State Headlines

Trump rally falls during anniversary of Waco’s dark past

WACO (AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s rally in Waco this weekend comes amid the 30th anniversary in the city of the infamous deadly standoff at the Branch Davidians compound. Trump, who is facing the possibility of becoming the first president in U.S. history to be indicted, hasn’t nodded to Waco’s past leading up to Saturday’s rally. His campaign called the decision to hold the event at Waco’s regional airport ideal because of the city’s proximity to Texas’ largest cities. The siege at the compound continues to hold deep symbolism. It was a 51-day standoff that resulted in the deaths of more than 80 members of a religious cult and four federal agents.

Suspected tornado touches down in Wise County

DECATUR (AP) — A suspected tornado struck about 5 a.m. Friday in the southwest corner of Wise County, damaging homes and downing trees and power lines, said Cody Powell, the county’s emergency management coordinator. Powell said he had no reports of injuries. The weather service had not confirmed a tornado, but damage to homes was also reported in neighboring Parker County, said meteorologist Matt Stalley. The two areas are about 10 miles apart on the western edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Congresswoman takes up state takeover of Houston ISD

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KRLD) – The takeover by the TEA of the Houston Independent School District is now on the president’s radar. Houston-area Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee says she recently briefed President Joe Biden on the takeover of the district, saying students, parents, teachers, and support staff are being negatively impacted by the move. Earlier this week, the congresswoman took to Twitter to talk about the TEA’s decision to appoint a board of managers, rather than the elected school board. According to Jackson Lee, “A board of managers has one boss — not a voter, not a parent, not a teacher. It is one boss — the commissioner of the TEA.” Jackson Lee also says the state of Texas should kick in more funding for schools, to give students more resources.

Bezos’ rocket company pins crash on overheated engine nozzle

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A private rocket company says an overheated engine nozzle is responsible for last year’s failed launch. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin said Friday its quick trips to space from West Texas have been grounded since the accident and flights should resume later this year. The New Shepard rocket was carrying experiments but no passengers when its engine nozzle broke apart due to excessive temperatures. The escape system kicked in, and the capsule parachuted to safety. But the rocket came crashing down. Blue Origin says a design change led to the problem, which is being fixed.

TxDOT seeks input on future plans

DALLAS (KRLD) – It takes a long time to plan for the transportation needs of Texas. TxDOT is trying to stay a step ahead of state growth with Connecting Texas 2050, their plan for the next quarter century of transit in the Lone Star State. Kendall Sloan from TxDOT says they’re gathering input through public meetings. There are about a dozen in-person meetings across the state over the next six weeks — and a virtual meeting is available online at this link.