Sabtu, 11 Juli 2026

Texas All-Stars, New Blue Bell Flavor, and Clint Black in Tyler

Six players with ties to Texas clubs will take the field at MLB All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia, culminating in Tuesday's 96th All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

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The Roundup

Article Icon 1Military Bases Pump $148.8B Into Texas

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that U.S. military installations contribute an estimated $148.8 billion a year to the Texas economy, supporting 628,884 direct and indirect jobs statewide.

The comptroller's biennial study, produced with the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, found the state's 14 installations also generated $91.4 billion in gross domestic product.

Joint Base San Antonio leads at $53.5 billion in output, with Fort Hood second at $37.9 billion and Fort Bliss third at $29.1 billion. "The tradition of military service is long in our great state," Abbott said, adding that each base "serves as a major local employer."

Article Icon 1Texas Sends Six to MLB All-Star Weekend

Six players with ties to Texas clubs will take the field at MLB All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia, culminating in Tuesday's 96th All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park.

Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez, who leads the majors in OPS and the American League in home runs, was voted the starter at designated hitter, his fourth selection; Rangers reliever Jacob Latz was also named to the AL squad.

Four prospects play Sunday's Futures Game: San Antonio Missions catcher Ethan Salas, Midland RockHounds pitcher Jamie Arnold and infielder Leo De Vries, and Rangers farmhand Caden Scarborough. The Home Run Derby follows Monday.

Article Icon 1World Cup Smashes Arlington Hotel Record

Arlington's hotels and short-term rentals pulled in a record $31 million in June as the city hosted FIFA World Cup matches, officials said. Nightly rates jumped nearly 47%, and the first eight matches generated $18 million to $24 million before counting dining and retail.

The previous monthly record was $23.5 million, set in November 2024. Occupancy ran slightly below expectations, but higher rates offset the gap.

Dallas Stadium hosts its ninth and final match, a semifinal, on Tuesday. The full tally will take four to six weeks.

Mayor Jim Ross said Arlington will now chase the Women's World Cup final.

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The Flyover

Why Are So Many Drivers Suddenly Paying More for Car Insurance?

If your insurance bill has gone up recently, you're not alone.

Across the country, drivers are opening renewal notices only to find their premiums have climbed again, even though nothing about their driving has changed. No accidents. No tickets. Same vehicle. Higher bill.

That's because insurance rates have risen sharply over the last few years, and many drivers haven't taken just 5 minutes to check their options.

That's where Insurify comes in.

Instead of spending hours visiting different insurance websites, Insurify lets you compare quotes from multiple insurers side-by-side after answering just a few simple questions. It's a fast, easy way to see whether another company may offer similar coverage for less.

Compare your options with Insurify today.

Around Texas

➤ Waco: The McLennan County courthouse is expected to reopen Monday after authorities found no explosives following a Friday morning bomb threat and evacuation. (See Details)

➤ Brownsville: A judge extended a temporary restraining order through July 22, blocking the city from shutting down seven Midtown bars over alleged code violations, including serving minors, after the businesses sued over last month's closures. (See Details)

➤ Dallas: A three-alarm fire destroyed at least 24 units and displaced more than 40 people at the Cambridge Park Condominiums on Audelia Road early Friday, but no injuries were reported. (See Report)

➤ Fort Worth: Five City Council members are calling for a temporary pause on new data center construction, citing residents' concerns about noise, water, and energy use, and strain on local infrastructure. (More)

➤ Tyler: Eight Daxbot robots are leaving town after surveying about 94 miles of sidewalks, 122 intersections, and 54 transit stops to help the city prioritize accessibility improvements under its Americans with Disabilities Act plan. (Read Story)

➤ Houston: City Council approved a more than $12.5 million drainage project for the city's northwest side, with construction expected to begin immediately, according to Council member Amy Peck. (See Details)

➤ Amarillo: The Parks and Recreation Board recommended a $150,000 feasibility study on the future of the Southwest and Southeast pools, which closed this summer because of aging equipment and safety concerns. (See Details)


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Texas Sports

Texas Longhorns basketball landed Marcus Spears Jr., the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 class, after the five-star forward reclassified to enroll a year early. The 6-foot-9 Dallas native chose Texas over Arizona, Arkansas, and LSU. (More)

The MLB Draft begins today in Philadelphia, with the Rangers picking 16th and the Astros 17th. A final mock draft has the Rangers taking two-way high school prospect Jared Grindlinger, while the Astros are projected to grab Florida right-hander Liam Peterson. (More

Fort Worth Christian shortstop Grady Emerson is expected to be one of the first three players selected in today's MLB Draft. The 18-year-old and reigning Gatorade High School Player of the Year is widely considered the top prep bat in the class. (More)

The San Antonio Spurs fired television play-by-play announcer Jacob Tobey this week after an alleged affair with the sister of Spurs player Lindy Waters III became public on social media. (More)

Colton Nussmeier, a four-star quarterback commit for Georgia, was ruled ineligible to play for Denton Ryan this season after a district committee determined his transfer from Flower Mound Marcus was for athletic purposes. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | Wimbledon | MLB | WNBA | Golf | NWSL

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➤ Healthy gums do a lot more than protect your smile. They can affect everything from eating comfortably to keeping your teeth where they belong as you age. Great Gums is designed to support healthier gums naturally, helping reduce bleeding and sensitivity while promoting stronger gum tissue. See how it works.

Meme

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A Few Minutes Could Save You Hundreds This Year

Insurance companies don't all price risk the same way, which means two drivers with nearly identical profiles can receive very different quotes.

Whether you have multiple vehicles, a teen driver, a long commute, or you've simply been renewing the same policy year after year, it's worth seeing what's available before your next payment.

With household costs continuing to rise, comparing rates is one of the easiest ways to potentially lower your monthly expenses.

See how much you could save by comparing quotes with Insurify today.

Et Cetera

Blue Bell is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with a new limited-edition Chocolate Lava Cake flavor featuring vanilla ice cream, rich chocolate cake pieces, dark chocolate fudge swirls, and chocolate sundae sauce. The flavor is available in half-gallon and pint sizes while supplies last. (More)

North Texas universities are expanding artificial intelligence programs this fall, with SMU, TCU, and UNT launching new offerings, including one of Texas' few standalone AI bachelor's degrees. (More)

Country music legend Clint Black will return to the University of Texas at Tyler for the first time since 2007 with a March 12, 2027, concert at the Cowan Center. Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

Coffee vs Hot Cacao vs Green Tea: Which of these hot drinks was proven in a study to boost stem cells by 220% in 30 days? Billionaires drop 6 figures on stem cell therapy, but this hot drink costs 50 cents a day and boosts anti-aging stem cells improving heart health, blood pressure, and longevity.

The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

Researchers found that these daily habits can slow the body's aging rate about as much as cutting your calorie intake by a quarter. (Hear More)

➤ Tyler Robinson declined to take the stand at the preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk murder case, and the next move rests with the judge. (Listen Now)

China has announced plans for a space-and-ground network to spot dangerous asteroids before they reach Earth. (Podcast Available)

  

The Polling Station

Will you try Blue Bell's new Chocolate Lava Cake ice cream?

  1. Absolutely, sounds delicious
  2.  Maybe
  3. I like other Blue Bell flavors
  4. No, not an ice cream fan

 

Yesterday's Results:

Have you ever sent or received money with an app like Cash App or Venmo?

  1. Yes: 60%
  2. No: 40%
Texas Trivia

Which three MLB franchises have retired Nolan Ryan's jersey number?

Show me the answer

The Texas Flyover

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Charlie Kirk Case, Slowing Aging, and an Asteroid Warning System

Everyday habits may help slow biological aging, the Charlie Kirk case reaches a key moment, and China looks to the skies.

 

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Drought Deepens, Repealing the Diaper Tax, and a Foaming Fountain

North Carolina's drought has intensified sharply, with 43.6% of the state now classified in extreme drought and 6% in the most severe "exceptional" category.

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The Roundup

Article Icon 1Drought Deepens to the Worst Levels in Decades

North Carolina's drought has intensified sharply, with 43.6% of the state now classified in extreme drought and 6% in the most severe "exceptional" category, according to Thursday's U.S. Drought Monitor update.

State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told Gov. Josh Stein and the Council of State this week that crops statewide are running below average, with eastern tobacco farmers reporting yellowed leaves and stunted growth. Farmers are also draining the irrigation ponds they depend on during the hottest stretch of summer.

The strain is showing in cities, too. Falls Lake, Raleigh's main water source, sits at 62% of capacity and keeps dropping 2-3% a week even after recent rain, prompting the city council to fast-track its authority to impose stricter restrictions.

Farther south, parts of Brunswick and Columbus counties have reached the region's worst drought level of this century, and utilities there are urging residents to cut back as reservoirs shrink.

Article Icon 1Stein Launches Council To Grow Defense Economy

Gov. Josh Stein and the N.C. Department of Commerce launched a new advisory council this week aimed at strengthening the state's role in defense research, advanced manufacturing and emerging technology.

The council, called NC ALIGN, will bring together leaders from industry, universities, state government, and national security organizations to help attract federal research funding and expand technology commercialization. It will operate only in an advisory capacity and won't administer grants or funding itself.

Its first-year priorities include assessing the state's technology capabilities and building federal partnerships, leveraging North Carolina's military installations and research universities. The effort is meant to complement, not duplicate, existing groups like the N.C. Military Business Center.

Stein said the initiative reflects the state's need to connect its research, talent and industry to emerging national-security opportunities as competition for federal defense investment grows.

Article Icon 1NC Secures Up to $165M Cash App Settlement

North Carolina will receive a share of up to $165 million in a 47-state settlement with Block, Inc., the owner of Cash App, over allegations the company misrepresented the app's safety while making fraud easier, Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced this week.

Jackson's office alleged Block offered little identity verification to stop scammers from opening accounts and, for years, had no phone support, leaving defrauded users to find fake numbers run by scammers instead. Investigators said the company knew of the risks but told users the app was safe anyway.

Under the deal, Block will complete a previously promised payout of $75 million to $120 million to consumers nationwide and pay $45 million to participating states, with North Carolina receiving close to $1 million. The company must also maintain round-the-clock fraud support going forward.

"Block told users Cash App was safe, but made it easier for fraud to occur," Jackson said in a statement.

The Flyover

Why Are So Many Drivers Suddenly Paying More for Car Insurance?

If your insurance bill has gone up recently, you're not alone.

Across the country, drivers are opening renewal notices only to find their premiums have climbed again, even though nothing about their driving has changed. No accidents. No tickets. Same vehicle. Higher bill.

That's because insurance rates have risen sharply over the last few years, and many drivers haven't taken just 5 minutes to check their options.

That's where Insurify comes in.

Instead of spending hours visiting different insurance websites, Insurify lets you compare quotes from multiple insurers side-by-side after answering just a few simple questions. It's a fast, easy way to see whether another company may offer similar coverage for less.

Compare your options with Insurify today.

Around North Carolina

Statewide: The House advanced a bill to repeal the state's 4.75% sales tax on tampons and diapers, sending House Bill 1200 to the Senate ahead of a possible signature from Gov. Josh Stein. (More)

Asheville: FEMA awarded $1.1 million to Cathedral of All Souls to reimburse cleanup after Hurricane Helene flooded the historic church with mud. (See Photos)

Elizabeth City: The Coast Guard broke ground this week on a $32 million runway reconstruction, joined by elected officials and industry partners. (More)

Wake County: The Wake County Animal Center on Thursday was caring for 653 animals and said it has reached capacity. (See Photo)

Charlotte: The Pearl innovation district reported an estimated $224 million economic impact in its first year, according to Atrium Health and Wexford Science & Technology. (See Details)

New Hanover County: A developer has proposed 236 new townhomes in Castle Hayne, aiming to ease the county's growing workforce housing shortage. (See Rendering)


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North Carolina Sports

➤ Gov. Josh Stein signed an updated Winter Sports Safety Act into law this week, the first overhaul of the state's ski area regulations in years. The new law makes it a misdemeanor to leave the scene of an on-hill collision without providing contact information and criminalizes misuse of lift tickets and season passes. (More

The Carolina Panthers will open the NFL preseason against the Cardinals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 6 in Canton, coinciding with the enshrinement of former Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly. (More)

Meanwhile, the Panthers’ left tackle Ikem Ekwonu could miss the entire 2026 season as he recovers from the ruptured knee tendon he suffered in the team’s playoff loss. (More

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | Wimbledon | MLB | WNBA | Golf | NWSL

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Healthy gums do a lot more than protect your smile. They can affect everything from eating comfortably to keeping your teeth where they belong as you age. Great Gums is designed to support healthier gums naturally, helping reduce bleeding and sensitivity while promoting stronger gum tissue. See how it works.

Flying together with our sponsor

A Few Minutes Could Save You Hundreds This Year

Insurance companies don't all price risk the same way, which means two drivers with nearly identical profiles can receive very different quotes.

Whether you have multiple vehicles, a teen driver, a long commute, or you've simply been renewing the same policy year after year, it's worth seeing what's available before your next payment.

With household costs continuing to rise, comparing rates is one of the easiest ways to potentially lower your monthly expenses.

See how much you could save by comparing quotes with Insurify today.

Et Cetera

Soap was poured into a newly installed roundabout fountain in Mocksville, causing it to foam over, and two people are now facing charges for the incident. (See Details)

The decommissioned Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower, a former Coast Guard lighthouse sitting 32 miles off the North Carolina coast, has sold to a new private owner. (See Photo)

A rare, blue-glowing firefly found in a Mecklenburg County park could be an entirely new species, and an N.C. State University expert is now examining it. (See Photo)

Flying together with our sponsor

Coffee vs Hot Cacao vs Green Tea: Which of these hot drinks was proven in a study boost stem cells by 220% in 30 days? Billionaires drop 6 figures on stem cell therapy, but this hot drink costs 50 cents a day and boosts anti-aging stem cells improving heart health, blood pressure, and longevity.

The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

Researchers found that these daily habits can slow the body's aging rate about as much as cutting your calorie intake by a quarter. (Hear More)

➤ Tyler Robinson declined to take the stand at the preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk murder case, and the next move rests with the judge. (Listen Now)

China has announced plans for a space-and-ground network to spot dangerous asteroids before they reach Earth. (Podcast Available)

  

North Carolina Meme Of The Week
The Poll

What’s your least favorite thing about the beach?

  1. Sunburns
  2. Hot sand
  3. Crowds
  4. Rip tides
  5. Other


Yesterdays Results:

Do you follow MrBeast on social media?

  1. No: 65%
  2. I don’t do social media: 20%
  3. I might start: 8%
  4. Yes: 7%
North Carolina Trivia

Which North Carolina privateer was one of America’s most successful during the War of 1812?

Show me the answer

Flyover North Carolina

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