Perry Sends Military Aid to Combat North Texas Wildfires
Governor Rick Perry is sending Texas Military Forces aircraft and personnel to help fight wildfires in North Texas. Fourteen local and volunteer fire departments have been fighting the fires.
Two large fires are burning in Palo Pinto County, about 75 miles west of Ft. Worth. Together, they’ve burned more than 3,000 acres. The dry conditions, terrain, and high winds have allowed the wildfires to spread quickly.
As of yet, there are no reports of injuries or homes lost.
Texas Politicians Respond to Romney's VP Choice
Texas lawmakers are reacting to Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's announcement of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate.
On the Republican end, Texas Gov. Rick Perry described Paul Ryan to the Associated Press as a “conservative budget hawk,” who has a “commitment to downsizing Washington, fixing our economy, and restoring American job creation.” Perry told the AP he believes Ryan will display the Republican Party’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
For the Democrats, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett released a statement saying Paul Ryan “represents a younger version of Rick Perry policies without the rough edges and 'oops' moments.” Doggett says he likes Ryan personally but not his policies, which he says “are not a return to our founding principles but only a reversal to the failed Bush-Cheney approach.” Doggett has served with Ryan throughout his time as Budget Chairman and on the House Ways and Means Committee.
Closing Olympic Medal Count for Texas Exes
The 2012 Olympic closing ceremonies last night marked the end of a long journey for many former Longhorn athletes.
In track and field competition, Texas Exes Leo Manzano took home silver in the 1500m and Sanya Richards-Ross claimed gold medals in both the 400m and 4x400m races. Trey Hardee won silver in the Men’s Decathlon event. Bianca Knight, who was briefly a Longhorn before turning professional, collected a gold medal along with the other members of the women’s 4x100m relay team.
Destinee Hooker grabbed a silver medal with the U.S. Women's Volleyball team after Brazil’s upset 3-1 victory in the finals.
Ex-Longhorn diver Troy Dumais earned his first Olympic medal with his partner in Synchronized Springboard.
Former UT basketball player Kevin Durant collected gold with his teammates when they defeated Spain 107-100.
In the pool, Texas Exes Ricky Berens and Brendan Hansen took gold with their teammates in the 4x200m freestyle relay. Berens and fellow Longhorn Jimmy Feigen also won silver medals for their part in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Hansen nabbed the bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke.
Longhorns have won a total of 126 medals since they started competing in the Olympics in 1936. Out of 21 former UT athletes who competed in the 2012 London Olympics, ten are taking medals home.
Don’t forget to catch the Paralympic Games. They begin August 29.
