Thursday, February 12, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1931, baseball coach Cliff Gustafson was born in Kenedy. After playing college baseball for the University of Texas, he led South San Antonio High School to seven state championships. Later, he was the head coach of the Longhorns for 29 seasons, advancing to the College World Series 17 times and winning two championships.

Actor James Van Der Beek, a Spicewood resident and the star of the 1990s drama Dawson's Creek, passed away yesterday at the age of 48. Were you a fan of the show? Hit reply to tell us about it.

Today's episode of The Flyover Podcast highlights surprising new research suggesting your daily coffee or tea habit could be linked to a lower risk of dementia. Host Ayla Brown unpacks what scientists found, including the ideal number of cups per day and why decaf didn't show the same effect. Listen here.

Are you actually using everything Amazon Prime gives you? We're breaking down 9 perks many members miss. Keep an eye on your inbox later today for an email from our sponsor, Brad's Deals, on Amazon Prime benefits hiding in plain sight.

Today's sponsor, GoldCo, is sharing how an IRS-approved strategy could help you protect your savings from inflation and economic uncertainty.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

El Paso Airspace Closed Before Reopening

The Federal Aviation Administration closed the airspace over El Paso late Tuesday for "special security reasons" before reopening it yesterday morning, assuring the public there was "no threat to commercial aviation." The initial order halted all flights into and out of El Paso International Airport for 10 days.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later explained the closure was prompted by a "cartel drone incursion" and that the "threat has been neutralized." However, several unnamed sources said the closure was caused by a lack of communication between the Pentagon and the FAA over military testing of anti-drone technology.

El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson called the temporary flight restriction an "unnecessary decision" that caused "chaos and confusion." U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar said the FAA "owes the community and the country an explanation as to why this happened," adding that what's been shared publicly "does not add up."

The incident has renewed concern about coordination between the military and the FAA after a U.S. Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines regional jet over the Potomac just over a year ago, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.

Father Shoots Daughter After Political Argument

A 23-year-old British woman was shot and killed by her "reckless" father during a visit to his home in Texas last year, according to the Cheshire Coroner's Court in northwest England. Last June, a Collin County grand jury declined to indict Kris Harrison for his daughter Lucy's death.

On Jan. 10, 2025, Lucy and her father got into an argument about guns and President Trump shortly before she and her boyfriend were scheduled to leave for the airport. Her father claims that when Lucy entered his bedroom to see his Glock 9 mm handgun, she was shot in the chest.

"As I lifted the gun to show her, I suddenly heard a loud bang. I did not understand what had happened," Harrison said in a statement to the court. The coroner, however, determined he most likely pointed the gun at her and pulled the trigger without realizing it was loaded.

Harrison, a "functioning alcoholic," admitted to consuming a 17-ounce carton of white wine the morning of the shooting. He said he "fully accepted" his role in his daughter's death, and that "there isn't a day I don't feel the weight of that loss, a weight I will carry for the rest of my life."

Lucy, who worked for fashion brand Boohoo, was described by her mother as a "real force of life."

Texas Shipbuilder Gets USCG Icebreaker Contract

Shipbuilder Davie Defense is investing $730 million in its Galveston and Port Arthur shipyards after getting a contract from the U.S. Coast Guard to build five new icebreaker ships.

The company will build two of the ships in Finland and three in Texas. It plans to hire more than 2,400 workers in Galveston and Port Arthur, and it's receiving a nearly $22 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund.

In 2024, the Biden administration launched the ICE Pact Initiative, which called for the United States, Canada, and Finland to build a new generation of Arctic icebreakers. Last December, the Coast Guard contracted with shipbuilders in Finland and Louisiana for six Arctic Security Cutters.

Davie acquired Gulf Copper & Manufacturing's shipyards in Galveston and Port Arthur last year. "Texas is positioned to be a national hub for critical shipbuilding and, with our strong workforce, we will be for generations to come," said Gov. Greg Abbott.

Flying together with our sponsor

Warning: A $38 Trillion Dollar Debt Bomb

Could This Little-Known IRS Loophole Be

The Secret That Helps Preserve Your Savings?

The national debt has exploded to over $38 trillion, and inflation could be quietly eroding your savings.

But here's the good news: Within the IRS code is a unique provision—a loophole—that could help you:

Protect your savings from inflation.
Diversify with a historically stable asset.
Regain confidence in uncertain times.

Request Your FREE IRS Loophole Guide Now!

The debt clock is ticking, and inflation could continue rising. Discover how this IRS-approved strategy could help you prepare.

[Request My Free Kit], Retirement News | Sean Hannity

➤ Spicewood: James Van Der Beek, the star of the 1990s drama Dawson's Creek and the 1999 film Varsity Blues, died yesterday at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. (More)

➤ San Antonio: Bayleigh Reese, a 16-year-old from Calallen missing since January 16, was safely recovered by U.S. Marshals in San Antonio during a traffic stop on Tuesday. (More)

➤ Kaufman County: Attorney General Ken Paxton has requested records related to the development of a 2,300-acre "sustainable city" proposed by Dubai-based SEE Holding, suggesting it's a potentially illegal "sharia city." (More)

➤ Corpus Christi: The city council approved a $28 million deal to purchase water rights for the development of half a dozen wells at a site in rural Nueces County. Some residents argued the project would threaten their own wells, but council members insisted the city needs the water. (More)

➤ Big Bend National Park: Meanwhile, the Chisos Mountains Lodge announced it would reopen tomorrow after pumps at the region's only water source were repaired. The pumps at Oak Spring failed in December, and the lodge closed down temporarily last month. (More)

➤ Students at several Dallas ISD schools and Central High School in San Angelo walked out of class this week to protest ongoing federal immigration enforcement operations. "We're using our voices because we have a right to speak out on issues that directly impact our lives and our sense of safety," read a statement. (More)

➤ Amarillo: The Texas A&M Forest Service attributed Monday's 60-acre Wildhorse Fire to arson. The fire damaged two structures. (See Details)

Enjoy reading The Texas Flyover? Click here to share with your friends and family. ✈️

➤ Victor Wembanyama scored 25 points during the first quarter of the Spurs' 136-108 win over the Lakers on Tuesday. "What got me going was honestly proving myself a point, proving my team a point," said Wembanyama, who finished with 12 rebounds and a season-high 40 points. (More)

➤ The Texas Rangers signed left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery to a one-year deal worth a minimum $1.25 million. Montgomery, 33, was part of the rotation when the Rangers won the 2023 World Series, but he's struggled with injuries since he was traded to the Diamondbacks the following year. (More)

➤ No. 12 Baylor women's basketball faces off against No. 17 TCU tonight in Waco, while No. 4 Texas plays No. 5 Vanderbilt on the road. (More)

➤ Texas Tech men's basketball players JT Toppin and Christian Anderson were named to the Wooden Award Top 20 watchlist. The Red Raiders are the only team with multiple players on the list. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ M.D. Says: This Type of Water Could Make You Fat It's one of the easiest things to do... Yet, according to a leading heart doctor, millions of Americans are drinking the WRONG type of water. And what most don't realize is that this simple daily habit could be secretly causing bloating, fatigue, weight gain, and joint discomfort. But here's the good news: Simply adding one thing to your water can help promote hydration, boost your energy levels, and even support fat loss. Click here to see how >>

➤ Two Southwest Airlines board members appointed by activist investor Elliott Management are leaving their posts after the group reduced its holdings from 16% of shares to 9%. Southwest will not replace the board members. (More)

➤ The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas projects Texas employment will grow by 1.1% this year, which equates to roughly 155,000 new jobs. The state has seen annual employment growth of about 2% over the past few years. (See Details)

➤ CenterPoint Energy unveiled an interactive online map that shows where infrastructure improvements have been made throughout the Greater Houston service area. Since Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, the company has installed more than 56,000 storm-resilient utility poles. (More)

➤ Austin-based SkyGrid, a subsidiary of Boeing's Wisk Aero, is partnering with Port San Antonio to build a vertiport for autonomous electric air taxis. (See Details)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect your pet starting at just $10/month. Veterinary emergencies can cost up to $10,000. Lemonade Pet Insurance makes protection affordable, with customizable plans starting at just $10/month. Get your free quote today and protect your pet before the next vet bill hits. PROTECT YOUR PET

Flying together with our sponsor

If you have $50,000 or more saved for retirement, it could be at risk! Discover the 2026 IRS Loophole that thousands of Americans are using to protect their retirement savings with gold and silver! 100% Tax & Penalty FREE! Get Your FREE INFO KIT NOW!

[Request My Free Kit], Retirement News | Sean Hannity

➤ Fredericksburg ranked No. 1 in traveler hospitality among U.S. cities, according to a recent Booking.com report that describes visitors to the Hill Country town as interested in "distinctive, character-rich stays that offer an authentic sense of place." (More)

➤ Kristian Villarreal, a 33-year-old employee of the Zapata County Fire Department, was arrested for allegedly forging a doctor's signature on a work excuse form. (More)

➤ The late Selena Quintanilla's 1994 album Amor Prohibido has been inducted into the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame. Induction is reserved for recordings at least 25 years old and recognized for their cultural significance. (More)

➤ Vic Schaefer, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team, expressed frustration with the Southeastern Conference for scheduling games on Sundays, when he and some of his players would otherwise attend church. "We got so much of our league in the Bible Belt," he said. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stop Bad Dog Behavior in Seconds (Without Yelling or Treats) Excessive barking, jumping, or aggression? Barks No More is an ultrasonic training device from an ex-military dog trainer that safely stops bad behavior without shock collars or costly classes. Just press, reward, and see results in days—tested across 24 breeds with a 96% success rate. (LEARN MORE)