid to remove tuition costs for eligible students while other expenses may still apply.

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HHA, Mayor Whitmire to provide updates on $146M affordable housing project paused amid contaminated soil concerns

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Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Housing Authority will give their first public update on The Pointe at Bayou Bend, a $146 million, nearly 400-unit affordable housing complex in Houston, after construction and move-ins were halted over contaminated soil and elevated lead findings. Federal agencies, including the FBI, EPA, and HUD, collected soil samples in October 2024 following concerns linked to the site’s past use as a trash incinerator and petroleum storage area. The mayor and HHA will hold a news conference and site tour at 800 Middle Street to discuss the project’s status, environmental testing, and next steps.

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High-achiever visas spur pay-to-play credential schemes

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Growing interest in the U.S. EB-1A “extraordinary ability” visa is driving a market for vanity awards, ghostwritten research papers and profile-building services. USCIS is reviewing petitions more closely and investigating possible fraud linked to purchased credentials. This report explains how the credential marketplace operates around EB-1A applications, the types of services being sold to prospective immigrants and how U.S. immigration authorities are responding with increased scrutiny and enforcement measures.

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NBA fines Jaylen Brown $35,000 over comments on officiating

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The NBA fined Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown $35,000 on Monday for postgame comments criticizing officiating after a 100-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Boston. Brown, who did not attempt a free throw in the game and questioned the consistency of calls, said he would accept any penalty during a two-minute locker room interview that included expletives. The league cited his public criticism of referees and his language in announcing the fine, which does not include a suspension.

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Erik Spoelstra now longest-serving active coach across major U.S. sports

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Erik Spoelstra on Tuesday became the longest-tenured active head coach across the four major U.S. professional sports leagues after Mike Tomlin ended his 19-year run with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Spoelstra, who has led the Miami Heat since 2008, already held the NBA’s longest active coaching tenure following Gregg Popovich’s retirement from the San Antonio Spurs. His new distinction follows his 800th regular-season victory in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks. The milestone underscores Spoelstra’s continuous 17-plus-year run with the Heat, making him the longest-serving active head coach in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL.

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Rohingya genocide case vs Myanmar explained

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The International Court of Justice in The Hague has opened hearings in a landmark case brought by The Gambia accusing Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya minority under the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. The case centers on Myanmar’s 2017 military operations in Rakhine State, which drove more than 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh amid allegations of mass killings, rape, and village burnings. Both sides present arguments on jurisdiction, state responsibility, and compliance with provisional measures as the UN’s top court examines whether Myanmar violated its obligations to prevent and punish genocide.

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Muhammad Ali to be featured on USPS commemorative stamps in 2026

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The United States Postal Service will issue a Muhammad Ali commemorative Forever stamp in 2026, honoring the boxing champion’s historical and cultural impact. The stamp, developed with input from the Ali estate, will debut at a formal dedication ceremony and be sold nationwide and online. It will function as regular First-Class postage and as a collectible item for philatelists and sports history enthusiasts. USPS will announce the final design, release date, and location of the first-day ceremony closer to the issue year.

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Kris Aquino reschedules surgery after blood pressure spikes

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Kris Aquino postponed a scheduled medical operation in the United States after her doctors recorded unsafe high blood pressure levels before surgery. Aquino, who receives treatment for multiple autoimmune conditions, announced the deferment through her verified social media accounts and said her medical team will reschedule the procedure once her blood pressure stabilizes. She remains under the care of specialists and continues her prescribed treatment while waiting for clearance for a new operation date.

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Malala Yousafzai mural near Houston’s Heights vandalized again

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A mural of Nobel laureate and girls’ education advocate Malala Yousafzai near Houston’s Heights neighborhood was vandalized again with white paint covering her portrait, prompting Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin to pledge city funding for its restoration as officials assess damage, review security measures, and coordinate with artists and arts organizations to repair the public artwork.

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Rio Grande Valley schools to get $4.7M boost for mental health services

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Federal officials approved a $4.7 million, four-year award to expand mental health services at 34 Rio Grande Valley schools in Texas. The U.S. Department of Education funding will support new staff, training and school-based programs focused on counseling, crisis response and early identification of student mental health needs. Local districts will implement the multi-cycle award under federal guidelines and report outcomes over the four-year period.

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