Sunday, May 17, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1839, Texas Rangers defeated Mexican insurgent Manuel Flores and his band near the North San Gabriel River. Following the skirmish, documents were discovered that appeared to implicate the Cherokees in a plot to overthrow Texas. President Mirabeau B. Lamar’s subsequent demand for the tribe to leave the Republic instigated the Cherokee War.

A Texas town ranks No. 4 on a new list of America's fastest-growing up-and-coming communities. See today’s Around Texas section to find out which city earned the ranking.

In case you missed it, this week on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla Brown shared three simple habits researchers say may help keep your brain sharp as you age. Scientists believe small everyday choices could play a bigger role in long-term cognitive health than many people realize. Listen here.

Today’s sponsor, The Omni at Barton Creek Resort & Spa, is inviting guests to experience unforgettable summer weekends in the Texas Hill Country with live music, luxury accommodations, family-friendly activities, and exclusive seasonal events just outside Austin.

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.

Mother Faces Charges

A 34-year-old Texas mother has been charged with capital murder after her two children were found dead inside a burned vehicle on Friday on San Antonio's West Side.

Marlene Vidal of Edinburg was detained behind a warehouse where a passerby spotted a white Hyundai on fire around 5 a.m. The victims were her 7-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son.

Statements from Vidal, surveillance video, and scene evidence show she acted alone, police said, adding mental health may have played a role. She has no prior record.

Vidal is being held on a $2.1 million bond as investigators work to determine the fire's cause.

Feds Award Big Bend Wall Deal

The federal government awarded a $1.7 billion border wall contract in the Big Bend region one week after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott said no wall would be built in Big Bend National Park.

The contract, listed for border barrier construction along a stretch of the Rio Grande in far West Texas, caught many by surprise, given the agency's recent assurances. Conservation groups and local residents pushed back immediately, citing the area's ecological significance and cultural heritage.

On Thursday, DHS waived dozens of federal environmental laws to fast-track construction—including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act—following a notice first reported by Marfa Public Radio.

State officials and West Texas advocates are demanding answers on the scope of the project, including whether barriers would encroach on the national park itself.

Spurs Heading to Western Conference Finals

The San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves with a Game 6 blowout Friday night, punching their ticket back to the Western Conference Finals.

San Antonio took control early and never let up, closing out the series 4-2 on the road. Star center Victor Wembanyama paced a young Spurs squad that sent the No. 2-seeded Wolves home in front of their own fans. (See Recap)

Next up: a marquee showdown with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 tips off Tuesday in Oklahoma City, with a trip to the NBA Finals on the line.

Flying together with our sponsor

This summer, escape to the Texas Hill Country for unforgettable weekends at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our Summer in the Hills event series brings together live music, family-friendly activities, seasonal dining, and spectacular Hill Country views — all just minutes from downtown Austin.

Spend your days floating in sparkling pools, enjoying championship golf, relaxing at Mokara Spa, or exploring curated summer experiences designed for guests of all ages. As the sun sets, the resort comes alive with signature summer events and can’t-miss performances from legendary artists. Enjoy Little Texas and Cody Canada at Barton Creek Live, see Clay Walker and Channing Wilson perform at SMOKE, and celebrate America’s 250th at Red, White & Blue BBQ with a special performance by Neal McCoy.

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a couples retreat, or a spontaneous weekend escape, Summer in the Hills offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in one of Texas’ most scenic destinations.

Make this summer one to remember with luxury accommodations, unforgettable entertainment, and the warm hospitality Omni Barton Creek is known for. Plus, with our America Is Calling offer, you can save up to 20% on your stay when you book your summer escape.

➤ Houston: Bristol Myers Squibb is considering a $1 billion manufacturing campus in northeast Houston, adding to the region’s push to attract major pharmaceutical companies. (More)

➤ Fort Worth: Police fatally shot an armed man who pointed a gun at officers after midnight Saturday. In a separate shooting, officers opened fire on a suspect accused of trying to ram them with an SUV. (More)

➤ Jarrell: A list of America’s fastest-growing up-and-coming communities ranked Jarrell No. 4 after its population jumped 218% and housing inventory nearly tripled between 2014 and 2023. (More)

➤ Dallas: The city is painting over the Wyland Foundation’s Whaling Wall mural ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 events, drawing criticism from preservation advocates who call the downtown artwork irreplaceable. (More)

➤ El Paso: Officials will launch a free “Parks After Sunset” summer series featuring outdoor movies, splash pad activities, and pet microchipping events at area parks beginning June 5. (More)

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

➤ Texas Tech erased an 8-0 seventh-inning deficit Saturday as Lauren Allred’s game-tying grand slam sparked a 10-9 extra-inning NCAA Tournament win over Ole Miss, marking the first such comeback from eight runs down since 2000. (More)

➤ Texas men’s tennis reached the national championship match for the second time in three years after edging TCU 4-3 in the NCAA semifinals. (Watch Video)

➤ Texas A&M beat North Carolina to advance to Saturday night’s NCAA women’s tennis semifinals against top-seeded Georgia, with a berth in the national championship on the line. (See Result)

➤ Houston Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning Friday against the Texas Rangers before it was broken up by a Justin Foscue single. The Astros won the series opener 2-0. (More)

➤ UTSA baseball clinched its second straight American Conference regular-season championship Friday with a 19-9 run-rule victory over UAB. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Stop snoring and sleep more peacefully with SnoreRx, the adjustable anti-snoring mouthpiece designed to help keep your airway open all night long. Using a custom “boil-and-bite” fit and precision jaw adjustment, it’s built for comfort, quieter sleep, and more refreshed mornings for you and your partner.

Flying together with our sponsor

This summer, escape to the Texas Hill Country with Summer in the Hills at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, enjoy unforgettable weekends filled with live music, vendor markets, family-friendly activities, seasonal dining, and stunning Hill Country views just outside Austin.

Experience unforgettable performances from Clay Walker, Little Texas, Cody Canada, Channing Wilson, and Neal McCoy, alongside sparkling pools, championship golf, and relaxing days at Mokara Spa. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a spontaneous summer escape, Omni Barton Creek offers the perfect blend of luxury and adventure.

Plus, with our America Is Calling offer, you can save up to 20% on your stay this summer.

➤ The Big Inch pipeline, built from Longview to the East Coast during World War II, marks its 84th anniversary after helping transport Texas oil past German submarines to Allied forces. (More)

➤ Texas oil and gas employment added 1,800 upstream drilling jobs in March as strong commodity prices and Permian Basin activity supported the industry. (More)

➤ Texas Hill Country peach growers warned that most “Fredericksburg peaches” sold roadside this year likely aren’t local after a warm winter and March freeze devastated crops across the region. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Coffee, wine, and years of stains can dull your smile fast, but Purely White Deluxe promises a brighter smile from home with an easy-to-use whitening system designed to lift stains without expensive dental visits. Thousands are trying this simple treatment to whiten teeth quickly, safely, and affordably from the comfort of home.