Catastrophic flooding has devastated Kerr County and Central Texas, claiming at least 88 lives and leaving dozens missing after the July 4th weekend.

 

Vistra is stepping up, pledging $500,000 to relief efforts supporting the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and local nonprofits delivering urgent aid.

 

These contributions back rescue operations, shelter, and direct assistance—including Vistra’s Energy Aid program to help residents manage electricity bills during this crisis.

 

Community generosity is surging, with the Foundation announcing over $30 million in received donations, and the Butt family, H-E-B, and H.E. Butt Foundation contributing $5 million for ongoing recovery work.

 

Local organizations, from TEXSAR to World Central Kitchen and Austin Pets Alive!, are on the ground providing meals, shelter, and support for displaced families and pets.

 

This unified response reflects the resilience and compassion that define Texas, as neighbors come together to heal and rebuild.

North Texas is ramping up efforts to inspire young girls in STEM education, with schools and organizations leading targeted initiatives.

 

At de Zavala Middle School in Irving, students like sixth-grader Sofia Cruz explore hands-on projects—such as using colored cards to control Lego machines—that boost critical thinking.

 

The school’s balanced enrollment of girls and boys aims to maintain girls' interest in these fields.

 

Regionwide, groups like the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and Dallas Chapter of the Links Incorporated host STEM-centered events and award scholarships to support girls from diverse backgrounds.

 

Programs like Girls Inc. of Tarrant County’s Eureka! blend personal growth, college prep, and monthly STEM sessions, while High-Tech High Heels funds grants benefiting initiatives such as Design Connect Create.

 

These collective efforts aim to reverse recent setbacks in gender equity due to the pandemic and build a bright, inclusive future in science and technology for North Texas.