Saturday, July 4, 2026

Happy Independence Day! On this day in 1845, a convention assembled in Austin to consider the congressional resolution proposing the annexation of the Republic of Texas to the United States. The delegates accepted the proposal by a vote of 55-1.

As our nation commemorates its 250th birthday this weekend, we’ll be sending out shortened editions through Monday, so The Texas Flyover staff can celebrate the holiday with friends and family. Our regular edition will return on Tuesday. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

Are you the one setting off fireworks, or the one lying awake wishing they'd stop? Somewhere on your street tonight, someone's going till midnight while the dog shakes under the bed and half the block wonders if they're the only ones who've had enough. Fireworks are the sound of the Fourth, the whole country looking up at once. But they're also sparking wildfire fears, veterans bracing at every crack, and thousands of ER visits a year. So are they worth it? Tune in to today's Flyover Podcast as Amy shares both sides of the story. Which side are you on? Tune in here!

If shedding extra pounds and feeling your best this summer is on your agenda, today's sponsor, Direct Meds, is offering $150 off your first order of doctor-supervised GLP-1 weight-loss treatment delivered right to your door.

Texas Marks the Fourth in Triple Digits

Texans will mark America's 250th birthday in triple-digit heat, with a heat advisory in effect and highs forecast just above 100 degrees through the weekend.

North Texas is expected to crack 100 degrees, with humidity making the holiday afternoon feel 2 to 7 degrees hotter. Independence Day is projected as the hottest day of the week.

Central Texas stays dry and hot for the Fourth with highs in the upper 90s and triple-digit heat indices. Statewide, the holiday should stay mostly sunny, with better rain chances not returning until early next week.

Five Indicted in Dallas Gang Execution

Federal prosecutors indicted five alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua on racketeering charges in the 2024 kidnapping and execution-style murder of a man in Farmers Branch.

The men allegedly abducted Nilzuly Petit, his 13-year-old daughter, and his 12-year-old nephew outside a Dallas apartment, demanding money he could not pay. When Petit tried to flee, he was shot in front of the children, who were released unharmed.

All five are Venezuelan nationals who prosecutors said entered the country illegally; one is held in Colombia on unrelated charges. Each faces up to life in prison, and three are eligible for the death penalty.

Haaland Sparks Cowboy Craze

Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland's shopping spree has nearly sold out cowboy gear at Wild Bill's Western Store in downtown Dallas.

Hours after his late winner sent Norway past the Ivory Coast at Dallas Stadium, Haaland and teammates were fitted for cowboy hats and bought exotic boots and a longhorn belt buckle. He posted photos in a "Y'all can kiss my Dallas" T-shirt, captioned simply, "Howdy!"

The post drew millions of views, and owners Cody and Julie Newport said a restock is coming. Normally 90% tourist-driven, the shop is drawing North Texas shoppers ahead of Norway's Sunday matchup with Brazil.

Flying together with our sponsor

Ready to take the next step in your weight-loss journey? Today's sponsor, Direct Meds, is making it easier than ever with $150 OFF your first order of doctor-supervised GLP-1 treatment.

Direct Meds connects eligible patients with licensed healthcare providers and offers access to compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide through a simple online process. Your treatment plan includes medical review, prescription (if approved), medication, supplies, and fast home delivery—all with transparent pricing and no hidden membership fees.

Getting started takes just minutes. Complete a brief online health assessment, and if approved, your medication can be shipped directly to your door. Take advantage of this limited-time offer and save $150 on your first order while beginning a medically supervised approach to weight management.

➤ Dallas: The Texas Stock Exchange begins trading Monday with a phased July rollout, testing the most serious challenge in decades to the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. (See Details)

➤ Ponder: Ponder ISD coach Blake Crutsinger returned home after two months in the hospital following what his family called a "freak accident" in which a shot put struck him during an East Texas track meet. (More)

➤ Johnson County: A former Crowley ISD principal resigned from a new job after his arrest on allegations that he sold the prescription weight-loss drug tirzepatide to at least three teachers. (See Details)

➤ San Antonio: The Alamo Regional Mobility Authority is weighing a $75 million to $80 million plan to widen Alamo Ranch Parkway with six main lanes and overpasses, with construction potentially beginning in winter 2027. (See Details)

➤ Statewide: Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating StubHub after reports that World Cup tickets were canceled, examining whether the company engaged in "ghost ticketing" by selling seats sellers never actually possessed. (See Details)

➤ Also in the World Cup, Canada faces Morocco at noon today in Houston’s final World Cup match, while Dallas hosted Australia and Egypt in a round-of-32 match Friday afternoon. (See Box Score)

➤ Austin: Willie Nelson's annual Fourth of July Picnic returns today, with Billy Strings, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Margo Price, and Willie Nelson & Family headlining the Texas tradition ahead of a fireworks finale. (See Lineup)

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

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Protect your home from unexpected repair bills with ServicePlus Home Warranty. During the 4th of July Sale, save 40% off any annual home warranty plan and receive 2 months of coverage free. Enjoy comprehensive protection for covered systems and appliances, plus access to qualified local technicians.

Flying together with our sponsor

Summer is here. Are you ready to look and feel your best? Direct Meds makes it easier with doctor-supervised GLP-1 weight-loss treatment delivered right to your door. Whether you're aiming to slim down, boost your confidence, or finally fit into your favorite summer clothes, Direct Meds offers a simple online process and personalized care every step of the way.

For a limited time, new customers can get $150 OFF their first order. Start your summer transformation today and see why thousands are choosing Direct Meds.

What is your favorite Independence Day activity?

Yesterday's Results:

Will you watch an official fireworks display this weekend?

Yes: 38%
No: 31%
We'll see: 31%

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:

➤ As America turns 250, its most beloved holiday tradition is facing growing pushback from cities, neighbors, and fire officials alike. (Hear More)

➤ Federal regulators want to pay hospitals less for routine imaging, escalating a long-running payment fight. (Listen Now)

➤ You could see radiation-detecting aircraft and drone-takeover technology overhead this weekend, as security for the nation's 250th birthday hits the highest level. (Podcast Available)