TOP STORY
Texas Executes First Inmate in 2026 After Seeking Forgiveness
Texas executed Charles Victor Thompson for a 1998 double murder, making him the first person put to death in the U.S. this year. Before his death, Thompson asked the victims’ families for forgiveness, acknowledging the pain caused and hoping for their healing.
If you follow criminal justice or community safety, this execution closes a decades-long chapter in a high-profile Texas case. For families affected by violent crime, it serves as a reminder of the long road toward justice and healing. This also signals how Texas continues to lead the nation in carrying out capital punishment, affecting public discussions around law and order in the state.
Source: Fox News
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Markets
Oil (WTI) | 64.5400 | ▼ 0.29% |
Gas (Nat.) | 3.8120 | ▼ 0.37% |
Cotton | 0.6400 / lb | ▲ 0.03% |
Cattle | 2.3677 / lb | ▼ 0.03% |
S&P 500 | 6976.28 | ▼ 0.02% |
Dow Jones | 49010.23 | ▲ 0.07% |
Nasdaq | 23848.50 | ▼ 0.10% |
Texas Grid & Weather Snapshot
Statewide Outage Count — today (from start of day to now): None.
City | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
Dallas | 54.3 | 30.2 |
Houston | 68.4 | 36.7 |
Austin | 69.8 | 32.9 |
San Antonio | 68.5 | 35.8 |
Alerts
Dallas: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Houston: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Austin: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
San Antonio: No active Weatherbit or NWS alerts.
Politics and Economy
Texas AG Sues Delaware Nurse Over Abortion Pills
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Delaware nurse practitioner Debra Lynch for mailing abortion pills to Texas women, a practice illegal in Texas. The lawsuit targets Lynch’s telehealth service, Her Safe Harbor, claiming violations of Texas and Delaware laws amid ongoing national abortion access battles.
If you live in Texas, this lawsuit could impact access to abortion medication you might have otherwise sought through telehealth services. It highlights how cross-state legal battles over abortion rights directly affect what healthcare options remain available in restrictive states. Knowing how these cases unfold can help you anticipate changes in access or legal risks when seeking reproductive care.
Source: The News Journal
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What else is happening:
Protesters marched to the South Texas Family Residential Center demanding the release of a detained five-year-old and his father, provoking tense confrontations with law enforcement and activists.
Senate Democrats threaten to block DHS funding, raising the prospect of a government shutdown as they press for sweeping ICE reforms and greater oversight.
The Dallas Morning News endorses incumbent Chris Hill in the Collin County judge GOP primary, citing his management experience and record on fiscal oversight.
Tech and Business
Tesla Robotaxis Remain Hard to Find in Austin
Tesla announced unsupervised robotaxi rides recently in Austin, but most attempts to find fully driverless vehicles have only resulted in rides supervised by human drivers. Reports suggest these fully autonomous rides may be limited to select loyal Tesla influencers, while paying customers still experience safety monitors or chase vehicles.
If you’re eagerly waiting for driverless robotaxi rides in Austin, you might be in for a wait. Although Tesla teased unsupervised vehicles, the reality involves human supervisors or accompanying chase cars ensuring safety. This means your trips might not be fully hands-free yet, but Tesla’s ongoing testing hints at a future where you could hail a truly driverless ride locally. Watching these early moves helps you understand how close we are to everyday autonomous transportation.
Source: Gizmodo
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Gold Hits Record Near $5,600 Amid Iran Tensions
Gold prices surged to nearly $5,600 following rising geopolitical tensions sparked by Donald Trump’s threats of military action against Iran. Markets also saw oil prices climb, while safe-haven metals benefited from worries over global stability and expectations of future US interest rate changes.
Rising gold and oil prices may mean you feel the pinch at the pump and in investments. If you hold savings or retirement portfolios, the surge reflects global uncertainty, especially with US-Iran relations heating up. For Texans, energy markets tend to ripple into gas costs and stock valuations, so watching these trends helps you anticipate changes in household budgets or business expenses.
Source: The Mercury
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What else is happening:
A Guardian roundup examines the White House’s evolving use of AI images posted as political messaging, blurring truth and official communications with deepfakes and memes.
Survey-driven analysis warns companies rushing into autonomous AI without oversight risk accountability gaps, operational failures, and lost trust, offering smarter governance as the competitive advantage.
Sports
Wembanyama leads Spurs rally past Rockets 111-99
Victor Wembanyama delivered 28 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks to help the Spurs overcome a 16-point deficit, securing a 111-99 win against the Houston Rockets. The Spurs only took the lead late in the third quarter and pulled away with a strong fourth quarter. This victory gives San Antonio a 2-1 lead in the season series.
If you follow Texas basketball, this game highlights how underdog moments can flip the energy in arenas and fan conversations overnight. Watching Wembanyama dominate after a prior tough game shows resilience you might relate to in work or personal challenges. The Spurs' comeback could inspire your team spirit, motivating you to rally hard when behind, whether it's fantasy leagues or weekend pick-up games.
Source: AP News
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Sports Spotlight:
Houston freshman Kingston Flemings scored 25 points to lift No. 10 Cougars to a 79-70 win at TCU, calming concerns about the team's extended shooting slump with a breakout performance like Kingston Flemings scored 25.
Atlanta visits Houston looking to extend a four-game win streak, testing the Rockets’ defense while both teams adjust lineups amid travel and injury concerns in their first meeting this season like visits Houston.
Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson praises rookie head coach Nathaniel Schottenheimer for doing an 'outstanding job' under difficult circumstances, offering veteran perspective as the team plans next steps like Jimmy Johnson says.
Texas Heritage Insight
The iconic phrase “Six Flags over Texas” doesn’t just refer to amusement parks: it references the six nations that have governed parts of Texas — Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, and the Confederate States of America.