#texas

Texas Woman on Death Row for Grisly Murder of Pregnant Friend and Unborn Daughter Resurfaces in New Documentary The case of Taylor Parker, a Texas woman convicted of murdering her pregnant friend Reagan Simmons-Hancock in 2020 and removing her unborn daughter Braxlynn from her womb, has regained public attention following the release of a Netflix documentary titled Maternal Instinct. The film revisits the harrowing crime, which shocked the nation due to its extreme brutality and the rarity of such acts. Parker, now 34, was sentenced to death in 2022 after being found guilty of capital murder, though her legal team continues to challenge the verdict through appeals. Parker’s crime unfolded in a manner that defies conventional understanding of violence. According to court records, she killed Simmons-Hancock during a violent altercation, then severed the unborn child from the mother’s body. The act, described as a “fetal abduction by maternal evisceration,” is exceptionally rare. Historical data indicates only 15 such cases in the U.S. between 1987 and 2011, with no recorded instances before 1973. The brutality of the crime has sparked debates about the legal and ethical implications of prosecuting such cases, particularly regarding the status of the unborn child. The trial revealed a complex legal battle. Prosecutors argued that Parker’s actions were premeditated, with evidence suggesting she had planned the crime for months. They claimed she manipulated her boyfriend, Wade Griffin, into believing she was pregnant, even hosting a gender-reveal party to solidify his trust. Griffin, a roofer with welding and hog-trapping jobs, later testified that their relationship was emotionally turbulent, and Parker promised him land and a future together.#netflix #texas #taylor_parker #reagan_simmonshancock #braxlynn

Tennessee Softball Faces Texas in WCWS Semifinal Rematch Tennessee softball will take on Texas in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) semifinals for the second consecutive year, marking a rematch of their opening-round clash on May 28. The Lady Vols, seeded seventh with a 49-10 record, defeated the No. 2 Longhorns in their first matchup, setting up a potential showdown for a spot in the championship series. This year’s contest, scheduled for June 1 (noon ET, ESPN), carries significant stakes for Tennessee, which is seeking its first national title and third-ever WCWS championship appearance. The Lady Vols entered the semifinals without a loss, a stark contrast to their previous year’s run, where they had to overcome elimination games. This year, Tennessee advanced through the winner’s bracket, giving them a strategic advantage. Texas, the reigning national champions, had to navigate the loser’s bracket after a 3-1 victory over Nebraska in an elimination game on May 31. Coach Mike White of Texas acknowledged the challenge, noting that Tennessee’s pitching staff, including the untested Erin Nuwer, poses a unique threat. “These pitchers are so good now, they’re able to study what we did, what they did. It becomes that cat-and-mouse game of strategy,” White said. The first semifinal matchup on May 28 saw Tennessee’s junior pitcher Sage Mardjetko dominate Texas, limiting them to one hit in four innings. Mardjetko’s performance was so strong that Tennessee coach Karen Weekly opted to rest her in anticipation of a potential rematch. Senior ace Karlyn Pickens stepped in, throwing a seventh-inning save with two earned runs allowed. Despite the effort, Tennessee’s offense delivered, scoring six runs against Texas ace Teagan Kavan.#texas #women_s_college_world_series #tennessee_softball #sage_mardjetko #karlyn_pickens

Kozeal’s Five-RBI Game Leads #12 Arkansas to Win against #5 Texas in SEC Tournament Camden Kozeal delivered a standout performance with two home runs and five RBIs, propelling No. 12 Arkansas to an 8-1 victory over No. 5 Texas in the quarterfinal round of the SEC Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The win secured the Razorbacks a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2023, marking a significant milestone in their pursuit of a championship game appearance. Arkansas, seeded seventh, will face sixth-ranked Auburn on Saturday, May 23, at 4 p.m. on SEC Network. The game began with Arkansas’ offense asserting dominance, as they tagged Texas starter Cody Howard for six runs on five hits. Howard, who lasted just two innings, struggled to contain the Razorbacks’ power-hitting lineup. Kozeal, the team’s shortstop, took control early with a two-run homer in the first inning, his 19th of the season. The 450-foot three-run shot in the second inning, over the batter’s eye in center field, extended Arkansas’ lead to 6-0 and marked his 20th home run of the year. The two homers accounted for five RBIs, solidifying his role as a key offensive force. Kozeal’s performance was complemented by his overall offensive production, as he finished the game with three hits. His season batting line of .317/.402/.679 highlights his consistency at the plate, with his 20 home runs tying him for fifth in Arkansas’ single-season history. The Razorbacks’ offensive firepower was further bolstered by contributions from other players, including TJ Pompey (2-for-5, 2B, SB), Nolan Souza (2-for-4, RBI), and Maika Niu (2-for-4, 2B). Souza drove in a run with a single in the first inning, while Carter Rutenbar and Reese Robinett added RBIs in the fifth inning. The pitching staff also played a crucial role in securing the win.#sec_tournament #texas #arkansas #camden_kozeal #hoover_metropolitan_stadium

University of Tennessee Athletics Kuhns' Record-Setting Night Leads Vols Past #3/4 Texas in Series Opener KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee baseball team delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, defeating No. 3/4 Texas 5-1 in the opening game of its final SEC home series of the season. The Volunteers, ranked 33rd in the nation, showcased their dominance on the mound and their ability to capitalize on key offensive opportunities, overcoming a resilient Texas squad. Sophomore right-hander Tegan Kuhns was the standout performer, setting a school record with 15 strikeouts in a single game and tying the SEC single-game strikeout mark set by LSU’s Casan Evans earlier this season. Kuhns’ effort, which also matched the program’s highest strikeout total since June 2005, was instrumental in securing the victory. The game began with Tennessee asserting its dominance early. Designated hitter Trent Grindlinger opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning with a double to left center, plating Blake Grimmer from second after he reached on an infield single. The Volunteers extended their lead in the second inning, with Levi Clark advancing from first to third on a double down the left-field line by Manny Marin. An error by the left fielder allowed Clark to score, making it 3-0. Marin later came in to score on a wild pitch, increasing the Vols’ advantage to 4-0. Texas, however, did not go quietly. The Longhorns (36-11, 15-9 SEC) mounted a threat in the top of the seventh inning with back-to-back two-out singles. After a mound visit from head coach Josh Elander, Kuhns responded with a dominant strikeout of Casey Borba, his 15th of the game, sending the Lindsey Nelson Stadium crowd into a frenzy. The Vols capitalized on the momentum, adding two runs in the bottom of the seventh.#texas #university_of_tennessee #tegan_kuhns #lindsey_nelson_stadium #josh_elander

Tennessee baseball’s Tegan Kuhns strikes out 15 in ‘incredible’ start The crowd was already on its feet to give him a standing ovation, but it wasn’t time yet for Tegan Kuhns’ curtain call. Tennessee baseball coach Josh Elander walked to the mound to talk with his sophomore right-hander, who had already provided a gem of a start. With 109 pitches already thrown, Kuhns figured his outing was over. Elander had different ideas. “They must be cheering for me, because you’re staying in this game,” Elander told Kuhns. A long foul ball provided strike one, and an off-speed pitch on the outside edge gave strike two. The fans rose again, and Kuhns sent them into a frenzy by inducing a swing and miss to end the seventh inning. He pointed to the turf at Lindsey Nelson Stadium and declared: “This is my house!” It was the 113th and final pitch of a masterful performance, putting an exclamation point on the most dominant start of Kuhns’ career as the Vols (33-17, 12-13 SEC) won 5-1 against No. 4 Texas (36-11, 15-9 SEC) on May 8. A career-high 15 strikeouts highlighted seven shutout innings, which included just four hits and one walk. It was only the second time this season an SEC pitcher recorded 15 strikeouts in a game, the other coming on March 19 when LSU’s Casan Evans did it against Oklahoma. “I have (struck out 15 batters) in high school, but it was nothing like I did tonight for sure,” Kuhns said. “Just executing when I needed to and landing that curveball down in the bottom of the zone.” Kuhns set the tone from the start, working around a leadoff walk for a scoreless first inning. His opposite was Texas lefty Dylan Volantis, one of the best pitchers in the SEC, so runs would be at a premium. Once the Vols put a run on the board in the bottom half, Kuhns’ confidence rose.#texas #sec #tegan_kuhns #josh_elanders #lindsey_nelson_stadium

Severe Thunderstorms Threaten Texas as Cold Front Brings Stormy Weather Much of Texas faces a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms on Sunday as a cold front is expected to sweep through the region during the evening. The storm system will disrupt the recent cool and cloudy conditions in South Texas, replacing them with warmer temperatures and an increased likelihood of scattered but strong thunderstorms, particularly in the second half of the day. While Mother’s Day plans may remain dry through the late afternoon, the cold front’s arrival by Sunday evening will trigger significant weather changes. Saturday’s forecast calls for cloudy and muggy conditions across South and Central Texas, with temperatures rising into the low to mid-70s by 10 a.m. High atmospheric moisture levels will create isolated showers and storms in the morning, though rain chances remain low at 20% in San Antonio. By midday, clouds are expected to thin, allowing temperatures to climb into the upper 80s. However, humidity will make the heat feel like the 90s. A few thunderstorms may develop between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., but they will remain isolated, keeping overall rain chances around 20%. Most of South Texas will stay dry during the day. The severe weather threat intensifies on Sunday as the cold front moves through Texas. Morning temperatures in San Antonio will start in the 70s, rising to the lower to mid-80s by noon. Afternoon highs are projected to reach the lower 90s, with uncomfortable humidity levels persisting. The cold front will begin affecting North Texas by Sunday afternoon, progressing southward into the Hill Country by 7 p.m. and reaching San Antonio by 9-10 p.m. As the front interacts with the humid air mass, thunderstorms are likely to form, potentially producing large hail and damaging wind gusts.#national_weather_service #texas #san_antonio #storm_prediction_center #dallas_fort_worth

Camp Mystic Flood Investigation Reveals Systemic Failures in Safety Protocols AUSTIN, Texas — An investigator into the catastrophic flood that killed 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic has revealed that the camp’s reliance on untrained teenage counselors, a rigid “obedience” culture, and critical delays in evacuation efforts doomed the victims. The findings, presented to Texas lawmakers during a legislative hearing, underscored a lack of emergency preparedness and a failure to heed flood warnings, with the investigator describing the tragedy as “set before any drop of rain fell.” The incident occurred on July 7, 2025, when a sudden and severe flood swept through the all-girls Christian camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The flood, which was exacerbated by heavy rainfall, overwhelmed the camp’s low-lying areas, leading to the deaths of 25 campers and two counselors. Camp owner Richard Eastland, who perished while attempting to evacuate girls to higher ground, was also among the victims. The investigation, led by Casey Garrett, a Houston attorney and investigator for the state’s special legislative committee, detailed how the camp’s safety protocols were woefully inadequate. Garrett emphasized that the counselors, many of whom were teenagers with no formal emergency training, were ill-equipped to handle the crisis. “There was never any real training, no drills of any kind,” she stated during the hearing. The camp’s evacuation plan, which had been approved by a state inspector just two days prior, was described as a one-paragraph directive instructing campers to “stay in their cabins unless told otherwise by the office.” This directive, which falsely claimed all cabins were built on “high, safe locations,” proved fatal as floodwaters surged.#texas #camp_mystic #guadalupe_river #richard_eastland #casey_garrett

Social Security Offices Temporarily Closed in Multiple States Several Social Security Administration offices are temporarily closed or operating with limited in-person services due to disruptions. The agency’s website lists affected locations, which include offices in West Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, the Northern Mariana Islands, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, and Montana. Some locations are completely closed to the public, while others provide services by appointment only. The closures are attributed to construction, required maintenance, or facilities issues, according to the agency. The Social Security Administration clarified that the closures are not permanent and are part of ongoing efforts to address infrastructure and operational challenges. Affected offices are expected to resume full operations once the issues are resolved. Recipients are advised to check the status of their local office by entering their ZIP code on the agency’s Office Closings and Emergencies webpage. For those needing assistance, the agency recommends using its website to access services. If online access is unavailable, beneficiaries are directed to call the national 800-number hotline or contact local office staff for phone support. Individuals requiring in-person help must schedule an appointment before visiting any affected office. The agency emphasized that this approach helps manage wait times and ensures resources are available for those who need them. The website does not specify the exact reasons for each closure, noting that the causes vary across locations. The agency reiterated that the disruptions are temporary and that the affected offices will reopen once the current issues are resolved. No timeline for reopening was provided in the source material.#pennsylvania #texas #social_security_administration #northern_mariana_islands #west_virginia

SEC Baseball Standings: Halfway Through Conference Play The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has reached the midpoint of its 2026 baseball season, with 10 weeks of conference play completed. While nonconference games began in February, the 10-week SEC schedule determines regular-season titles and NCAA Tournament qualification. Historically, teams have needed at least 13 wins in conference play and an overall .500 record to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament field of 64. The SEC remains one of the nation’s strongest baseball conferences, having claimed the last seven national championships. Here’s the current standings after five weeks of SEC action: Georgia leads with 11-4 conference record (29-8 overall) Texas A&M is second at 9-5 (27-7) Florida and Alabama are tied at 9-6 (27-10 and 26-11, respectively) Ole Miss, Auburn, and Arkansas share third at 8-7 (26-11, 24-11, and 24-13) Mississippi State, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Tennessee are at 7-8 (26-10, 25-10, 24-11, and 24-12) South Carolina and Vanderbilt lag at 5-10 (18-19) and 7-8 (21-16), respectively Missouri is last at 3-12 (20-17) The race for the SEC title and NCAA Tournament bids is still wide open, with several teams showing promise. Key Takeaways from the First Half of SEC Play Tennessee’s Turnaround The Volunteers, once struggling at 4-8 in SEC play, have made a significant resurgence. A sweep of top-10 Mississippi State in Starkville marked a turning point. Despite the Bulldogs’ recent struggles, defeating them at Dudy Noble Field was a major statement. Tennessee’s 7-8 conference record places them in the middle of the pack, but their improved performance has solidified their NCAA Tournament chances. Coach Josh Elander’s team is now viewed as a legitimate contender for the SEC title and a College World Series berth.#georgia #texas #florida #sec #texas_am

Powerball April 4 Drawing Results: No Jackpot Winner, $1 Million Prize Claimed in Texas The Powerball lottery drawing held on Saturday, April 4, did not result in a jackpot winner, according to official reports. The jackpot for the April 4 drawing was $216 million, with a cash option valued at $98.2 million. The winning numbers for the drawing were 3, 6, 13, 41, and 65, with the red Powerball number 1 and a Power Play multiplier of 4X. Despite the large prize pool, no player matched all five white balls plus the Powerball to claim the top prize. A single winner in Texas claimed the $1 million Match 5 prize, which requires matching all five white balls without the Powerball. There was no Match 5 plus Power Play winner, which would have awarded $2 million. The Powerball lottery’s next drawing is scheduled for Monday, April 6, with an estimated jackpot of $231 million and a cash value of $105.0 million. Powerball drawings occur at 11 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The odds of winning the jackpot remain at 1 in 292.2 million, while other prize tiers offer varying payouts based on the number of matched balls. For example, matching four white balls plus the Powerball awards $50,000, and matching three white balls plus the Powerball grants $100. Lower-tier prizes include $7 for matching three white balls or two white balls plus the Powerball, and $4 for matching one white ball plus the Powerball or the Powerball alone. Players can purchase Powerball tickets in 45 states, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Non-U.S. citizens or residents are also eligible to participate. Tickets are typically sold at retail locations such as gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets, with sales cutoff times varying by jurisdiction.#texas #powerball #powerball_jackpot #powerball_drawing #powerball_lottery

Powerball Jackpot Winner Announced in Delaware, Next Drawing Set for Wednesday A ticket sold in Delaware has claimed the $231 million Powerball jackpot for the April 6, 2026, drawing, marking a significant win in the state’s lottery history. The winning numbers for the Monday night drawing were 7, 24, 37, 42, 57, with the Powerball number 5. This combination secured the top prize, while a separate ticket in Texas matched five numbers and the Power Play multiplier to win $2 million. The Powerball jackpot for the next drawing on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, has been reset to an estimated $20 million, with a cash option valued at $9.1 million. The Powerball results for the April 6 drawing were confirmed by lottery officials, with the winning numbers detailed as 7, 24, 37, 42, 57, and the Powerball of 5. The Power Play feature, which allows players to multiply non-jackpot winnings, was set at 2x for this draw. The Delaware winner, whose identity has not been disclosed, will have the opportunity to claim the prize either as a lump sum or through annuity payments, depending on their preference. In addition to the jackpot, the Powerball Double Play numbers for the April 6 drawing were 3, 17, 48, 56, 64, with the Powerball number 20. Despite the Double Play offering a second chance to win $10 million, no ticket matched all six numbers, and only one ticket matched five numbers except for the Powerball, earning a $500,000 prize. The Power Play feature, which costs an additional $1 per ticket, was a key factor in the Texas winner’s $2 million payout. The Powerball jackpot for the next drawing, scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, will start at $20 million. This amount is significantly lower than the $231 million jackpot from the previous week, reflecting the reset of the prize pool after the Delaware winner’s claim.#texas #powerball #delaware #powerball_jackpot #powerball_results

Purdue vs Texas basketball highlights: Boilermakers edge Longhorns in Sweet 16 Texas' dream of advancing from the First Four to the Final Four ended in heartbreak, as Purdue secured a dramatic 79-77 victory over the Longhorns in the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 26. The Boilermakers’ win, decided by a last-second tip-in from Trey Kaufman-Renn, propelled them to the Elite Eight, where they will face the winner of Arizona and Arkansas. Kaufman-Renn, who finished with a team-high 20 points and eight rebounds, delivered the game-winning play with 0.7 seconds remaining. He tipped in a missed layup by Braden Smith, breaking a 78-78 tie. The Boilermakers’ victory marked their fourth Sweet 16 appearance in five seasons, following a late-season slump that saw them go 2-4 in their final regular-season games. Coach Matt Painter’s team has since won seven consecutive games, including a Big Ten tournament title. Texas, led by Tramon Mark’s 29 points, struggled to contain Purdue’s dynamic offense. Mark, who made 11 of 15 shots despite an injured ankle, carried the Longhorns for much of the game. However, Purdue’s combination of Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer, who added 18 points, proved too much. The Boilermakers’ ability to capitalize on turnovers and defensive stops was critical, particularly in the final minutes. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads throughout. At the final media timeout of regulation, Purdue and Texas were tied at 70 with 3:56 remaining. Texas held a narrow 65-63 lead in the third quarter, but Purdue’s relentless scoring and clutch plays in the final minutes shifted momentum. Injuries also played a role in the outcome. Texas’ Jordan Pope, who had been listed as questionable due to an ankle injury from their second-round win over Gonzaga, was on the court but not among the starters.#texas #purdue #braden_smith #tramon_mark #trey_kaufmanrenn

Purdue men’s basketball secured a hard-fought 79-77 victory over Texas in the Sweet 16, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s March Madness run. The win, which came in a tightly contested game at the San Jose Sharks’ arena, underscored Purdue’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. Coach Matt Painter, who had questioned the team’s readiness for such a challenge just weeks prior, praised the Boilermakers for overcoming a brutal shooting night and a physical defensive battle. The game’s defining moments came in the final minutes, when Trey Kaufman-Renn’s clutch offensive rebound and subsequent free throws sealed the win. Purdue’s offensive efficiency, which had led the nation for much of the season, faltered against Texas’ relentless defense. The Boilermakers shot just 12% from beyond the arc, with only Fletcher Loyer (4 of 8) finding consistent success. Loyer’s performance, while impressive, came at a cost—his shooting percentage dipped to 51.6% over his last 14 games, a stark contrast to the rest of the team, which went 0 for 12 from three-point range. Texas, meanwhile, capitalized on Purdue’s struggles, particularly in the second half. The Longhorns’ dominance on the boards shifted momentum in their favor, allowing them to take a 70-66 lead with 5:39 remaining. Purdue’s rebounding woes—minus-nine on the glass in the first 10 minutes of the second half—threatened to derail their season, as Texas had previously thrived in second-chance opportunities. However, Purdue’s defense and rebounding efforts turned the tide. Key players stepped up in critical moments. C.J. Cox, battling a knee injury, made clutch free throws and forced turnovers on Texas’ leading scorer, Tramon Mark.#texas #trey_kaufmanrenn #matt_painter #purdue_men_basketball #san_jose_sharks_arena

Michigan to Head to Texas for Sweet 16 Matchup Against Louisville The University of Michigan women’s basketball team will travel to Texas to face Louisville in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 28. The game will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, starting at 11:30 a.m. CT and broadcast live on ABC. This marks the Wolverines’ third Sweet 16 appearance in program history, following victories over Holy Cross and NC State. Michigan previously reached the Sweet 16 in 2021 and 2022, showcasing their consistent performance in the tournament. The matchup against Louisville is the ninth meeting between the two teams, with Louisville holding a 6-2 edge in the series. The Cardinals defeated Michigan 71-50 in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at the KFC Yum! Center and secured a 62-50 win in the 2022 regional final in Wichita. However, Michigan has a strong record against ACC opponents this season, with three victories over Notre Dame, Syracuse, and NC State. The Wolverines are 3-0 against ACC schools this year. Michigan’s sophomore starters—Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, and Mila Holloway—have all elevated their play in the NCAA Tournament. Olson and Swords are averaging 19.5 points per game, while Holloway is scoring 16.5 points per game. Olson’s performance against NC State was standout, as she scored 27 points in the second half to reach 633 points for the season, ranking sixth in Michigan history. Swords added 26 points against NC State, surpassing the 1,000-point mark in her career. Holloway contributed 20 points against Holy Cross and is averaging 8.5 rebounds in the two NCAA Tournament games. Brooke Quarles Daniels has been a key contributor for Michigan in her final season. In the win over No.#texas #ncaa_tournament #university_of_michigan #louisville #dickies_arena

Purdue basketball advances to the Elite Eight after a thrilling Sweet 16 victory March 26, 2026 Purdue’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 79-77 win over 11-seed Texas in the Sweet 16 round of March Madness, advancing to the Elite Eight. The Boilermakers overcame a shaky 3-point shooting performance to edge out the Longhorns in a tightly contested game at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. A crucial tip-in by Trey Kaufman-Renn sealed the victory after Braden Smith’s drive missed the rim, giving Purdue the lead. Fletcher Loyer led the way for Purdue, hitting four of his first eight 3-point attempts, while the rest of the team struggled from beyond the arc, going 0 for 12. This allowed Texas’ Tramon Mark to thrive, scoring a game-high 29 points on 15 shots. Despite the Longhorns’ hot shooting, Purdue’s defense and clutch plays kept them in the game. The Boilermakers’ senior-laden squad, now 30-8, will face Arizona in the Elite Eight, continuing their seven-game winning streak. All five scorers reached double figures in the victory. Purdue’s next game will be against Arizona in the Elite Eight, set for Saturday, March 28, at 8:49 p.m. ET. The matchup will be broadcast on TBS and truTV, with analysts Brian Anderson, Jim Jackson, and sideline reporter Allie LaForce calling the action. Fans can stream the game via Fubo. Tickets for the Purdue vs. Arizona Elite Eight game are available on StubHub, starting at $183. The Boilermakers’ journey to the Elite Eight highlights their resilience, as they continue to build on their Big Ten title success.#texas #purdue #sap_center #braden_smith #trey_kaufman_renn

Gonzaga's NCAA Tournament Run Ends with Late-Game Collapse Against Texas Gonzaga’s 2025-26 season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion as the Bulldogs fell to Texas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, 74-68. The loss marked the second consecutive year the team failed to reach the Sweet 16, reigniting frustrations over recurring struggles in high-stakes games. For fans, the final moments of the contest—particularly a late three-pointer by Texas—will linger as a painful reminder of how the Zags have repeatedly let opportunities slip away. The game’s narrative unfolded in familiar fashion for Gonzaga. Early in the contest, the Bulldogs controlled the tempo, forcing Texas into contested shots and limiting the Longhorns’ rhythm. The Zags’ offense, led by Graham Ike, showed promise, with Ike scoring efficiently and distributing the ball effectively. Gonzaga built an eight-point lead by halftime, despite a slow start from beyond the arc, shooting just 1-for-7 from three. However, the team’s struggles persisted, with defensive lapses and missed opportunities threatening their momentum. Texas, meanwhile, found its rhythm in the second half. The Longhorns adjusted their strategy, spreading the floor and exploiting Gonzaga’s switching defense to create open looks. A 6-for-6 scoring surge in the final minutes, capped by Jordan Pope’s three-pointer, shifted the momentum decisively in Texas’ favor. Gonzaga’s perimeter defense, a recurring weakness, faltered as the Longhorns capitalized on open shots, while the Bulldogs’ own shooting woes—only four makes from three-point range—exacerbated their woes. Despite individual efforts from key players, Gonzaga’s team performance fell short.#texas #tramon_mark #gonzaga #graham_ike #jordan_pope

Surging hail damage as bad as Cat-4 hurricane, report says More than 43.5 million U.S. homes face significant risk from damaging hail, according to a new report by Cotality, a real estate data provider. The study highlights that hailstorms now cause financial losses comparable to Category 4 hurricanes, with potential reconstruction costs reaching up to $17.84 trillion. The report warns that the growing threat of hail damage is often overlooked compared to more visible risks like wildfires and hurricanes. In 2025, the U.S. experienced 142 days of damaging hail—seven more than in 2024 and well above the 20-year average of 122 days. During these events, over 600,000 homes were struck by hailstones measuring two inches or larger. The report attributes this surge in risk to both changing weather patterns and the aging housing stock. Older roofs, which are more brittle, are particularly vulnerable to hail damage, increasing the likelihood of structural failure. Texas leads the nation in hail risk, with nearly eight million properties exposed to damage and $3.09 trillion in potential reconstruction costs. A massive storm cluster in Texas in June 2023 exemplified the financial impact of hail damage. From June 11 to June 15, hail larger than one inch affected over 680,000 homes, with insured losses estimated between $7 and $10 billion. Nearly all of this damage was caused by hail. The report also identifies other regions in the Midwest as high-risk areas. Secondary markets like Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Denver are located near major weather collision zones, making them frequent targets for severe spring and summer storms. These areas, while often more affordable, are increasingly vulnerable due to their geographic positioning.#texas #kansas_city #st_louis #minneapolis #cotality

Fire at Texas oil refinery creates huge smoke plume An explosion at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, prompted officials to advise some residents in the western part of the city to stay indoors. Flames and a towering plume of smoke were visible from the site following the incident, which Sheriff Zena Stephens attributed to an industrial heater. The local CBS affiliate KFDM reported the cause of the explosion. Valero, the refinery’s operator, stated in a press release that no injuries were reported and that all employees had been accounted for. The incident occurred at the Valero facility, which is one of the largest oil refineries in the United States. The explosion led to immediate evacuations in nearby areas, with authorities urging residents to avoid the vicinity due to the risk of hazardous materials. Emergency services were deployed to the scene to manage the situation and ensure public safety. While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, officials have confirmed that the industrial heater was a likely factor. Residents in the affected area were advised to remain indoors and avoid breathing in any smoke or fumes. Air quality monitoring was conducted to assess potential health risks, and local authorities provided updates on the status of the refinery and any ongoing hazards. The incident has raised concerns about industrial safety and the potential impact of such events on nearby communities. Valero has pledged to cooperate with investigators and provide further details as the probe progresses. The company has also emphasized its commitment to maintaining safety standards and preventing future incidents. Meanwhile, the community continues to monitor the situation, with many expressing hope that the refinery will resume operations safely and efficiently.#texas #valero #port_arthur #sheriff_zena_stephens #kfdm

Women's March Madness Bold Predictions: Michigan and Notre Dame Poised for Big Upsets The first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament has begun, marking the third time in history—and the first since 2013—that all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the previous year’s Final Four. While UConn and UCLA are widely expected to meet in the championship, the tournament’s unpredictability ensures that upsets remain a possibility. CBS Sports analysts have shared bold predictions for the upcoming tournament, highlighting potential surprises and key matchups. UCLA is expected to face significant challenges despite its strong resume. Analyst Isabel Gonzalez predicts the Bruins will not reach the championship game, citing the brutal bracket they must navigate. Teams like Ole Miss, Duke, and LSU have already demonstrated their ability to pull off upsets, and UCLA’s path includes a potential clash with Michigan, a team that has already tested the Bruins this season. Gonzalez also notes Texas as a stronger contender, pointing to the Longhorns’ improved offense and recent victories over UCLA and South Carolina. Michigan, meanwhile, is positioned to make a statement. Erica Ayala believes the Wolverines will defeat Texas and secure a spot in the Final Four. Michigan’s ability to challenge elite teams has been evident this season, with the team pushing both UCLA and UConn to the brink. Ayala highlights the trio of Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Olivia Olson, whose shooting prowess could disrupt Texas’s defense and create chaos in the tournament. The possibility of all four No. 1 seeds advancing to the Final Four is another bold prediction. Jack Maloney argues that this scenario is statistically plausible, noting that only four times in the tournament’s history have all four No. 1 seeds reached the Final Four. The current No.#ucla #michigan #texas #notre_dame #uconn

Texas pushes rare-earth mining project to reduce dependence on China Texas is advancing a significant rare-earth mining initiative aimed at decreasing the United States’ reliance on China for critical minerals essential to defense and advanced technology sectors. The project, centered around the Round Top rare-earth deposit in West Texas, has gained traction as policymakers and industry leaders seek to bolster domestic supply chains. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham highlighted the state’s strategic position in the global rare-earth market during a discussion on FOX Business’ "Mornings with Maria," emphasizing the potential economic and national security benefits. Buckingham noted that Texas possesses 15 out of the 17 rare-earth minerals, with a particular focus on the "heavies," which are vital for defense systems, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. She described the project as a pivotal step in breaking China’s dominance over the global supply chain, projecting billions of dollars in revenue for Texas public schools. The Round Top deposit, considered one of the richest sources of heavy rare-earth minerals in North America, is central to this effort. The $1.5 billion rare-earth deal, involving USA Rare Earth CEO Barbara Humpton, underscores the urgency of securing critical minerals. Humpton emphasized the need to fast-track the Round Top project to ensure the U.S. can meet its technological and defense demands without depending on foreign suppliers. The project’s success could mark a turning point in reshaping the global rare-earth landscape, with Texas positioned as a key player. President Donald Trump’s administration has also shown interest in supporting domestic mineral development, with plans to allocate $12 billion in seed money to stockpile critical minerals.#texas #round_top #dawn_buckingham #usa_rare_earth #barbara_humpton