Howdy y’all, it’s Brian Gaar with The Barbed Wire. Welcome back to Texas, which continues to be the only state capable of producing all of these headlines at the same time.
Nearly a year after the deadly Hill Country floods, Camp Mystic is filing for bankruptcy, and the state's marquee Senate race is shaping up to be a photo finish, Texans are suddenly skeptical about becoming America's AI server farm, the NHL is eyeing Austin or Houston for expansion, and somewhere near Leakey there's a giraffe named Gracie living her best fugitive life.
Camp Mystic Files for Bankruptcy
Nearly a year after catastrophic floods killed 28 people at Camp Mystic, including 25 campers, two counselors and the camp's executive director, the camp's operators have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing comes weeks after state investigators concluded that the camp had inadequate emergency plans and did not respond quickly enough as floodwaters surged through the property.
Paxton and Talarico Locked in a Dead Heat
A new University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows Attorney General Ken Paxton leading Democratic state Rep. James Talarico by a single point, 43% to 42%, in the race for U.S. Senate. Republicans have largely consolidated behind Paxton since his primary victory over John Cornyn, while independent voters currently favor Talarico by a wide margin.
Texans Say 'No Thanks' to Data Centers
Texas may be on track to become the nation's biggest data center market, but many Texans don't seem thrilled about it. A new poll found 56% oppose building data centers in their communities, with opposition rising to 62% in rural areas where many of the planned projects are expected to be built.
The NHL Is Shopping for a Texas Home
The NHL has opened a six-month process to evaluate placing its 33rd franchise in either Austin or Houston, with the Friedkin family identified as the prospective owner. League officials say both cities would require a new arena, and the process will determine which market is the better fit for expansion.
Wanted: One Missing Giraffe
A giraffe named Gracie has been missing from a private ranch near Leakey for more than a week after wandering off the property and into the Texas Hill Country. Her owner is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to her safe return. And honestly? I’m impressed that a building-sized animal has been able to remain undetected for this long.
