State News
Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Bryan
Texas Data Centers Fuel Grid Crisis, Quadrupling Demand by 2032
Texas' explosive data center boom, powered by AI hunger, threatens to overwhelm the ERCOT grid with demand quadrupling by 2032. Power plants and lines strain under the load, forcing years-long waits for new connections. As the state eyes surpassing Virginia as the data capital, electricity prices could surge 79% by 2027.
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.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Mavericks Battle Through Slump as Playoffs Loom
The Dallas Mavericks are fighting to regain form before the Western Conference Semifinals, sitting at 5-5 over their last 10 games and snapping a four-game losing streak that tied their season-long drought. With Cooper Flagg and the roster searching for momentum, the team faces a critical stretch that could determine their playoff trajectory.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Texans Nab Ohio State DT Kayden McDonald in Surprise No. 36 Pick
The Houston Texans stunned draft analysts by trading up to select Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald at No. 36 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The elite run-stuffer, who topped FBS charts in run defense, bolsters DeMeco Ryans' front four amid Houston's defensive push. Local fans buzz as the pick echoes pre-draft mocks eyeing Texas talent.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Rangers Activate Eovaldi from IL for Crucial Mariners Clash in Arlington
The Texas Rangers boosted their rotation Friday by activating star right-hander Nathan Eovaldi from the injured list after a triceps injury sidelined him since June 1. Eovaldi returns with dominant stats and takes the mound against Seattle's Logan Gilbert at Globe Life Field. The move comes amid a flurry of roster tweaks as the Rangers chase early wins.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Casar's Utility Bill Targets Texas Rate Hikes With Federal Profit Caps
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar of Austin introduced sweeping legislation this week to cap utility company profits and bar them from charging customers for executive perks like private jet travel. The bill, backed by Houston Democrats Al Green and Christian Menefee, could save Texas families $500 annually but faces an uphill battle in a divided Congress.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
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.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Texas Lt. Gov. Patrick Targets Prediction Market Gambling Loophole
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is leading a charge to slam shut a federal loophole letting prediction markets thrive as online gambling in the Lone Star State. These platforms, booming since 2025, allow wagers on everything from Astros strikeouts to election winners, sparking fears of manipulated sports and votes. But the Trump-era CFTC is aggressively blocking states like Texas from stepping in.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
South Texas Families Sue SpaceX for Sonic Boom Home Damage
Eighty South Texas residents are taking Elon Musk's SpaceX to federal court, claiming explosive rocket tests shattered their homes with massive sonic booms. From Port Isabel to South Padre Island, families say two years of blasts have cracked walls and rattled roofs. SpaceX has yet to respond as the lawsuit unfolds.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Texas Judge Halts Smokeable Hemp THC Ban, Shops Stay Open
A Travis County judge has issued a temporary injunction, allowing Texas smoke shops to keep selling hemp THC products like flower buds and pre-rolls amid a fierce legal battle. The ruling blocks a controversial 0.3% THC limit and a 3,000% licensing fee hike set by state health officials. Another hearing looms on July 27 as the hemp industry fights for survival.
Saturday, May 2, 2026