States Race to Redraw Maps as Texas Seeks Five GOP Seats Before 2026
Texas lawmakers are pushing a redistricting plan designed to add five Republican-held seats, a move aimed at shoring up the party’s slim U.S. House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms. The effort has sparked legal and political battles, with Democrats and voting-rights groups warning it could dilute minority representation while Republicans argue it reflects population shifts and legal mapmaking. Other states, including California, are watching closely and weighing their own boundary changes as parties jockey for advantage nationwide. Analysts say early redistricting fights signal a longer, more aggressive campaign season where control of Congress may be shaped well before Election Day. Courts and independent commissions could play decisive roles in which maps survive and where voters ultimately cast ballots.
Texas lawmakers are pushing a redistricting plan designed to add five Republican-held seats, a move aimed at shoring up the party’s slim U.S. House majority ahead of the 2026 midterms. The effort has sparked legal and political battles, with Democrats and voting-rights groups warning it could dilute minority representation while Republicans argue it reflects population shifts and legal mapmaking. Other states, including California, are watching closely and weighing their own boundary changes as parties jockey for advantage nationwide. Analysts say early redistricting fights signal a longer, more aggressive campaign season where control of Congress may be shaped well before Election Day. Courts and independent commissions could play decisive roles in which maps survive and where voters ultimately cast ballots.
Around 35 railcars derail near Gordon, Texas; no injuries reported as crews contain fires
About 35 cars of a Union Pacific freight train derailed a few miles east of Gordon, Texas, on Wednesday, with early reports indicating some cars may have carried hazardous materials. Emergency services said all personnel are accounted for, no injuries have been reported, and there have been no confirmed leaks. Fire crews battled small grass fires sparked by the derailment and continue working to fully control and extinguish remaining hotspots. Officials said the situation is stable but not yet fully under control while investigations and safety assessments proceed. Union Pacific and local authorities are coordinating response efforts and monitoring for environmental or structural threats.
About 35 cars of a Union Pacific freight train derailed a few miles east of Gordon, Texas, on Wednesday, with early reports indicating some cars may have carried hazardous materials. Emergency services said all personnel are accounted for, no injuries have been reported, and there have been no confirmed leaks. Fire crews battled small grass fires sparked by the derailment and continue working to fully control and extinguish remaining hotspots. Officials said the situation is stable but not yet fully under control while investigations and safety assessments proceed. Union Pacific and local authorities are coordinating response efforts and monitoring for environmental or structural threats.
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Dynamic Sports Medicine is stretching its reach to Houston, with a new clinic set to open in West University Place. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Matt Lowe, the practice offers everything from cupping and dry needling to myofascial acoustic compression therapy-basically, if it hurts, they’ve got a tool for it. The company already runs eight locations across Austin and Dallas, but this will be its first Houston spot, a 2,400-square-foot space off Bellaire Boulevard. Construction, estimated at \$193,000, is scheduled from September to December-assuming no unexpected plot twists.
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After social media lit up with outrage over alleged mistreatment at Freedom Ranch Animal Rescue Center in Laredo, protesters took their anger offline and straight to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. On August 13, dozens waved signs, chanted, and got approving honks from passing cars, all in the name of animals they say have no voice. Organizers called for city leaders to crack down on cruelty, arguing that animals feel neglect and abuse just as humans do-minus the ability to post about it. The message was simple: whether it’s a person or a pet, mistreatment isn’t just wrong, it’s unacceptable.
Dallas Faces 8% Drop in International Tourism as Visitor Numbers Fall
Dallas is forecast to see international tourism decline by about 8% after a post‑pandemic record in 2023, industry experts say, attributing the drop to stricter immigration policies and rising travel costs. The city must now balance efforts to attract overseas visitors with concerns over policy and economic headwinds that have cooled demand. In an unrelated tragedy, a two‑vehicle crash Wednesday morning at E. Clarendon Drive and North Street left two children and one adult dead and three others hospitalized; investigators have not released victims’ identities or the cause. Video from the scene showed rainy conditions as a work truck collided with an SUV, and witnesses described frantic rescue attempts by bystanders. City officials and tourism leaders say they are monitoring both public‑safety investigations and visitor trends as they plan recovery strategies.
Dallas is forecast to see international tourism decline by about 8% after a post‑pandemic record in 2023, industry experts say, attributing the drop to stricter immigration policies and rising travel costs. The city must now balance efforts to attract overseas visitors with concerns over policy and economic headwinds that have cooled demand. In an unrelated tragedy, a two‑vehicle crash Wednesday morning at E. Clarendon Drive and North Street left two children and one adult dead and three others hospitalized; investigators have not released victims’ identities or the cause. Video from the scene showed rainy conditions as a work truck collided with an SUV, and witnesses described frantic rescue attempts by bystanders. City officials and tourism leaders say they are monitoring both public‑safety investigations and visitor trends as they plan recovery strategies.
After a pothole claimed one of his tires, Dallas driver Adam Sharkey turned his frustration into a full-time civic hobby - becoming a power user of the city’s 311 app. Logging 1,000 to 1,500 miles a week between sales work and Uber shifts, Sharkey has filed more than 500 reports for everything from potholes to downed traffic signs. Inspired by a “see something, say something” mindset from his New Jersey upbringing, he says the more he reports, the more gets fixed - proving one lost tire can pave the way for smoother streets.
The Humane Society of North Texas is going big for its upcoming Mega Adoption Event - and importing some new Texans to do it. This week, 121 cats and kittens flew in from overcrowded Memphis shelters thanks to Wings of Rescue, where they were promptly vaccinated, microchipped, and declared “Texans now.” They’ll join roughly 1,000 pets from 30 DFW-area shelters at the August 16–17 event in Fort Worth’s Amon G. Carter Exhibits Center. With that many furry faces under one roof, HSNT says finding your perfect pet is practically guaranteed - and it all supports the Clear the Shelters campaign.
Overdue San Antonio Library Book Returned 82 Years Late
A book checked out from the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 was recently returned by a person who found it among their late father’s belongings and mailed it back with a brief note. Titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," the borrower’s correspondent believes the original checkout belonged to their grandmother when their father was 11. The library, which eliminated late fees in 2021, confirmed no fines would apply and placed the book on display at its central branch. Officials said the volume will later be sold in a used-book sale with proceeds benefiting the library. While notable, the 82-year gap isn’t the longest on record—some library books have been returned after more than a century.
A book checked out from the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 was recently returned by a person who found it among their late father’s belongings and mailed it back with a brief note. Titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," the borrower’s correspondent believes the original checkout belonged to their grandmother when their father was 11. The library, which eliminated late fees in 2021, confirmed no fines would apply and placed the book on display at its central branch. Officials said the volume will later be sold in a used-book sale with proceeds benefiting the library. While notable, the 82-year gap isn’t the longest on record—some library books have been returned after more than a century.
Overdue San Antonio Library Book Returned 82 Years Late
A book checked out from the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 was recently returned by a person who found it among their late father’s belongings and mailed it back with a brief note. Titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," the borrower’s correspondent believes the original checkout belonged to their grandmother when their father was 11. The library, which eliminated late fees in 2021, confirmed no fines would apply and placed the book on display at its central branch. Officials said the volume will later be sold in a used-book sale with proceeds benefiting the library. While notable, the 82-year gap isn’t the longest on record—some library books have been returned after more than a century.
A book checked out from the San Antonio Public Library in July 1943 was recently returned by a person who found it among their late father’s belongings and mailed it back with a brief note. Titled "Your Child, His Family, and Friends," the borrower’s correspondent believes the original checkout belonged to their grandmother when their father was 11. The library, which eliminated late fees in 2021, confirmed no fines would apply and placed the book on display at its central branch. Officials said the volume will later be sold in a used-book sale with proceeds benefiting the library. While notable, the 82-year gap isn’t the longest on record—some library books have been returned after more than a century.
Lindt May Move Gold Bunny Production to U.S. to Avoid Tariffs
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli is reportedly weighing a plan to shift production of its gold-wrapped Easter bunnies and other hollow chocolate figures from Germany to the United States to sidestep a 15% import duty. Bloomberg sources say the move could involve up to $10 million (CHF8 million) in investments and coincide with shifting Canadian-bound production to Europe to dodge retaliatory tariffs. Lindt declined to confirm specific plans but notes it has been expanding U.S. capacity—such as at its Stratham, New Hampshire site—and routinely reviews where products are made. Company spokespeople frame the steps as part of broader efforts to boost production efficiency and optimize supply chains rather than purely tariff-driven. Any decisions would reflect rising trade costs and the continued recalibration of global manufacturing footprints.
Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprüngli is reportedly weighing a plan to shift production of its gold-wrapped Easter bunnies and other hollow chocolate figures from Germany to the United States to sidestep a 15% import duty. Bloomberg sources say the move could involve up to $10 million (CHF8 million) in investments and coincide with shifting Canadian-bound production to Europe to dodge retaliatory tariffs. Lindt declined to confirm specific plans but notes it has been expanding U.S. capacity—such as at its Stratham, New Hampshire site—and routinely reviews where products are made. Company spokespeople frame the steps as part of broader efforts to boost production efficiency and optimize supply chains rather than purely tariff-driven. Any decisions would reflect rising trade costs and the continued recalibration of global manufacturing footprints.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has kicked off a second special legislative session after Democrats ended the first by fleeing the state to block redistricting. This time, Democrats promise they’ll actually show up, giving the House a quorum on Monday. Abbott blasted them for “running away from responsibility,” claiming their absence stalled everything from flood relief to property tax cuts. Meanwhile, House Speaker Dustin Burrows put ivermectin - yes, the horse dewormer turned COVID folk remedy - on the priority list, thanks to Rep. Joanne Shofner’s push for over-the-counter sales. With Democrats back and ivermectin suddenly in the spotlight, Texas politics just got even weirder.
Texas Tech’s regents have voted to keep faculty senates - but only as advisory bodies, since Texas lawmakers decided professors shouldn’t have too much say in running universities. The shift follows Senate Bill 37, which killed “shared governance” at public institutions, effectively downgrading faculty from decision-makers to consultants. Texas Tech says the senates will still exist “in the spirit and letter of the law,” which is a polite way of saying they’ll talk but regents don’t have to listen. The board also passed a resolution to comply with another new law on free expression, meant to prevent campus protests from turning into another UT-Austin-style circus
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In Texas cattle country, ranchers brace as screwworms advance north
Fifth-generation rancher Kip Dove and others are preparing for the return of the flesh-eating screwworm after decades of eradication, recalling the devastating 1970s outbreak that killed and destroyed thousands of cattle. The parasitic fly, now advancing north from Central America, threatens up to $1.8 billion in damages to Texas’ economy and could push beef prices higher by removing calves from the supply. Efforts to control outbreaks rely heavily on sterile insect release, but a Panama factory racing to breed enough sterile flies is struggling to keep pace with rising cases. Veterinarians warn infections are increasing in livestock — and occasionally pets and humans — making U.S. reinfestation more likely despite boosted surveillance and response planning. Ranchers and state agencies are coordinating preparedness measures, including rapid detection, treatment protocols and stockpiling control resources.
Fifth-generation rancher Kip Dove and others are preparing for the return of the flesh-eating screwworm after decades of eradication, recalling the devastating 1970s outbreak that killed and destroyed thousands of cattle. The parasitic fly, now advancing north from Central America, threatens up to $1.8 billion in damages to Texas’ economy and could push beef prices higher by removing calves from the supply. Efforts to control outbreaks rely heavily on sterile insect release, but a Panama factory racing to breed enough sterile flies is struggling to keep pace with rising cases. Veterinarians warn infections are increasing in livestock — and occasionally pets and humans — making U.S. reinfestation more likely despite boosted surveillance and response planning. Ranchers and state agencies are coordinating preparedness measures, including rapid detection, treatment protocols and stockpiling control resources.
Special Session 2 opens at the Texas Capitol after quorum-break drama
The special session at the Texas Capitol ended abruptly on Friday when five House members were absent, prompting Speaker Dustin Burrows to adjourn and immediately call a second special session. The break followed Democrats leaving the floor two weeks earlier to deny quorum in protest of the state's redistricting plan, and their potential return was a central question as lawmakers reconvened. Speaker Burrows framed the adjournment as a reset to advance priorities including property tax relief, protections for the unborn, and measures on women’s private spaces, while warning that civil arrest warrants for absent lawmakers would remain in effect. Democrats maintain their quorum-busting tactic was a last-resort protest against what they view as an unfair map and rushed process. Both sides signaled an intensified fight ahead as the clock restarts on contested legislation.
The special session at the Texas Capitol ended abruptly on Friday when five House members were absent, prompting Speaker Dustin Burrows to adjourn and immediately call a second special session. The break followed Democrats leaving the floor two weeks earlier to deny quorum in protest of the state's redistricting plan, and their potential return was a central question as lawmakers reconvened. Speaker Burrows framed the adjournment as a reset to advance priorities including property tax relief, protections for the unborn, and measures on women’s private spaces, while warning that civil arrest warrants for absent lawmakers would remain in effect. Democrats maintain their quorum-busting tactic was a last-resort protest against what they view as an unfair map and rushed process. Both sides signaled an intensified fight ahead as the clock restarts on contested legislation.
Fort Worth’s Modern Art Museum is turning up the heat this fall with «David-Jeremiah: The Fire This Time», a bold showcase of Oak Cliff’s own rising star. The artist-already decorated with grants, solo shows from Dallas to New York, and even a Clark Art Institute spotlight-brings a mix of ritual, humor, and yes, Lamborghinis, to explore humanity’s endless contradictions. His fiery new works, including the final pieces of his dazzling EE series, smolder with themes of transcendence and transformation. After all, when your art literally ends with a cremated painting in a Lamborghini-inspired urn, you’re not just playing with fire-you’re making it the headline act.
Air Canada’s weekend drama is coming in for a landing: flights will resume Sunday after the government ordered more than 10,000 striking flight attendants back to work. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board told both Air Canada and its Rouge crews to report for duty by 2 p.m. ET, following months of failed contract talks over pay and scheduling. Ottawa’s solution? Binding arbitration-because nothing says “labor peace” like forcing everyone to keep flying until the lawyers sort it out.
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Texas STAAR scores inch up in reading and math, sparking debates over testing
New state STAAR results released Friday show slight gains: 54% of students met grade-level standards in reading (up from 53%) and 43% did so in math (up from 41%). The exams — given in grades 3–8 for reading and math, with additional science and social studies tests — remain a key measure used by the Texas Education Agency to rate schools and districts. Critics say the year-end STAAR places heavy burdens on students and families because of its length (sometimes up to seven hours) and stress, prompting repeated but so far unsuccessful legislative efforts to replace it with shorter tests. Political gridlock, including a recent quorum break by House Democrats, has stalled STAAR reform despite talk of another special session from Gov. Greg Abbott. Educators warn that raw scores mask local disparities — for example, campuses with many English learners can suffer low ratings that carry major consequences for communities.
New state STAAR results released Friday show slight gains: 54% of students met grade-level standards in reading (up from 53%) and 43% did so in math (up from 41%). The exams — given in grades 3–8 for reading and math, with additional science and social studies tests — remain a key measure used by the Texas Education Agency to rate schools and districts. Critics say the year-end STAAR places heavy burdens on students and families because of its length (sometimes up to seven hours) and stress, prompting repeated but so far unsuccessful legislative efforts to replace it with shorter tests. Political gridlock, including a recent quorum break by House Democrats, has stalled STAAR reform despite talk of another special session from Gov. Greg Abbott. Educators warn that raw scores mask local disparities — for example, campuses with many English learners can suffer low ratings that carry major consequences for communities.
Air Quality Monitored After Elevated Sulfur Dioxide Emissions at Valero in Texas City
Texas City emergency officials are investigating an “upset” at a Valero facility after reporting higher-than-normal sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and have deployed air monitoring in surrounding neighborhoods. As a precaution, portions of FM 519 to the South Loop (605 S Loop) were temporarily closed while responders checked conditions. By 6:45 p.m. air monitors in the area had not detected dangerous readings, according to the Texas City Office of Emergency Management. The EPA notes SO2 is a reactive gas produced by fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes and can affect respiratory health at elevated levels. Authorities continue monitoring and working with Valero to identify the cause and ensure public safety.
Texas City emergency officials are investigating an “upset” at a Valero facility after reporting higher-than-normal sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and have deployed air monitoring in surrounding neighborhoods. As a precaution, portions of FM 519 to the South Loop (605 S Loop) were temporarily closed while responders checked conditions. By 6:45 p.m. air monitors in the area had not detected dangerous readings, according to the Texas City Office of Emergency Management. The EPA notes SO2 is a reactive gas produced by fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes and can affect respiratory health at elevated levels. Authorities continue monitoring and working with Valero to identify the cause and ensure public safety.
Fort Worth just got a Hollywood-sized upgrade. The new 450,000-square-foot film and TV campus-the largest in Texas-opened in AllianceTexas, already hosting the second season of Paramount’s «Landman». Founded by «Yellowstone» creator Taylor Sheridan, SGS Studios aims to prove Texas can do more than cowboys and oil: think big sets, multiple productions at once, and enough space to “dream big” without city traffic. With plans to expand further and training programs through Tarrant County College, Fort Worth is betting on turning its wide-open spaces into a media mecca. Paramount and Sheridan promise it’s all serious storytelling… with a side of Texas-sized ambition.
Texas is breaking records-and not just in BBQ consumption. The state hit 14.3 million jobs in July, adding 232,500 over the past year and outpacing the national growth rate. Governor Abbott credits the “best business climate” and hardworking Texans, while rolling out career training programs and \$1.6 million in grants for South Texas technical education. With 15.8 million people in the labor force and unemployment steady at 4%, Texas isn’t just creating jobs-it’s practically building an economy as big as its sky.
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Texas is giving its driver’s licenses and state IDs a makeover, complete with shiny new security features that are supposedly harder for criminals to copy. Starting August 18, the cards are made from tamper-proof polycarbonate, feature a black laser-engraved star (because gold stars are apparently passé), and showcase Texas pride with flag colors, horses, and even a backup photo of you. DPS insists this redesign is all about protecting Texans from identity theft-though you’ll still get to keep your old license until it naturally expires. In short: your wallet just got a little more patriotic and a lot harder to fake.
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