Jumat, 19 Juni 2026

Uber Robotaxis in Houston, Fake FIFA Merch, and Winning Texas Wines

Friday, June 19, 2026

Good morning! On this day in 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger stepped ashore in Galveston and announced that slavery in Texas was over—the moment that became Juneteenth, now a national holiday.

Japanese World Cup fans are making an impression on Texans. Not only did they get noticed for cleaning up AT&T Stadium in Arlington after their match against the Netherlands on Sunday, but they seem to be having some Texas-sized fun between matches, as well.

Have you run into any international travelers in the state for the soccer matches? Hit reply to tell us about it.

If you've been reading The Flyover for a while, you've probably heard us talk about LMNT before. It's become one of our favorite sponsors because it solves a real problem many people deal with every day: staying properly hydrated. With summer temperatures climbing, now is a great time to see why so many of The Flyover readers have made LMNT part of their routine.

Supreme Court Sides with Texas Man

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday that the government cannot strip a Texas man of his guns because he uses marijuana.

The decision in U.S. v. Hemani favored Ali Danial Hemani, charged under a 1968 law after FBI agents found a handgun and marijuana at his Texas home. He faced no other charges and wasn't accused of being armed while high.

Writing for the court, Justice Neil Gorsuch said the government can't treat everyone who regularly uses marijuana as "categorically violent and dangerous." The narrow ruling leaves the underlying ban intact and marked a loss for the Trump administration, which defended it.

The case drew unusual allies. The ACLU and the National Rifle Association backed Hemani, while gun-control group Everytown and the Justice Department argued that habitual drug users pose a danger that justifies the ban. Gorsuch said the government hadn't met its burden to prove that.

Texas Weighs Data-Center Grid Rules

Texas energy regulators are close to approving a new way to screen data centers flooding the grid with connection requests.

The Public Utility Commission was set to vote yesterday on an ERCOT plan to study data-center hookups in groups, or "batches," rather than one at a time. ERCOT says its old system, built for 40 to 50 large projects, was swamped by 225 requests last year, about 70% of them data centers.

The first round, "Batch Zero," would screen only projects that have already locked in land and financing, separating serious proposals from speculative "paper" ones. Supporters say the change protects grid reliability, while some residents worry about the strain on power, water, and neighborhoods.

The overhaul follows a directive this month from Gov. Greg Abbott, who told regulators to make data centers pay for their own grid upgrades and to keep those costs off residential bills.

Uber's Lucid Robotaxis Coming to Houston

Uber, Lucid, and Nuro have named Houston as the second market for their autonomous robotaxi program, with service launching by mid-2027 exclusively through the Uber app. The service will launch first in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year.

The fleet will use Lucid Gravity SUVs running Nuro's Level 4 self-driving platform, paired with cameras, lidar, radar, and a roof-mounted "halo."

Nuro is already road-testing nearly 100 vehicles, with safety operators, across California and Texas. Uber has secured a 50,000-square-foot Houston depot that draws more than 4 megawatts of power, with 40 fast chargers and 15 maintenance bays.

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➤ Houston: Customs officers at the Port of Houston seized more than $6 million in counterfeit FIFA World Cup merchandise, including roughly 12,000 fake Adidas jerseys, 4,500 soccer balls, and 2,200 phony Apple watches and earbuds. Most shipments came from China. (See Details)

➤ Odessa: The Permian Basin is rallying around the family of Lt. Isai Huerta, a nine-year Odessa Fire Rescue veteran who died June 14 battling a trailer fire. It was the department's first line-of-duty death since 1991. (More)

➤ Weslaco: A widened drainage ditch intended to move water faster is instead trapping it in backyards after Monday's heavy rain, residents say. Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 says the southwest drain is working as designed, but will weigh fixes like inline drains. (More)

➤ Nacogdoches: A federal judge ruled that two Stephen F. Austin State University athletes can continue to press their Title IX lawsuit over the school's 2025 cuts to women's beach volleyball, bowling, and golf, while dismissing five other plaintiffs' claims. SFA reinstated the teams after the suit but denies discrimination. (More)

➤ Waco: Kimisha Denise Mathis, 41, was sentenced to 20 years for luring Lee Murrow, a 32-year-old Bellmead mechanic and father of three, to his death, then helping dump his body in the Brazos River. Her co-defendant was sentenced to 40 years. (More)

➤ Fort Bend County: A surge in mosquitoes after weeks of rain has prompted Judge Daniel Wong to declare a public health emergency, clearing the way for aerial spraying. (See Details)

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➤ The U.S. soccer team faces Australia today in Seattle in a Group D World Cup clash. El Paso natives Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro Zendejas are in Mauricio Pochettino's squad. (Details)

➤ In other World Cup action, the Netherlands faces Sweden tomorrow at Houston's NRG Stadium, followed by Lionel Messi and Argentina against Austria on Monday at Arlington's AT&T Stadium. (See Schedule)

➤ Texas A&M landed Texas State right-hander Wade Cooper via the transfer portal, the Aggies' third pitching addition this offseason. The freshman reliever posted 73 strikeouts in 66.2 innings, five saves, and a 4.72 ERA, joining Michael Earley's rebuilt bullpen for 2027. (More)

➤ The Protect College Sports Act cleared the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee 19-9 on Thursday, heading to the floor despite SEC and Big Ten opposition. The Cruz-Cantwell bill regulates athlete pay, caps transfers, and grants the NCAA limited antitrust protection. Majority Leader Thune wants a vote before August. (More)

Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ Daikin plans to hire roughly 400 production workers at its Waller campus, the Daikin Texas Technology Park, one of North America's largest factories. It's holding a career fair there today, bucking recent layoffs at some Texas employers. (More)

➤ A 20,000-square-foot Tudor mansion on Lexington Avenue in Highland Park is headed to auction after its asking price slid from $36.5 million to $29.9 million. Owners Larry and Joyce Lacerte are downsizing to a condo in a Knox Street tower. (More)

➤ The Tyler-born Ruby's Mexican Restaurant chain, known for its birria tacos, opened its sixth East Texas location in Gresham, on County Road 165. Owner Ruby Abarca was joined at the opening by the Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance. (More)

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➤ Houston is marking Juneteenth with celebrations across the city, headlined by "The Reunion" at Emancipation Park, featuring music, food, and a domino tournament. Many businesses and government offices are closed for the federal holiday. (See Events)

➤ Susie Scheiber of Brownsville, 17, is training her dog, Ash, to become a certified therapy dog for a local military veteran, the centerpiece of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. (More)

➤ Forty-two Texas wineries won a combined 122 medals at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards—the state's best showing ever. Stonewall's Adega Vinho led with 15 awards, including gold for its 2021 Estate Tempranillo. Four Hill Country wines earned gold overall. (More)

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

➤ The flip phone is making a comeback, and this time it is built to keep you off your phone. (Hear Details)

➤ Several high-ranking Trump officials have adopted the same diet, and one credits it with reversing a heart condition. (Hear Episode)

➤ A Los Angeles warehouse fire released hazardous gas and smoke, forcing air quality warnings across the region. (Listen Now)

How often do you go to a park?

Yesterday's Results:

When was the last time you ate at a Pizza Hut?

The 1900s: 27%
This year: 18%
The 2020s: 17%
The 2010s: 16%
The 2000s: 16%
Never: 6%

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Flip Phones Return, Trump Officials Dieting, Warehouse Fire Sparks Warnings

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Today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast with Ayla Brown has a few stories you won’t find in today’s emailed edition, only in the podcast episode, because not everything fits in an inbox.

Here's a sneak peek of what we're diving into in today's Podcast Extra section:

➤ The flip phone is making a comeback, and this time it's built to keep you off your phone. (Hear Details)

➤ Several high-ranking Trump officials have adopted the same diet, and one credits it with reversing a heart condition. (Hear About Diet)

➤ A Los Angeles warehouse fire released hazardous gas and smoke, forcing air quality warnings across the region. (Listen Now)

Hit play and get the full scoop.

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Unemployment Fraud, Canes Parade, and Where’s Waldo

FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1938, modernist architect and member of the New York Five, Charles Gwathmey, was born in Charlotte. Renowned for geometric purity, clean lines, and abstract forms, he designed iconic residences, the Guggenheim museum addition in New York, and cultural landmarks through Gwathmey Siegel & Associates.

If you’re heading out to the Carolina Hurricanes parade in Raleigh tomorrow, get details on the route, parking information, and more in Top Stories.

Audit Reveals $47M in Unemployment Fraud

New state audits have uncovered more than $47 million in fraudulent unemployment benefit overpayments in North Carolina between 2021 and 2025.

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor reported an improper payment rate of 22%, exceeding the federal 10% standard and up from 18% in a prior review.

The findings highlight ongoing issues within the Division of Employment Security, including delayed first-time benefit payments. Auditors found 28% of initial claims were paid late, totaling about $12.2 million, though this marked an improvement from previous years.

State Auditor Dave Boliek criticized the lack of urgency in addressing longstanding problems affecting workers and employers. The Division of Employment Security agreed with the auditor’s recommendations to strengthen processes, including better monitoring of work search requirements and eligibility checks.

Lawmakers Pass, Advance Multiple Bills

North Carolina lawmakers advanced several key bills this week aimed at improving child welfare, Medicaid oversight, and mental health procedures for criminal cases.

The House passed the Dominique Moody Safety Act to create a state-level child welfare escalation team, increasing oversight of county social services in high-risk cases involving repeated reports or neglect.

The Senate advanced a Medicaid oversight bill strengthening provider controls, including authority to exclude or terminate providers with criminal convictions, billing issues, or licensing problems. The measure also allows closed networks for certain behavioral health services amid concerns over surging autism therapy costs.

Additionally, the Senate committee moved forward a bill to shift mental evaluations for some criminal suspects out of emergency departments and expand who can conduct them, addressing issues in involuntary commitments and public safety.

Hurricanes Celebration Parade: What to Know

Carolina Hurricanes fans are gearing up for a major downtown celebration this weekend as the team hosts its 2026 Stanley Cup Championship Parade on Saturday, June 20, which Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell has proclaimed Carolina Hurricanes Day.

The victory parade and rally, presented by Spectrum, will kick off at 11 a.m. and run through the heart of downtown Raleigh.

The parade route begins at the intersection of Hillsborough Street and St. Mary’s Street, proceeds through key downtown streets, and ends at Davie Street, where players will then make their way to City Plaza for a rally.

Officials are encouraging fans to use public transit, carpool, or park in designated free decks to avoid congestion, with road closures beginning between 3:30 and 5:30 a.m. Text “CANESPARADE” to 888777 for real-time updates on traffic, weather, and safety.

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The Hydration Product We Keep Coming Back To

There are a lot of wellness products out there. Very few become repeat sponsors because very few consistently resonate with our audience the way LMNT does.

That's where LMNT comes in.

Even better, they've rolled out refreshing summer flavors like Lemonade and Iced Tea that are perfect for warmer weather.

Check out LMNT today and claim your free gift with purchase.

➤ Statewide: Tropical Storm Arthur’s remnants are expected to bring heavy rain chances and possible severe storms to North Carolina this morning, offering some drought relief amid humid conditions. (More)

➤ Raleigh: Christopher Carnes, 33, was arrested after posting social media threats to harm President Trump, including claims of pipe bombs, leading to federal charges. He’s being charged under the same federal law that served as the basis for the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey. (More)

➤ Wilmington: Jury deliberations continue in the double murder trial of Omante Bell and Dyrell Green for the 2021 killings of two women, with heavy reliance on cell phone evidence. (See Details)

➤ Catawba Nation: North Carolina recognized the Catawba Nation as its ninth state-recognized tribe, approved by the Commission of Indian Affairs, strengthening its presence in the state. (More)

➤ Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: The school district announced that Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill was placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into administrative and operational oversight. Details of the investigation were not made public. (More)

➤ Graham: The town canceled its 2026 Slice of Summer water festival that had been scheduled for June 27 due to ongoing drought conditions, and is seeking community feedback via a survey for future events. (More)

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➤ UNC faces Oklahoma in a best-of-three series starting Saturday at 8 p.m. on ESPN. UNC advanced through its bracket, going undefeated and finishing with a dominant offensive performance against West Virginia. The Sooners lead the series history 3-2. (More)

➤ Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was one of 12 people to receive North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, at Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday from Gov. Josh Stein for his community and economic impact. (More)

➤ Olympic bronze medalist Jenny Simpson collapsed after a medical episode while pacing a group at the Sir Walter Miler event at Athens Drive High School in Raleigh on Tuesday night. She was briefly without a pulse before being revived with CPR and an automated external defibrillator, then hospitalized. (More)

➤ Yesterday's Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ North Carolina Utilities Commission member Donald van der Vaart will not be able to vote on the next version of Duke Energy’s Carolinas Resource Plan after missing public hearings due to vacation. (More)

➤ The North Carolina Court of Appeals revived a lawsuit by Ami Hill and Muse Originals challenging Kill Devil Hills’ restrictive “itinerant vendor” ordinances, reversing a lower court dismissal on constitutional grounds involving rights to labor, due process, and equal protection. (More)

➤ Asheville’s Piebird restaurant and bar, inspired by American diners, will open by year-end in the former TGI Fridays space near Biltmore Village. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

Flying together with our sponsor

A Summer Staple for Many of The Flyover Readers

We don't partner with companies repeatedly unless they're delivering value to our audience, and LMNT has done exactly that.

Plus, Flyover readers can currently receive a free gift with purchase.

See what all the buzz is about and get the details here.

➤ As summer begins, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund is urging visitors to keep a safe 50-foot distance from wild horses on the Outer Banks to protect both animals and people. (Watch Report)

➤ Raleigh officials are removing debris piles at Dix Park used by painted buntings for perching, citing wildfire risk from drought conditions, while exploring alternative habitats for the birds. (See Photo)

➤ Highland Books in Brevard is launching a monthlong Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt across 30-plus local businesses in July, with prizes for participants. The national initiative is held annually by Candlewick Press, publisher of the Where’s Waldo book series. (See Details)

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