Texas' chief financial officer has unveiled a first-ever list of 10 financial firms — many of them heavy hitters — that he says "boycott energy companies."

Why it matters: Determined to protect the oil and gas industry, state lawmakers last year demanded firms that boycott energy companies be cut off from doing business with Texas.

• BlackRock, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse and UBS are among the companies that made the list.

What they're saying: State comptroller Glenn Hegar accused financial institutions of "doublespeak … as they engage in anti-oil and gas rhetoric publicly yet present a much different story behind closed doors."

• The list will "create some clarity for Texans whose tax dollars may be working to directly undermine our state's economic health," Hegar said in a statement.

Details: State governmental entities that may be forced to divest from the financial firms include pension funds for state employees, teachers and emergency service workers.

The other side: "BlackRock does not boycott fossil fuels — investing over $100 billion in Texas energy companies on behalf of our clients proves that," company spokesperson Brian Beades tells Axios.

• "Elected and appointed public officials have a duty to act in the best interests of the people they serve. Politicizing state pension funds, restricting access to investments and impacting the financial returns of retirees, is not consistent with that duty."

Go deeper: This summer, Axios revealed how standard provisions buried in Texas contracts help state officials exert political leverage on companies hungry to win — and keep — business with government entities.

How the politics around investments may be costing Texans

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided nearly $249 million in funeral assistance in Texas for deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Why it matters: A FEMA spokesperson says funeral assistance funds are still available, and more than 50,000 families remain eligible.

By the numbers: About 88,400 people died from COVID in Texas since the start of the pandemic, as of Wednesday.

• Federal funds covered 38,200 funerals statewide as of Aug. 1.

Details: FEMA pays up to $9,000 in funeral expenses associated with a death attributed to COVID-19.

• That includes burial, cremation, casket, headstone and other expenses.
• The average FEMA reimbursement in Texas comes out to about $6,500 per funeral.

Zoom in: Local funeral homes are continuing to work with families whose loved ones died from COVID-19.

• In Tarrant County, eight people died between Aug. 7-13 as a result of COVID complications. All of them had underlying conditions, records show.
• In the same week, Dallas County reported one COVID death.

Of note: Families and individuals whose loved ones' deaths have been attributed to COVID-19 can apply for the program by calling 844-684-6333.

Earlier this year we told you about a play about Ross Perot, written by the Dallas Morning News' "Watchdog" columnist, Dave Lieber. Well, the Watchdog is back with another play about a different North Texas titan of industry.

Driving the news: The new show is about Amon G. Carter Sr. — "Mr. Fort Worth" — who ruled Fort Worth for half a century as the media mogul owner of the Star-Telegram, the creator of Channel 5 (now the NBC affiliate) and the founding force behind WBAP.

• Carter also absolutely tortured arch-rival Dallas.

Why it matters: Tens of millions of people have moved to Texas since Carter died in 1955, and most have no idea why so many things are named after him.

• The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is probably the most famous, but there's also the Carter Blood Drive, Camp Carter, Lake Amon G. Carter (in Bowie), Amon Carter Peak (in Big Bend) and Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Details: The play is called "AMON! The Ultimate Texan," and it had a run of 36 shows around the state before COVID-19 hit.

See it for yourself: Aug. 27 and Sept. 3 and 10 at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst.

• Tickets cost $15-$30.

🐈 Several local animal shelters are waiving adoption fees as Clear the Shelters comes to an end on Aug. 31. (NBC5)

⚖️ A former Arlington police officer is on trial this week in the 2019 death of a woman he shot while trying to fire at a dog he says charged at him. (Star-Telegram)

🌊 Flood reduction projects in Fort Worth's West Seventh Street area could receive millions in state funds if a regional flood plan is completed in January. (Fort Worth Report)

🗽 The Biden Administration is moving to codify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration program into federal regulations in a bid to protect it from legal challenges. The rule goes into effect Oct. 31 if it's not in litigation. (Axios)

💬 Quote du jour:

"Chief [Pete] Arredondo will not participate in his own illegal and unconstitutional public lynching and respectfully requests the board immediately reinstate him."

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Territory Development Specialist at Children's Health.
2. Junior Program Manager at Atrilogy.
3. Workday Change Manager at Slalom.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

Skip the chain across the street and head into this airy restaurant with intriguing entrees and delectable cocktails made from tequila and mezcal.

• Keep an eye out for Miriam herself — either in person or on a sprawling mural over the bar.

What to order: Oaxaca Old Fashioned, a blend of mezcal, oranges, agave nectar, bitters served over a large ice cube.

• Or any margarita.

Where: Miriam Cocina Latina, 2015 Woodall Rodgers Fwy., adjacent to Klyde Warren Park.

Cost: $15.

Six-word review: Tart cherry flavor, not too smoky.

📭 Know a drink we should try? Hit reply and tell us.