Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that Texas universities should not approve tuition increases for the next two years. In a letter to higher education leaders, citing families’ rising costs of living. Abbott wrote that his office spoke with the Board of Regents at every public university system, and they are in agreement about no tuition increases through the 2027 academic year. He promised college affordability will remain a “top priority” in the next legislative session; In other news, State Wildlife officials say Mountain lion sightings are rare in the Dallas-Fort Worth area but the last few weeks seem to challenge that notion. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed the third mountain lion sighting in North Texas in less than a month — this time in Plano; Julian Shaffer, bar manager at Rye on Lower Greenville, made his way to the stage and stood in disbelief as he received solo recognition for Exceptional Cocktails. Pointing to the award in his hand and sticking out his tongue through a jocular smile, Shaffer posed as camera shutters clacked. He knew, rationally, that his life has just changed, but he couldn’t fathom it. Shaffer joined Rye, which earned a spot on Michelin’s Recommended list; And the city of Dallas is helping renovate the historic Forest Theater in South Dallas with an $8 million grant for the redevelopment project on Wednesday.

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