State News
Thursday, May 7, 2026 · Abilene
Texas Executes James Broadnax in Huntsville After Supreme Court Snubs Final Plea
James Broadnax, convicted in the brutal 2008 Garland studio slayings of two music producers, received lethal injection Thursday evening, hours after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his appeal over a cousin's confession. The 37-year-old became Texas' third execution of 2026, marking the 599th death penalty case since 1982. Witnesses described his final moments as he addressed victims' families from the gurney.
Spirit Airlines Shuts Down After Failed $500M Federal Bailout
Spirit Airlines, the Florida-based budget carrier with major operations serving Texas, ceased all operations Saturday after failing to secure a $500 million federal bailout from the Trump administration. The airline, which filed for bankruptcy twice since 2024, blamed surging jet fuel costs tied to the Iran war for making its financial situation untenable. Thousands of passengers across Texas are now scrambling to rebook flights on competing carriers.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Dante Fowler Signs With Seahawks After Lawrence's Super Bowl Pitch
Dante Fowler Jr. signed with the Seattle Seahawks after DeMarcus Lawrence reportedly convinced him he could win a Super Bowl with the team. Fowler and Lawrence were teammates on the Dallas Cowboys from 2022-2023.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Arsenal Edges West Ham 1-0 After VAR Disallows Late Equalizer
Arsenal defeated West Ham 1-0 after a late West Ham goal was disallowed by VAR for a foul on the Arsenal goalkeeper. The win puts Arsenal five points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League standings.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Projected NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Field Released: Florida Holds Top Seed
The first projected 76-team field for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is out. Florida currently holds the top overall seed, according to bracketologists.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Top 25 Teams: Potential Award Candidates
Several players across the top 25 teams are emerging as potential candidates for prestigious national awards. Each team has a standout player whose performance places them in contention for individual accolades.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Penn State Football Undergoes Changes in Campbell's First Four Months
Head Coach Matt Campbell has implemented changes within Penn State's football program during his first four months. The focus is on player development and a renewed emphasis on recruiting. The impact on the team's performance remains to be seen.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Power Four Football: Top Newcomers to Watch in 2026
Several new faces are expected to play key roles for Power Four football programs in 2026. These additions, whether through recruiting or the transfer portal, could significantly impact team performance.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
NCAA Proposal Grants Bowl Eligibility Flexibility to 5-7 Teams Meeting Academic Standards
The NCAA football oversight committee approved a proposal granting conferences flexibility in selecting 5-7 teams for bowl games. These teams must meet specific academic requirements to be considered. The measure aims to fill bowl vacancies when not enough traditionally eligible teams are available.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Texas Tech Lands In-State Wide Receiver Julian Caldwell
Texas Tech secured a commitment from wide receiver Julian Caldwell. Caldwell is ranked as the No. 59 overall prospect in the 2027 SC Next 300 rankings.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Timberwolves Defeat Spurs in Game 1, Securing Road Victory
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of their series. Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 36 points, leading the Timberwolves to a crucial road win.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Timberwolves Defeat Spurs in Game 1, 110-108
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 110-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1. Anthony Edwards scored 34 points for the Timberwolves, while Victor Wembanyama tallied a career-high 40 points for the Spurs.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Arch Manning Reports Full Recovery, Reflects on Previous Season
Texas quarterback Arch Manning stated he is fully recovered from offseason foot surgery. He also commented on his mindset affecting his performance during the previous season. Manning indicated a shift in attitude improved his play.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Stars' Roope Hintz Out to Start Playoffs
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz will miss the beginning of the playoffs due to a setback in his recovery from a lower-body injury. The team expects improvements in health at other positions.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
College Football Prospects to Watch in the 2026 Season
Several under-the-radar college football players are poised for breakout seasons in 2026. This list highlights one potential difference-maker from each of the nation's top teams. Identifying these emerging talents could be crucial for evaluating team performance and future NFL prospects.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Harris County Rolls Out Safety Push After String of Houston-Area Incidents
Harris County officials unveiled a bold public safety initiative Monday, boosting patrols and community outreach amid a surge in local emergencies. The move follows a rash of active incidents tracked across Houston dashboards, from fire and police responses to sheriff's calls. Residents in the nation's fourth-largest county are watching closely as leaders aim to restore calm.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Texas A&M Bags Third 2027 Five-Star with Kingwood OT Kennedy Brown
Texas A&M's 2027 football recruiting class exploded with a third five-star commitment Sunday as massive offensive tackle Kennedy Brown from Kingwood pledged to the Aggies. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman chose College Station over LSU, Florida and Tennessee. Aggies now tie Oklahoma with 11 top-300 pledges nationwide.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Austin's Aalo Atomics Raises $100M for Nuclear-Powered AI Data Centers
An Austin nuclear startup has secured $100 million to build modular reactors designed to fuel the exploding energy needs of AI data centers in Texas. Aalo Atomics' breakthrough funding arrives as Central Texas braces for a power crunch from tech giants. The company's Aalo Pods promise gigawatt-scale clean energy on-site.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Geodyn Solutions Lands $500M for Permian Basin Oil Push
A Texas energy firm has secured a $500 million investment to tap undervalued oil leases in the Permian Basin, promising jobs and economic surge. Geodyn Solutions aims to deploy the funds for new wells and recompletions using cutting-edge tech. The deal positions the state as a leader in the next oil boom.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
UT Austin Expands Semiconductor Labs with $849M Boost in Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is supercharging Texas' chip dominance with massive new investments in semiconductor research facilities. Backed by $840 million from DARPA and $4.8 million from the state, these expansions position Austin as a global hub for next-gen microelectronics. From quantum metrology to 3D chip integration, UT's labs will fuel jobs and innovation amid Texas' booming industry.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Houston Dynamo Signs 15-Year-Old Rosharon Prodigy as Youngest Ever
Houston Dynamo FC has signed 15-year-old midfielder Matthew Arana, a Rosharon native, as the youngest first-team player in club history. The Homegrown deal through 2027-28 underscores Texas' booming soccer talent pipeline. Arana debuted in the home opener against LA Galaxy at Shell Energy Stadium.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Rangers Activate Dunning from IL, Boost Arlington Rotation
The Texas Rangers activated right-hander Dane Dunning from the 15-day injured list, injecting stability into their starting rotation ahead of a critical homestand at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Dunning's return comes amid a rash of pitching injuries plaguing the defending World Series champions. Fans in the Metroplex are hopeful this move sparks a turnaround for the struggling staff.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Highland Park Voters Boot DART, First Texas Exit Since '89
In a seismic shift for North Texas transit, affluent Highland Park voters overwhelmingly chose to ditch Dallas Area Rapid Transit on Saturday, ending decades of participation. The move, the first city withdrawal since 1989, will strip away bus stops, paratransit and on-demand services starting May 14. Nearby Addison and University Park doubled down on staying, highlighting regional divides over public transit's value.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Texas Judge Halts Smokable Hemp Ban, Saving Austin Shops
A Travis County judge has blocked Texas' strict new rules capping THC in smokable hemp at 0.3%, allowing popular pre-rolls and flower to stay on shelves until at least July 27. The decision spares thousands of jobs in a $4.3 billion industry amid a fierce legal battle with the state. Hemp advocates hail it as a win for businesses, while regulators push for tighter controls on intoxicating products.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Dallas ISD Approves Historic $6.2B Bond, Largest in Texas History
Voters in Dallas Independent School District overwhelmingly approved a record-breaking $6.2 billion bond package Saturday, nearly doubling the district's previous 2020 effort and setting a new benchmark for school construction and modernization across Texas. The four-proposition measure will fund 26 new replacement schools, eliminate 700 portable classrooms, and upgrade technology and safety systems districtwide, with minimal impact on homeowners' property taxes.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Rockets Defeat Lakers 99-93 in Game 5
The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 99-93 in Game 5. The Lakers, however, still lead the series 3-2.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Spurs Eliminate Trail Blazers, Advance to Western Conference Semifinals
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 in Game 5, winning the series 4-1. Victor Wembanyama recorded a double-double in the decisive game. San Antonio advances to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the next round.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
San Antonio River Walk Revamp Fuels Tourism Boom
San Antonio's iconic River Walk is undergoing a transformative $30 million makeover, drawing record crowds and igniting downtown real estate. New food halls and strategic upgrades promise a $3.3 billion economic spark for the Alamo City. Public input shapes the future of this Texas treasure.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Texas Oil Gushes to 2.1B Barrels in 2025, Fueling Houston Boom
Texas shattered oil production records in 2025, pumping nearly 2.1 billion barrels and cementing its grip as the nation's energy powerhouse. Houston, the industry's beating heart, reaps jobs and billions as Permian Basin innovations drive the surge. With natural gas output hitting 13.5 trillion cubic feet, the Lone Star State's economy roars ahead.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Tesla Super-Sizes Austin Gigafactory with 50% Expansion
Tesla has kicked off construction to balloon its Austin Gigafactory by more than 50%, adding over 5 million square feet by year's end. The move promises a manufacturing boom in Travis County, cementing Central Texas as a powerhouse for electric vehicles. With Cybertrucks and Model Ys already rolling out, this expansion eyes thousands more jobs along the Colorado River.
Thursday, May 7, 2026