James Carter Senior News Editor

Dallas City Hall, an internationally recognized landmark designed by architect I.M. Pei, faces potentially over $1 billion in necessary repairs and modernization over the next two decades, according to a new report released Friday by the Dallas Economic Development Corporation. The findings have ignited a debate over whether to renovate the aging structure or pursue a new location for city government operations.

The report details significant deterioration of the 47-year-classic building’s core systems, including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, which no longer meet modern standards. A failing roof is as well a major concern. The estimated cost to address these urgent issues alone is $329 million, but a full modernization, including relocating staff for five years and financing costs, could range from $906 million to $1.14 billion, Fox 4 News reported.

Urgent Repairs and Mounting Costs

The assessment, spanning over 1,000 pages, reveals structural problems throughout the building, including water intrusion, localized concrete deterioration, and cracking where City Hall connects to its parking garage. Although the report found “no evidence of widespread structural instability,” it emphasizes the need to address existing deficiencies. CBS News detailed the findings, highlighting the scale of the undertaking.

Beyond the immediate repairs, the report identifies hundreds of areas within City Hall that do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Years of “patchwork” repairs have compounded the issues, necessitating a complete overhaul of the HVAC system and roof. The building’s features and technology are also considered obsolete.

Debate Over Preservation vs. Relocation

The staggering cost estimates have fueled a growing debate between those advocating for the preservation of the iconic building and those who believe a new City Hall would be a more fiscally responsible solution. Preservation advocates argue that the building is a significant architectural and cultural asset that should be saved. An Australian architecture professor has even urged the Dallas City Council to preserve the building, calling it an internationally important symbol of the city and democracy, according to the Dallas News.

However, others contend that the cost of renovation is simply too high and that the funds could be better allocated to other city priorities. The Dallas City Council’s Finance Committee is scheduled to review the report on Monday, initiating a landmark decision for the city. The committee will consider the full results of the reports from the Dallas Economic Development Corporation and an engineering consultant, the Dallas Observer reported.

Financial Breakdown

The total estimated cost, ranging from $1.1 billion to $1.4 billion over 20 years, includes $277 million in operating expenses. Financing for the project is projected to add between $299 and $360 million in interest over the 20-year period. Relocating city staff during the five-year renovation is estimated to cost over $100 million.

The report also notes that continuous expenses will add to the overall financial burden. The initial $329 million covers core system repairs, but the full modernization project, including relocation and financing, significantly increases the total cost.

What comes next is a crucial discussion for the future of Dallas governance. The City Council’s Finance Committee review on Monday will be a key checkpoint in determining the fate of City Hall. The decision will have lasting implications for the city’s budget, infrastructure, and cultural identity.

Share your thoughts on the future of Dallas City Hall in the comments below.

A key Big 12 matchup is set for Saturday night as the No. 6 Iowa State Cyclones travel to Provo, Utah, to face No. 22 Brigham Young University. Riding high off of consecutive victories against Kansas and Houston, Iowa State (23-3, 10-3 Big 12) aims to maintain its momentum and solidify its position near the top of the conference standings. The game is particularly noteworthy for Iowa State guard Nate Heise, who recently hit the game-winning 3-pointer against Houston just hours after his sister, Taylor Heise, scored for the U.S. Women’s hockey team.

The Cyclones currently trail Arizona and BYU by one game for the top spot in the Big 12, making this contest crucial for their tournament aspirations. BYU (19-7, 7-6) has struggled recently, losing five of its last seven games, including a 75-68 defeat to Arizona on February 18. This game presents a significant opportunity for both teams to make a statement as March Madness approaches. Fans looking to watch this important conference clash have several options.

How to Watch Iowa State vs. BYU

The Iowa State versus BYU men’s basketball game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with Dave Flemming and Sean Farnham providing commentary. For those who prefer to stream the game, it will be available through the ESPN app, requiring a cable login. Alternatively, viewers can access the game via Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Game Details: Date, Time and Location

Here’s a breakdown of the key game information:

• Date: Saturday, February 21
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET | 9:30 p.m. CT | 8:30 p.m. MST
• Location: Marriott Center (Provo, Utah)

Betting Odds and Predictions

According to BetMGM, as of February 21, Iowa State is favored by 2.5 points. The over/under is set at 149.5 points. Moneyline odds place Iowa State at -160 and BYU at +135. Analysts predict a final score of Iowa State 84, BYU 70, suggesting the Cyclones will continue their winning streak with a double-digit victory and further strengthen their case for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.

Iowa State’s recent success is largely attributed to the strong play of senior guard Nate Heise. His clutch performance against Houston highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, and his family’s recent athletic achievements – with his sister’s success in women’s hockey – have added to the positive momentum surrounding the team.

BYU, will need to rediscover its early-season form to compete with the surging Cyclones. The Cougars’ recent struggles suggest a need for adjustments on both ends of the court if they hope to secure a win against a formidable opponent.

As both teams head into this crucial Big 12 contest, the outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for their respective postseason prospects. The matchup promises to be a thrilling display of college basketball, with both Iowa State and BYU looking to make a statement on a national stage.

What comes next for both teams will depend heavily on the outcome of this game and their remaining schedules. Iowa State will look to build on its momentum and continue its pursuit of a top seed in the NCAA tournament, while BYU will aim to regain its footing and secure a strong finish in the Big 12.

What are your thoughts on this matchup? Share your predictions and comments below!

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — In a move signaling a potential shift in energy deployment strategies, the Pentagon and the Department of Energy successfully airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah on February 15th. This marks the first time the U.S. Military has transported a nuclear reactor by air, demonstrating the nation’s capacity for rapid deployment of nuclear power for both military and civilian applications. The 5-megawatt microreactor, transported via C-17 military aircraft, did not contain nuclear fuel during the flight.

The demonstration flight underscores the Trump administration’s push to expand nuclear energy production, particularly to meet the increasing power demands of artificial intelligence, data centers, and military operations. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey, who accompanied the reactor on its nearly 700-mile journey from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah, hailed the event as a significant step toward accelerating the commercial licensing of these microreactors. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reshape the country’s energy landscape, according to officials.

A Renewed Focus on Nuclear Energy

President Donald Trump has consistently voiced support for nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free energy source, even while expressing skepticism towards renewable energy and prioritizing fossil fuels like coal. The administration’s approach includes streamlining the approval process for advanced reactor designs. Last year, President Trump signed a series of executive orders granting Energy Secretary Wright the authority to approve certain advanced reactor designs and projects, a power traditionally held by the independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which has overseen the U.S. Nuclear industry for five decades.

“Today is history. A multi-megawatt, next-generation nuclear power plant is loaded in the C-17 behind us,” Wright stated prior to the flight. He anticipates that at least three microreactors will achieve “criticality” – the point at which a nuclear reaction becomes self-sustaining – by July 4th, fulfilling a promise made by President Trump. “That’s speed, that’s innovation, that’s the start of a nuclear renaissance,” Wright added.

Currently, the United States operates 94 operable nuclear reactors, generating approximately 19% of the nation’s electricity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This is a decrease from 104 reactors in 2013, though two new commercial reactors in Georgia represent the first large-scale reactors built from the ground up in a generation.

Microreactors: Portable Power for Diverse Applications

Recognizing the challenges associated with deploying large-scale nuclear reactors, the industry and government are increasingly focusing on smaller, more efficient designs, including small modular reactors proposed by entities like the Tennessee Valley Authority. Microreactors, designed for portability, are intended to provide resilient power to locations where it’s needed most, according to Duffey. These mobile reactors could potentially enhance energy security at military bases independent of the civilian power grid.

The demonstration flight, Duffey explained, “gets us closer to deploy nuclear power when and where it is needed to deliver our nation’s warfighters the tools to win in battle.” The reactor transported to Utah, produced by California startup Valar Atomics, is capable of generating up to 5 megawatts of electricity – enough to power approximately 5,000 homes, according to Isaiah Taylor, CEO of Valar Atomics. The company aims to initiate selling power on a test basis next year, with full commercial operation anticipated by 2028.

Although, the project has faced scrutiny. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, characterized the demonstration flight as a “dog-and-pony show,” arguing that it primarily demonstrated the Pentagon’s logistical capabilities rather than addressing fundamental questions about the feasibility, safety, and economic viability of microreactors. Lyman told The Hill that the administration “hasn’t made the safety case” for the secure transport of these reactors, once fueled, to sensitive locations like data centers or military installations.

The administration is also addressing the issue of nuclear waste disposal, with the Energy Department reportedly in discussions with Utah and other states regarding potential sites for reprocessing or permanent disposal. The microreactor flown to Utah will undergo testing and evaluation at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab, with fuel provided by the Nevada National Security Site, according to Taylor.

“The answer to energy is always more,” Wright stated, adding that the administration is working to “set everything free” after what he described as four years of restrictions on fossil fuels. “And nuclear will be flying soon.”

The development and deployment of microreactors represent a significant undertaking with potential implications for both national security and energy independence. Further testing and evaluation, along with addressing safety and waste disposal concerns, will be crucial as the technology moves toward wider implementation. The coming months will be critical in determining the long-term viability of this new approach to nuclear power.

What are your thoughts on the future of microreactor technology? Share your comments below.