Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to Texas colleges and universities reiterating his belief in the importance of standing against antisemitism on Thursday.

“There is zero tolerance for antisemitism in Texas,” Abbott wrote in a post on X/Twitter.

In his letter, Abbott spoke of the executive order he issued in March of this year, instructing all higher education institutions to update their free speech policies to include Abbott’s definition of antisemitism. 

Additionally, Abbott’s March executive order called to “ensure that these policies are being enforced on campuses and that groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine are disciplined for violating these policies.”

Abbott went on to say that as the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks approaches, Texas colleges and universities must remain vigilant in combating antisemitism and maintaining a safe environment for Jewish faculty and students.

Definition of antisemitism

Under Abbott, Texas became the first US state to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism in 2021.

“The State of Texas stands with Israel and the Jewish community, and we must escalate our efforts to protect against antisemitism at Texas colleges and universities and across our state.” Abbott stated in his March executive order.

“Across the country, acts of antisemitism have grown in number, size, and danger to the Jewish community since Hamas’ deadly attack on October 7. Texas took immediate action to protect Jewish schools, synagogues, and other key locations. Many Texas colleges and universities also acted quickly to condemn antisemitism, but some radical organizations on our campuses engaged in acts that have no place in Texas. Now, we must work to ensure that our college campuses are safe spaces for members of the Jewish community.”

AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns will be without three notable players for tonight’s matchup at home against the UTSA Roadrunners.

The team announced approximately an hour prior to kickoff that running back Jaydon Blue (ankle) defensive lineman Aaron Bryant (knee) and defensive back Jelani McDonald (ankle) will all be out for the game.

Blue exited briefly during the first half of last week’s 31-12 win over Michigan but returned before scoring the team’s final touchdown of the game in the third quarter.

The Longhorns have already lost Cedric Baxter and Christian Clark to season-ending injuries. Texas freshman running back Jerrick Gibson currently leads the team in rushing yards (103) through two games, and has clearly given the coaching staff enough confidence to handle the reins in the backfield to close out non-conference play.

“We have the utmost confidence in Jerrick,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “I thought him getting, I think it was 10 carries last week or so, was big for him, in just his own confidence. … I don’t exactly know when he’s going to get into the game, but I know he’ll play this Saturday.”

In his collegiate debut against Colorado State last week, Gibson finished with 10 carries for 67 yards and a score. Against Michigan, he had 10 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown. He’s now got two touchdowns in his first two career collegiate games.

It’s said that everything is bigger in Texas, and that apparently includes the creative minds behind the new food items coming to the State Fair of Texas. 

“The State Fair of Texas attracts millions of people from all over the globe each year, many making a special trip just to try the food,” Taylor Pulfer, communications director at the State Fair of Texas, told Fox News Digital via email. 

“We pride ourselves on having something for everyone here at the State Fair of Texas, and our team continually works to ensure our concessionaires and food offerings reflect the diverse melting pot that Texans make up,” she said. 

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“Our hope is that by continuing to add new flavors to the fair, fairgoers will be introduced to new cuisines that they may not have otherwise branched out to try.” 

Here’s a look at some of the foods that will be available when the State Fair of Texas opens later this month (it opens Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 20). 

1. Candied pork belly bacon bites

Perfect for the pork lover, the candied pork belly bacon bites are essentially bacon-wrapped-bacon that is then candied. 

This twist on a fair treat is served on a stick, according to the State Fair of Texas, and is available at The Cavalcade. 

Candied pork belly bacon bites are served on a stick.  (State Fair of Texas)

2. Hot Cheetos Korean corn dog

Unlike a traditional corn dog, this Korean-style corn dog is half hot dog, half mozzarella cheese, according to the State Fair of Texas. 

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The hot dog-and-cheese combo is “battered with wheat and rice flour, coated with panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried for an extra crispy crunch,” its website said. 

After frying, the corn dog is then coated in spicy mayo and topped with hot Cheetos crumbs.  

The Korean-style corn dog, including this hot Cheetos version, will be making its debut this year at the State Fair of Texas.  (State Fair of Texas)

3. Texas BBQ rib deviled eggs

Another Texas twist on a classic food, the Texas BBQ rib deviled eggs melds together barbecue and deviled eggs. 

“With the creamy, savory traditional deviled egg filling you know and love, this treat is topped with crisp coleslaw and tender barbecue rib meat tossed in a beer barbecue sauce,” according to the State Fair of Texas website.

Texas BBQ rib deviled eggs blend barbecue flavors with traditional deviled eggs.  (State Fair of Texas)

4. Fernie’s GOAT funnel cake

A true celebration of Texas’ culinary staples, Fernie’s GOAT (Greatest of All Texas) Funnel Cake combines a Fernie’s funnel cake with Blue Bell ice cream, Cherry Dr. Pepper syrup and El Fenix pralines, according to the State Fair of Texas. 

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This treat is “sure to satisfy DFW-area natives and visitors looking for a taste of Texas alike,” its website said. 

The Fernie’s GOAT Funnel Cake is a celebration of four of Texas’ most notable food items.  (State Fair of Texas)

5. Dickel’s ‘Triple Meat Big Back Snack’ 

Everything is indeed bigger in Texas, as evidenced by this “Triple Meat Big Back Snack,” sold by Dickel’s Smokehouse. 

This five-layered “snack” features “abuela’s cherished elote street corn recipe,” topped with chopped beef brisket, smoked Gouda macaroni and cheese, a buttermilk biscuit, Hogzilla pork belly burnt ends and topped with a “loaded nacho beef brisket sausage link” and deep-fried crinkle-cut maple waffle-flavored potato slices, the fair’s website said.

This “snack” features five layers of food and is topped with maple waffle-flavored potato slices.  (State Fair of Texas)

6. ‘The Nephew’ 

“The Nephew,” inspired by Smith Spot BBQ’s owner’s nephew, “combines the best of sweet and savory,” the State Fair of Texas said.

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“Picture this: a warm glazed donut topped with tender brisket, gooey mozzarella cheese, a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of powdered sugar,” the website said. 

“The Nephew” was inspired by the real-life nephew of Smith Spot BBQ’s owner. It is a mix of sweet and savory flavors.  (State Fair of Texas)

7. Fried matcha

A deep-fried twist on a Japanese flavor typically used in beverages, fried matcha “celebrates matcha in two delicious ways,” according to the State Fair of Texas.

“The first is Fried Mochi Matcha Ice Cream, a crispy, deep–fried treat with a chewy mochi shell,” it said. 

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“The second is the Fried Matcha Sando, featuring deep–fried Japanese milk bread filled with rich matcha Chantilly cream, topped with fresh strawberries and matcha biscuit sticks for an extra layer of flavor and texture.” 

Fried matcha has not one but two different fried versions of the iconic Japanese flavor profile.  (State Fair of Texas)

8. Caramel macchiato fritters

Another deep-fried twist on a beverage, the caramel macchiato fritters transform the morning treat into a sweet cake ball dessert. 

“A classic, heaping serving of delicious caramel forms the nucleus of these creamy coffee cake balls,” the fair’s website said. 

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“Each cake ball is dipped in beignet batter and fried until golden brown.” 

The fritters are then topped with whipped cream, caramel and a white chocolate drizzle. They are served with a syringe of espresso. 

The caramel macchiato fritters are served with a syringe of espresso to add a caffeine boost to dessert.  (State Fair of Texas)

While state fair foods are known for being fun and indulgent, they serve a deeper purpose, Pulfer told Fox News Digital.

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The fair is “a 501c3 nonprofit organization — so a portion of all food purchases goes back to doing good in our community year-round,” she said. “All of our concessionaires are small businesses.”

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She added, “Some also operate brick-and-mortar restaurants, catering businesses and food trucks; some travel the country and operate at other fairs, festivals and events throughout the year; and some focus solely on operating at the State Fair of Texas each fall.”

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Each year, the small business owners keep the “majority” of the food and beverage revenue they earn at the fair, Pulfer said.